The band Compassionizer is the experimental/chamber/avant-prog project created by Ivan Rozmainsky of Roz Vitalis. Though I generally love most forms of progressive rock music, bands influenced by Rock-In-Opposition and avant-progressive are my favorites, and Ivan and company do a sterling job at making this album sound profoundly deep, whimsical, and Continue Reading
Russia
Various Artists – The Abkhaz Of Caucasus
From the Shango Records Bandcamp site: “Waking up in the middle of the night, feeling the gentle touch of moss on your bare skin and overwhelmed by the eery yet calming atmosphere of unknown surroundings and civilizations. This is a location no one ever goes to, only exceptional people, a Continue Reading
Roz Vitalis – Live at Garkundel 2024
Roz Vitalis is one of Russia’s best-known progressive rock bands. Their work has a King Crimson-esque feel, and even though this album was recorded live, the sound is clear and meaty.
Alexei Borisov + Vyacheslav Ismagilov – Harem Secret Pastimes
Russian composer Alexei Borisov joins forces with Uzbek composer Vyacheslav Ismagilov (now based in Russia) for a release that is part electroacoustic/experimental masterpiece and part travelogue. From the release’s Bandcamp site: “Alexei Borisov and Vyacheslav Ismagilov join forces once again to create Harem Secret Pastimes, an album sonically inspired by this tale while Continue Reading
Phurpa – Ita Zor
Though perhaps Tibetan in sound, Phurpa is a Russian band that produces Tibetan overtone singing. Quite deep listening.
Yewari – Yewari
Bashir Khatsouk hails from Nartan in Russia’s historical region of Circassia. The music on this disc blends traditional music with a touch of neofolk. This will certainly appeal to those who enjoy Caucasian music and bands like Current 93.
Andreij Rublev & Zot Lukta – Limestone
Free improvisers Andreij Rublev & Zot Lukta bring together no-input mixers, clarinets, electronics, PVC tubes and even the stone-walled room the duo recorded in. Quite a fun listen.
Sergey Kuryokhin – Some Combinations Of Fingers And Passion
I will forever praise Leo Feigin, the courageous figure who introduced me to new post-Soviet music. My first purchase from his renowned Leo Records was the album that introduced me to Sergey Kuryokhin, Russia’s most radical pianist and multi-instrumentalist. Kuryokhin impressed musicians traveling there and later collaborated with several Americans, Continue Reading
Various Artists – Meticulous Midgets 2026
Every year, our friends at Meticulous Midgets introduce us to great music highlighted in their magazine. Bands from Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and other countries are highlighted, and the quality is as high as always!
Messer Chups – Visiting the Skeleton in the Closet
This is a release I owe to my brother, a connoisseur of fine garage rock, among a slew of other genres. Messer Chups come from Saint Petersburg, Russia, and have a sound the brings together garage rock, rockabilly and surf in a campy, lo-fi way.