Various Artists - Aftermath and Transitions: Traces Of The Ukrainian Underground in Cologne (1994-1996)

Various Artists
Aftermath and Transitions: Traces Of The Ukrainian Underground in Cologne (1994-1996)
Stroom
Ukraine/Germany/Belgium, 2026
LP

An absolutely spellbinding compilation capturing a magical Ukraine —> Cologne creative pipeline from the late ‘80s to the early ‘90s.

The A side is devoted to various collaborations featuring the incredible vocalist and keyboard player Svitlana Nianio, whose singular work both solo and as a member of Cukor Bila Smert has been enjoying a deserved renaissance of late. 

The B side surfaces the work of Solar, a collaboration between singer and keyboard player Soloveyka of Kharkiv and composer Wolfram Burgtorf. Soloveyka’s husky, jazz-tinged vocals over the lush psych-lounge arrangements of Burgtorf absolutely stopped me in my tracks. The tabla and violin-laced “Your Secret” is the most enchanting thing I’ve heard since that first Trabant record appeared a couple years back. Meanwhile, “Three Steps” evokes an Eastern European Sade and “August Samba” nods in just the direction its title implies.

All in all, this is one of the most compelling archival finds in ages. 100% recommended.