Yuri Andrukhovych, Karbido. Samohon. (special Ukrainian release).

Finally, we have it – approximately two years after release of the Polish variant, the Ukrainian release of the joint album by Yuri Andruhovych and the researchers into psycho-music from Karbido group saw the light of the day. A strange mixture of ethno-jazz, dub, avant-garde rock and ironically sarcastic melodic recitals – no, this list of ingredients, in actual fact, explains nothing. One should listen to it – and this, at least, should once be heard. Better – more than once. Musically, "Samogon" absolutely does not resemble the album "Songs by Mertvy Piven", with which it has a few texts in common – and this, in spite of all my love for the latter, is no doubt a plus for the former. Moreover, in the case when the text's author really wants to deliver it expressively – nobody would be able to put accents and pauses more to the point than him, and Andruhovych – wanted and did that. As a result, the texts acquired the bright third – after individual reading and their performance with Misko Barbara's voice – life, and some bitter smiles have become completely obvious only now. Such sort of social meditation without emotional anchors. But the most pleasant thing is to realize at some instant that the album is interesting indeed regardless whether you understand the words. Other mechanics already work here – that is a space of unexpected harmonies, some alchemy of intonations that distracts from linear advancement along the senses. Completely relaxed tension... What else does one need? "Samogon" is a talented work, and no more chatting. We recommend it.