Zlye Kukly — Strange Tomorrow

Zlye Kukly are a Russian project who offer up  an invigorating, tuneful and often flamboyant mix of styles dropping down in; Folk, Prog rock, 70’s rock, gothic rock, weird soundtrack elements, world pop, piano and classical touches . All topped  off with a mix of melodic and dramatic Russian male and female vocals -along with rich peacks female operatic vocals. 

Strange Tomorrow is their first official release  after  a few self released Cdrs – released here on the always excellent, varied and quality bound Austrian  Ahnstern label which is the home of other genre defying projects like:    Allerseelen, Sturmpercht, Sangre Cavallum- so their in good company. Zlye Kukly sound is often very layered with all manner of common instruments i.e.; electric/ acoustic guitar, piano, retro synths, flutes, violin and not so common instruments ; mandolin, bells, etc. But their sound never becomes swamped or crowded, each song  has such an memorable &  inventive air thats littered with charming, epic and beautiful sonic touches. It’s all played in such an accomplished, warm and charming manner, with the production having a comforting analogue sound to it like a polished 1970’s gem. To pick favourite from the over 70 minutes running time here is near on impossible as each track is as memorable and inventive as the last, which in it self quite a feat. One band that did keep popping into my head here for the flamboyant, grand & multi-layered vocal   feel of the music  was Arcturus especially  around La Masquerade Infernale album  - but of course with little of their metal trappings.

An album that fans of 70’s soundtracks, world prog, folk- rock and general inventive/varied yet tuneful music will want to revel in again and again. But don’t just take my word for it  go ahead and download  some samples from here and tast for your self  exotic, memorable, epic and highly rewarding world of Zlye Kukly.