DYATLY

Russian ensemble OLE LUKKOYE has been a feature in the Russian music scene fro more than a quarter of a century at this point, initially formed by Boris Bardash, Alexander "Frol" Frolov and Andrei Lawrinenko back in 1989 and then going through a few line-up alterations as the years and decades have come and gone. They have around a dozen albums to their name at this point, live productions and compilations included, although many years have passed since they released any new music at this point. "Dyatly" ("Woodpeckers") is their first studio album since 2006, and was released by the US label Trail Records in 2015.

Ole Lukkoye's particular blend of folk music-inspired elements, space rock aesthetics, effects and electronic and bass details that at times is somewhat closer related to modern dance music and trance makes for an intriguing blend. Their elongated journeys are hypnotic and compelling, and the use of vocals and chants also adds a mystical sheen to them that makes these escapades all the more alluring, at least for someone born and raised within a western culture. Fans of a band like Ozric Tentacles should be first in line to give this album a spin, and then especially those more fond of the folk-tinged exploits by that band.