A new Russkaja album is always something to look forward to, and we have the bonus in 2023 of not only a Bloodstock appearance but four (teeny tiny) UK dates, plus an Irish one, in March/April as well (details below)! I am more than happy to be corrected, but I don’t think the band have toured the UK before and I’m very much looking forward to losing my ushanka in the resulting polka-powered melée.
Russkaja are known for being brash, loud, bouncy and a bunch of peaceniks. Opener “No Borders” actually sounds like a mid-album song from the off, but conveys their core message wonderfully well in its lyrics: “No borders, no wars, we’re equal, all the same”. It’s sharp and catchy, and that chorus just hooks you. Despite being noted for their brass section, there’s no lack of traditional metal guitar within their sound and the intro to “Russki Style” really blasts before the groove and then the funk washes over you. It’s typically punchy with so many little stabs to keep you dancing a jig. Every member of the band (all seven of them) gets a chance to shine in this, the perfect musical showcase.
“Shapka” is a pure rocker with frontman Georgij Makazaria absolutely going to town. It chucks in a few Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) style segues just to keep you on your toes and, surprise, is bouncier than a bouncy castle full of Tiggers.
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There are a handful of guest appearances on the album, too. Micha Rhein (In Extremo) pops up on the singalong “Olga von der Wolga”, Le Fly join in on “Senales” and the living legend Benji Webbe adds flavour to “Vozdukh”. Chuck in the meandering “Baila”, the drinking-hall vibe of “Paschli” and “New Life”‘s pomp and the album just gets stronger.
We actually featured one of the tracks on the album on this site back in December 2021 – a cover of “Last Christmas” which is going to seem a bit out of place on a February release. This may have made more sense tagged on the end as a bonus track, but instead it sits on the album as track nine of eleven. Odd, but hey… so are Russkaja. The genre-defining “Turbopolka” ends things on a frantic, legs-kicking-in-the-air frenzy… and I’m back to track one for another listen.
There are no secrets about me liking Russkaja, but I have to say that I genuinely think Turbo Polka Party is their strongest and most accessible album to date. Older albums have been filled with great songs, but one or two tracks that just didn’t quite make the grade. No such issues here. Every track is a genuine banger, and the album as a whole is simply great fun. I’m working up a sweat just listening to it, and I’m dreading to think how much cardio I’m going to have to put in just to survive their live show.
Worth it.
Those tour dates:
- 30.03.23 UK – London / Omeara
- 01.04.23 UK – Manchester / Deaf Institute
- 02.04.23 UK – Glasgow / Stereo
- 03.04.23 IE – Dublin / The Grand Social
- 04.04.23 UK – Bristol / Lost Horizon
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Header Photo by Markus Haas
Turbo Polka Party is out on February 3rd
Check out all the bands we review in 2023 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!
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