[LONG FORGOTTEN ROAD] (SPLIT WITH MONOCUBE)

Yet another KROBAK split, this time with MONOCUBE, one-man-band from Odessa, drone/minimalist/ noise. Uploaded for free download with CD-version planned later this Autumn, this work shows more experimental side of KROBAK's activity. While MONOCUBE's stuff may seem too minimalistic (bass picks notes with background drones for 11 minutes), 'The Secrets of Stagnation' begins like an ordinary Post- Rock track: slow build-up of the main theme right to the predictable climax. Then few minutes of noises follow, and a sudden surprise: song turns into some kind of Funeral Drone Doom, with lowered guitar chords and minimalistic drum beat (some creepy background noises added). Don't be fooled by the first impression that these chords are random; in fact, everything has it's strict aim and serves to it. 'The Secrets of Stagnation' won't be released on any studio album (at least, in this form), but you can check/ download it on KROBAK's MySpace...and I'd like to remind you that the whole release is a free-to- download issue as well.

Another split.

The music of Krobak caught my attention since I first listened to "The Diary of the Missed One" a couple of years ago, Igor's talent impressed me and invited me to listen to more of his music. Since then, I have been interested in knowing more of his releases, and thanks to him, who kindly shared his music with me; I've been in touch with some of his split albums.

In 2008, "Long Forgotten Road" was released. This split was done with Monocube, who was (or is) an unknown project to me, the only thing I can say is what Igor said in his own review; Monocube is a one man band from Odessa. So, pardon me if I cannot add anything else about it. What I can comment, is about his song in this split, which is the first track and it's called "21 Grams", I immediately thought about the movie with that name, but I don´t know if the title was inspired by that. The music here can be relaxing, thoughtful but even boring if you are not in the mood. Eleven minutes with the same slow style, bass notes with a melancholic feeling that are accompanied by some soft noises as background. It is not bad, and in this case I enjoy it, despite its repetitiveness.

The second track as you can imagine, comes from this Ukrainian one man band called Krobak, the title is "The Secrets of Stagnation" and lasts over twelve minutes. The first moments are very calm, notes that sound far but that gradually progresses. After a minute drums appear, the mood is the same but a few seconds later the electric guitar arises with power. The song little by little is becoming stronger with the addition of instruments and guitar figures, so despite its repetitiveness (as the previous song) you can truly enjoy this because of that slow but constant progression.

In minute four, the song slows down, some instruments fade away and all of a sudden the sound of a rain appears, announcing that something new is coming. It is a very nice passage where the synthesizer effects help a lot, they create a fresh atmosphere that is filled with some guitar noises. Everything was good (of course to me) until minute the song makes a drastic change some seconds before eight minute. Igor describes it as Funeral Drone Doom, I have no idea of what it is but what I can tell you is that I don't like it at all. The song was pretty, but with these noises it was ruined. So I prefer not to listen to the final four minutes.

This is a good split with a couple of nice songs, the only thing against it is what I just said, those last four minutes. However I am pleased once more with Krobak's works. My final grade will be three stars.

Enjoy it!