Short Reviews [Popeloff - 2020 - "Udivitel'nyye Istorii V Litsakh" ["Amazing Stories in Faces"]]

Popeloff are a band new to me, but I know they have been formed by guitarist and singer Vitaly Popeloff who is also involved with Uzbekistan eclectic progressive band From.Uz. Looking at the photos on their Facebook page they appear to be a trio, but apart from Vitaly I have no idea who the other musicians are (bassist and drummer). I think this is their second album as a group, although Vitaly has also released a solo album, but have no idea if there is any continuity of line-up. I really wish I knew more about this release and who was involved, as even though it is sung in Russian, so consequently I have no idea what is going on, this is a really enjoying piece of work and something I have enjoyed immensely. Vitaly switches between electric and acoustic guitars, and while there are some keyboards in the background they never interfere with the overall sound. This album is all about songs, some upbeat, some slower and more emotional, and for some strange reason I kept thinking of Neil Young although to be honest there is nothing about this which is similar. I found myself being invited into a world where all I could do was sit and enjoy, using the vocals and lyrics as just another instrument. The album is rock based, but sometimes moves almost into pop and others into folk, never sitting still but with each song being quite different from the other yet always with a real honesty and passion behind it. Based in Tashkent, they say on their Facebook page, “One of the few groups of the city, play what you want to hear. #indie, #coverband, #freesound, #tashkentband, #trio.” They are certainly playing what I want to hear. This and other material is available to stream at their website and this is a band well worth seeking out for those who enjoy commercial rock that hits many different styles.