02/2025

As we approach the three-years mark since the onset of the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II, we bow our heads in sorrow for the more than a million recorded casualties. In these trying times, we turn to music as a source of solace, reflection, and hope for a brighter future. This month’s playlist is dedicated to the rich and diverse culture of recorded Ukrainian music.

Going into this research we had very little knowledge of music from Ukraine except for the occasional Eurovision hit. However, we weren’t at all surprised to discover a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect the land’s complex history. Additionally, it was fascinating to observe the ongoing cultural exchange with the modern political forces shaping the world since the 1960s till this very day.

Some of this month’s highlights :

Kicking off our playlist is the hauntingly beautiful “Suknya V Trusakh” by the Kyiv-based music-theater group Dakh Daughters. With ever-descending lament-esque melodies, the track invites us to dive into new depths of uncharted musical territories. Featured on their third album, “Make Up“, the music alternates between eerie leisure and hectic rage, all coming from the seven voices of the musical offspring of the Dakh theater.

Another standout track is “Dozvillya” by Foa Hoka and Evgen Hodosh. This piece is as eclectic as the playlist itself, full of contradictions and musical surprises. The instrumentation is stunning, featuring a variety of keyboard, wind, and brass instruments. The clever use of syncopation in the instrumental sections is absolutely delightful.

Drawing comparisons to Eurythmics and Evanescence, The Glass Beads deliver a chillingly airy sound in “Music Box“. Some describe this duo’s music as Coldwave, whatever that means. We heard a lo-fi semi-acoustic take on Synthwave, not dissimilar in sound to many Sovietwave acts. Marina Rublevskaya‘s chasmal vocals blur the line between singing and speaking, creating an ethereal quality that grabs you by the ears throughout the song.

We hope you enjoyed the results of this month’s research. Let us know your thoughts, and feel free to share your favorite tracks or artists with us over at: research@shufu.studio