Various Artists – Tripwave 2: Collection of Modern Russian Psychedelic Music (Trail Records 018, 2016)
When you listen to this compilation, it is clear that some of the best psychedelic progressive rock is being made in Russia. Tripwave 2: Collection of Modern Russian Psychedelic Music features 9 fabulous acts. Three of the artists have had international exposure, including Ole Lukkoye, Rada & Blackthorns and Polska Radio One. The rest are young bands from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
If you like the progressive side of psychedelia, you’ll love this album. It’s got spacey guitars, hypnotic vocals and spellbinding progressions. On Track 2, “Ethno Song” by Rada & Blackthorn you’ll find soaring guitars along with wailing female vocals and fascinating Tuvan throat singing.
There is not a weak track on this album. However, there are some highlights. In addition to “Ethno Song”, there is a truly captivating song titled “Canyon” by Sonora, with a “tripped out” female vocalist that brings up an image of Grace Slick jamming with Pink Floyd.
Other favorites are ethno-psychedelic band Ole Lukkoye that plays trance-like shamanic music mixing psychedelic guitars with ethnic vocals and percussion; and Kamni’s dreamy psychedelia with David Gilmore-style guitars.
Buy Tripwave 2: Collection of Modern Russian Psychedelic Music