Russkaja
Chronicles
SBAM Records
Released: February 25, 2022
Yes, Comrades! Again, Vodka has connected people! This time, through Russkaja new record, Chronicles, a best-of album that is coming your way from SBAM Recordings.
The band’s energetic front man Georgij Makazaria, formerly of Stahlhammer, and his vibrant appearance inspires people to bounce frenetically, dance, pogo and scream their heads off. He is supported by the precise rhythm and driving force of drums, bass and guitar as well as the melody coming from violin, sax and the potete (a unique bass-trumpet). Together, these talented musicians follow their passion for live music and the classic melodies of Eastern Europe.
Currently, Russians are not very popular, what with their invasion of the Ukraine and all. Luckily, these Russkies are actually Austrians. Yes yes! And Russkaja are one seriously fun outfit, bring good times everywhere they go (Seriously! Check on this video evidence) with some of the most innovative Ska cum Polka tunes ever created. Sung partially in English, sometimes in Russian, Russkaja make everything they write an instant party – exactly what Ska should be.
Straight up, this is a one fucking fun record – if you pardon my language. Pure, pure party. Merging Slavic culture and tradition Russian, almost polka music, with Ska and Reggae, complete with wind instruments. The result is the kind of thing I can see being an absolute blast to witness in a life setting. Booze would be flying out of the bar, elbows folded across everyone’s chests, legs flying – just a good old fashion knees-up good time. Conga lines, the fucking lot. Right now, this is exactly the kind of music the people need. I felt so inspired, I started to drink as I wrote this (and it probably shows!).
See Also: The Rumjacks “Brass For Gold” Review
Chronicles is the collimation of fifteen years as a band, a best of record to be precise. La crème de la crème of Russkaja reign so far. Since 2006, Russkaja has dropped six full-length albums and two extended plays, from which comes this collection. I admit, this is my first tango with this group, but not my last waltz. No, quite the contrary. Starting off with this greatest hits type deal, means I will no doubt eventually hunt down their back catalogue and explore those deep cuts they will undoubtedly contain. For now, however, lets concentrate on Chronicles.
There are so, so many ear worms on this record. Naturally, it’s a best-of collection, so this whole thing is just hit after hit, hook after dirty filthy hook. From the dance floor smash Energia, all the way through to El Pueblo Unido – this is pure good times.
The song Here Is The News, with the line “it’s propaganda”, almost feels like an homage to Canadian prime minister, wearer of blackface, Justin Trudeau, who is more obsessed with events happening in Russia and the Ukraine, tweeting about the Olympics in China, while hiding from the people he supposedly represents in his own country. Paying off two-bit media outlets that whore themselves to the highest bidder, like CBC and CTV, TVA and Global News, to report the news the way he wants it, to support his own tyrannical views.
The song takes aim, along the barrel of a Kalashnikov riffle, at the blatantly biased mainstream media, and the lies they spin to any ear foolish enough to listen. It also just happens to be a ludicrously addictive song, with a hook large enough to snare a killer whale.
The tracks of the best-of-album were selected by the band as well as by their fans, resulting in a colorful journey across Russkaja 15-year creative period. From live classics like Change or Hometown Polka to the big crowd favorite Energia and the banger Russki Style – die-hard fans and everyone, who wants to become one, get the maximum of Russkaja experience! Chronicles can be pre-ordered from SBAM right now. Do it, Comrade!
For Fans Of: Rammstein, The Dreadnoughts, Flogging Molly
Track Listing:
o1. Energia
02. Change
03. Here Is The News
04. Radost Moja
05. Traktor
06. Russki Style
07. Hey Road
08. Druschba (You’re Not Alone)
09. Hometown Polka
10. El Pueblo Unido
Pros & Cons
- The epitome of fun
- Thought provoking lyrics
- Did I mention fun?
- Not enough vodka!
