Agnivolok
Cherries
The Eastern Front 2006

01. Under a Cherry-Tree
02. The Golden Skull
03. Near Life Experience
04. Don't Leave Me
05. Sambation
06. Henbane
07. Under a Cherry-Tree With Cherries and the Golden Skull

Agnivolok mix together traditional Russian music, folk, drone, dark ambient and noise elements in spine tingling and unequal manner, sounding quite unlike anyone else with their mix and depth of sounds. A duo made up of Vera Shapiro (who sings, plays guitar, piano and accordion), Vadim Gusis (who’s listed as dealing with samples, two-handed saw (!) and unusual instruments), as well as other players adding things bizarre like “stone cello” and “ice flute” to the tracks. Making a vivid and very different album. Every instrument is clearly thought out for its position in each song and in the larger ritual-like structure of the album. Satisfyingly strange rhythmic noises and clunkings are added to give the strummed acoustics some odd edges. Vera’s vocals go from stern, emotional keeping out the cold, to angelic hovering over rich sound worlds. A highly original project that we can see appealing to all manner of people - from those who enjoy world music, to folk to ambient fans and anyone who looks for something just a little different. Really something very special and magical, that offers up new secrets each time you replay it. -Roger Batty

>> mihd (75mb) (d-_-b)
>> love it, buy it (Tesco)

Can't say how excited I am to (finally) hear this. Originally meant to be released in 2001 under the title of Cherries for the Golden Skull, it's now available through the Israeli label Eastern Front (act fast, limited copies). One of my personal favourites from last year - close to par with Valet and about anything else. See Sculptor too.