• Music

    Vedan Kolod – Gorodische

    February 7, 2021 - By 

    Vedan Kolod are a troupe based in Moscow, Russia, who do sterling work interpreting medieval Russian folkloric music, especially Siberian tunes, with a modern twist.  The label, CPL, is run by my friend and colleague, Christian Pliefke, whose taste in artists is impeccable, and every release he’s curated for his imprint has been solid listening. From the promo onesheet:   With their release, Gorodische, Russian folk ensemble Vedan Kolod strive to make traditional folk songs from very different parts of their country accessible to a wider public. The vast majority of the songs are going back several centuries and have…

  • Music

    JARS (ДЖРС) – III

    January 22, 2021 - By 

    In parts sounding like the demos of an early Killing Joke album drifting almost into doom and death-metal territory, JARS (ДЖРС) are atypical for what people thing of as stoner rock.  They are comfortable playing in different styles, and their raw sound actually benefits the music tremendously. Brutal music, but very well-done.

  • Music

    Ángel Ontalva – Roads to Sunrise Cities

    January 5, 2021 - By 

    Ángel Ontalva is something like a paisano to me; a fellow of Spanish descent who spends an extraordinary time in Russia, and who has integrated himself into local scenes across the country.  Guitarist Ontalva has released a single which is a mellow pastiche of progressive rock, world music and jazz.  As this is a free track, and of high quality, it’s worth your time to explore.