TRIPWAVE - A RETROSPECTIVE COLLECTION OF RUSSIAN PSYCHEDELIC PROGRESSIVE MUSIC

And this time Trail Records continue with an interesting song collection recorded by bands coming from the Russian Federation exclusively. Some of the tracks were previously unreleased. I have to admit, that most of the groups which contribute here were unknown to me, thus I didn't know what to expect really when I feeded my player for the first time. Makes curious nonetheless. Definitely much stuff to investigate - 'Trip Wave' comprises eleven tracks with an entire length of 80 minutes, instrumental half way through, the others showcase lyrics sung in Russian, a translation is given in the booklet though.

Let me start with the already known projects which contribute one excerpt from their particular debut album. Featuring Natalja Tjurina's ethereal voice VESPERO are presenting the nicely meandering Inna's Burst In Tears where DISEN GAGE offer the dynamic instrumental Solaris which mixes psychedelic and Fripp inspired guitars with a grooving fusion-esque rhythm section. And now the journey into the unknown begins. Although the Soviet Union has disbanded, Russia is still a huge region (I've already been to Siberia), consequently there must be a great reservoir of bands, where most of them are insider's tips I would say. Only a few like Ole Lukkoye could reach for a fanbase in Western Europe in the meanwhile.

EASTERN SYNDROME's driving Celt opens with some avantgarde appeal due to a cacophonic interlude, DO MAJOR rake their fingers through the grass and offer a gripping track with funky bass, soaring space guitar and eccentric vocals, a highlight definitely. Usually under way on classic and folk rock fields RADA & TERNOVNIK from Moscow surprise me with the jamming Interlude and KRTL are obviously interesting for designated space rock fans. KAFEDRA.ORG's excellent Entrance To Invisibility contributes with a strong trip hop/trip rock appeal.

This album has been mastered and edited in New York with the result of superb audio quality again. Psychedelic guitars are what all the songs have in common more or less. I bet you will find something thrilling if your keen on authentic music coming from a wider stylistical spectrum. Enjoyable, worthwhile to explore, no filler to point out. Definitely multi-faceted - Trail Records widen the scope here from a dreamy, trippy to a heavier rocking essence with grooves and even fuzzy guitars. Especially the female vocals are really exceptional throughout. All in all carefully gathered up to a special collage in best tradition, well done Alex and Vlad!

US label TRAIL RECORDS has been a fine addition to the roster of US-based indie labels for the last few years, specializing in psychedelic music in general and remastered reissues of overlooked bands and releases in particular. For its tenth full-length production the label has opted to cover more ground than usual, releasing a thematic sampler featuring solely Russian psychedelic progressive artists.

"Tripwave" represents a fine collection of Russian psychedelic progressive rock made in the last 20 or so years. And while the material presented may only partially have the strength to impress anyone beyond a core audience, I'm pretty sure that those with a heartfelt interest in music of this kind in general and Russian artists exploring this type of music in particular will find plenty to enjoy on this 11-track-strong, 79 minutes-long thematic sampler.