A foray into danceable indie-rock from the experienced Moscow-based band.

After the release of their critically acclaimed fifth album, “УВЫ,” in 2018, a third of Краснознаменная Дивизия Имени Моей Бабушки’s members suddenly left the band. While the remaining musicians contemplated putting an end to the group, they nevertheless decided to continue, albeit in a slightly slimmed down lineup.

Now they’re back with “Катакомба” (“Catacomb”), their self-proclaimed “journey into the wilds of dance music” – an album inspired, among others, by disco, R&B, and French house. And indeed, the sounds of strings and flute known from their previous releases are replaced here by shimmering synths.

As a result, the band sound less like an indie-orchestra and more like a proper pop/rock group.

But there is still a “baroque” flavor to Краснознаменная Дивизия Имени Моей Бабушки’s music. The eight songs that make the album employ lush arrangements with layered vocal harmonies and reed accompaniment.

While all are incredibly catchy, dancing to celebrate survival is a bitter-sweet theme and this mood is somehow reflected in “Катакомба’s” sound.

Stream “Катакомба” LP on Spotify and Bandcamp.

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Краснознаменная Дивизия Имени Моей Бабушки on Facebook, Bandcamp, Instagram.