"Drevo" group. The Paradise Has Blossomed. Christian Themes in Ukrainian Folk Songs.

(item from the "Rare Discs" section)
We have already repeatedly had the satisfaction of evidencing how original and fair the phenomenon of the "Drevo" group is. There are not too many groups that you could put next to it and say – yes, it is truthful music in its pure state. Though, apparently, how can it be unfair if a group performs authentic song material without any artistic arrangement? But, as experience testifies, there are groups into whose performance at least minor false notes creep. And there are such groups as "Drevo", whose works can be considered the benchmark and example. And even if we disregard high professionalism of the group – all the same, it will remain among the best ones. As "Drevo" sings not just professionally, but so humanly, lively, so really that practically at once you feel a part of the action, an element of the live space in which this singing exists. And, as for me, it is such opportunity of truthful connection to the authentic space that is the real miracle, the quality for which it would be possible to excuse even imperfect performance – if it were imperfect. But – "Drevo" sing perfectly. By the way, be sure to pay attention to the theme of the album. Here, they very interestingly, brightly illustrate intersection of pagan roots and Christian themes. It is indicative that the result of the synthesis does not belong to any of these two planes – it develops its own paradise, sorry for this pun.

Anton Yozhyk Leyba (Hedgehog)