Description
#oleksandryurchenko #vinyl #vinylrecords
Discover the haunting and DIY recordings of Oleksandr Yurchenko, a mysterious Ukrainian artist. These captivating recordings, created from 1991 to 2001, provide a deeply personal glimpse into Yurchenko’s inner world. Despite his reclusive nature and reluctance to give interviews due to ill health, Yurchenko’s music has gained wider recognition in recent years, thanks to reissues on labels like Skire and Delta Shock. Yurchenko was a prominent figure in Ukraine’s underground music scene, known as “Novaya Scena,” and his unique sound can be compared to the likes of Michael O’Shea, Zoviet France, Glenn Branca, and his collaboration with Svetlana Nianio.
Yurchenko’s self-built string instruments create an otherworldly atmosphere, amplified to their maximum potential. The highlight of these recordings is the A-side’s epic half-hour track, ‘Count to 100. Symphony #1 (edit 2001)’. With its ominous title and dissonant tones, it pays homage to Glenn Branca’s guitar-driven soundscapes. However, Yurchenko’s music ventures into its own territory, with sustained harmonics that strike a delicate balance between haunting and lush. This piece is reminiscent of Michael O’Shea’s ethereal compositions and Zoviet France’s hypnotic nuances.
The album also showcases Yurchenko’s knack for captivating rhythms and melodic loops, demonstrated in the hypnotic ‘Intro’. Here, he skillfully combines old Soviet keyboards and a Casio SK-1 sampler, evoking shades of Zoviet France’s engaging style. ‘Merat Zara #3’ serves as a testament to Yurchenko’s ability to transform traditional Eurasian melodies into something truly beautiful and melancholic. And in ‘Playback #1,’ a nine-minute sonic journey, Yurchenko exposes the listener to a world of curdled tones, as if granting access to private rituals never meant for public consumption. This piece leaves us with echoes of Zoviet France’s enigmatic sound.
Although Oleksandr Yurchenko is no longer with us, his music continues to captivate and inspire. These recordings are a testament to his visionary artistry, merging elements of various genres and evoking the spirits of legendary musicians. Through his custom-built instruments and unrestricted expression, Yurchenko’s music transports listeners to a realm of profound introspection and ethereal beauty.
