LUARVIK LUARVIK

Eclectic Prog • Estonia

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Luarvik Luarvik biography

I have to admit my first impression after browsing these guys on Internet was new romanticism. They look like a typical representative from the era, their poster artwork is in the same vein, even their sound has a solid amount of synthesizers (although they're much closer to the various progressive rock subgenres with emphasis on synths than synth-pop). They were formed in 1998 and named after a character in Perished Alpinist's Hotel, a Estonian science-fiction motion picture based on the book by the same name written by renowned Russian writers, the Strugatsky brothers. I couldn't resist pointing out another new romanticism reference - DURAN DURAN named themselves after a character from a science-fiction movie. But I digress.

They were formed in Talinn. Two students of Estonian Academy of Art, Mihkel Kleis (synthesizers) and Andres L�o (drums) decided to form a band, to experiment beyond boundaries of genres by their own words. Needless to say, their music is exactly that. Martin Uustulnd joined the band on bass, later replace with Kert Rebane. In 2003, Lauri Dag T��r reinforced the combo with guitar and Kiwa (Olaf Andvarafors) with vocal interventions (mostly reciting texts). Less simplified overview of band's line-ups would reveal frequent changes and participation of Jaak Soo��r, Taavi Laatsit, Tarvo Kaspar Toome, Heikki Tikkas, Tanel P�ld, Pearu Helenurm, Mart Karu and many others.

LUARVIK LUARVIK released their first demo, Baltic Station Session in 2000, and appeared on Estonian Unsigned compilation in 2001. Their debut, Tabamata Ime was released in 2002, followed by Passioon & fuuga (2004) and Enigma Variatsioonid (2008).

As Art students, they are surrounded with art spleen - which resulted in various dadaistic, visual, multi-medial performances and what not. They're often intersection their own artist lines with metaphorical descriptions of their music actually represent - there's plenty of info on the not about their metaphysical alegories and projections.

As far as music goes it's undoubtedly evolving, innovative, progressive blend of thoughts (I refuse to say styles at this point), truly eclectic in every sense of that word. I won't give genres as references points, you can find them on the net. Highly recommended.

If I repeat it it will be more convincing.

Highly recommended.

Moris Mateljan, 2009.

(sources: last.fm, rateyourmusic.com, looming.org, einst.ee, jazzkaar.ee...read more