Этнические опыты / ETHNIC EXPERIENCES

VEZHLIVY OTKAZ or POLITE REFUSAL were formed in Russia in 1985 and they are into double digits as far as studio albums go. The liner notes and the vocals are all in Russian, and they are a four piece here with their fourth studio album "Ethnic Experiences" from 1990. We get the usual bass, guitar/vocals, drums and keyboards. Their first two releases were self-released, then that third record was released on the Russia state label before "Ethnic Experiences" got released on a Finnish record label. Interesting that this whole album was re-recorded by the band as they were unhappy with the original. That was released in 1994.

Not much in the way of avant in my opinion, in fact it's quite the laid back album, sparse even. I was left wanting more. Of the eight tracks my favourite by far is "Overture" that seventh track. Just the way it builds and the bass stands out here. The fifth tune "Pessimistic Reggae" was not included in the re-recording of this album, so I guess they didn't like it either. Maybe that fourth song is the closest to avant with the humerous and unusual sounding vocals. I must admit this is confusing, maybe frustrating with the Russian language and liner notes. Interesting that their most recent release is called "War Songs" from 2017 where they are at their most avant, deconstructing traditional Russian music including marching band stuff. Here? Well this is barely 3 stars and far from adventerous.

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