Review: Various Artists - TripWave 2 - Collection of Modern Russian Psychedelic Music

One of many things about music I love is its ability to cross borders, be they geographical, social and economic. Music can unify and be the great leveller and in these uncertain times in which we live, that is both rare and something to be treasured. The current psychedelic scene typifies this beautifully; once an ostensibly UK/US musical phenomenom (please, before any of you reply with 'what about....?' - I am generalising) it has now spread its lysergic tentacles to the far reaches of the globe and some blistering stuff can be heard from every continent. Luckily for us there are some labels with the nous and foresight to make this task ever the more easier for us - last year I wrote a few words about the wonderful Trail Records; based in New York and "produce and release the creative work of musicians & artists from different cultural backgrounds and traditions", they have released music from China, Russia, US, Sweden and Turkey,all via limited edition CD. They recently released a compilation - 'TripWave 2 - Collection of Modern Russian Psychedelic Music' which is a staggering showcase for the quality music being produced in Russia at the moment. I would seriously urge any psych lover to get a hold of this and to revel in the depth and creativity of the current crop of Russian psych bands.

On the comp there are bands that have garnered praise on an international level; Polska Radio One, Ole Lukkoye & Rada & Blackthorns but also bands that are, criminally, not so well known - hopefully this comp will help rectify that. Ciolkowska provide the track 'Below the Grass' and is a track that builds from a mellow, acoustic, indigenous sounding start into something heavier with some ace guitarwork but still manages to retain an ethnic charm. Rada & Blackthorn's 'Ethno Song' sounds like it has leapt straight from the Sula Bassana stable - the same mastery of guitar weaving shapes from sound while - a stunning track. Bowl of Knowledge bring us 'Ganja Yoga', a more downtempo and introspective track that harks back to seventies in style and atmosphere while Sonora's 'Canyon' is the first track to feature vocals, in this case a very Bjork-like female vocal. The track itself is a mellow, fuzzy number that is rich and resonant. Cosmic Trigger bring their 'Syndicate' to the party - a track infused with eastern vibes and some deliciously dark drones - definitely a standout track. Another standout is the Ole Lukkøye track 'Dyatly (edit)'. The track is an edited, but still 15 minute long, cut from the similarly titled album which is fantastic (album and track) - another number that is dense with ethnic and folkloric vibes creating an exotic and mystical atmosphere and is just stunning! Dead Men Tell No Tales' 'Suicide Trip' sees the comp take a turn for the rockier, with some hard hitting riffs and thumping drums while Kamni's 'Forest Song' has an almost Americana feel about it mixed with some Paisley Underground sensibilities; it's a mellow, evocative track that lulls the listener. The comp is closed with Polska Radio One, a name with which most psych lovers will be familiar. They provide the track 'Shangri La' (from their 'Cosmos Inside' album) with it's very British sounding take on psychedelia - very sixties and very psychedelic!

As compilations go, 'Tripwave 2' is pretty damn good, not only because it acts as a showcase for bands lesser known over here but also, or rather, because the tracks all stand on their own merit - this isn't a collection of curios but rather a collection of high quality psychedelia. As I mentioned earlier any serious lover of all things psychedelic should give this a go.....pound to a penny they will discover at least one new 'favourite band'. 'TripWave 2 - Collection of Modern Russian Psychedelic Music' can be purchased via the Trail Records site here.