Omnivore's Delight 11: Volkova Sisters
posted in: Features
Neither member of the Volkova Sisters duo has the last name of Volkova and only one of them could actually be a sister, but like the fictional characters they take their name from, they are quite skilled at expressing themselves through an artistic medium. Dalma Berger and Daniel Sandor both rose to musical prominence through the well known Hungarian Rock/Folk/Trip Hop outfit Esclin Syndo, and recently decided to branch out with their own side project, giving each one the chance to write unrestricted for the first time in their lives (instead of merely lending musicianship). The band’s mission statement reads something like an attempt reinvent shoegaze music using electronic and 80s sounds, though with such a funneled objective, it’s difficult to determine their success. However, it’s no challenge whatsoever to label this music as one hundred percent unique and intriguing.
The overwhelming majority of their material is eerie, tugging your psyche into a desolate stretch of hopelessness and fright. On Going Way Down, Berger’s full moon operatic howl opens the scene, accompanied by minimal percussion in the form of hand claps and effected bass, all growing in intensity until the beat drops nearly a minute in with Sandor’s devilish growl that invites the listener to go way down with him. When his lyrics turn to imagery of flames, the demonic symbolism of hell becomes unavoidable. A delayed synth riff, tinkering piano-like voice and melting Berger vocals enter one-by-one with the help of a limp bass drum, draining the song into its inevitably haunting conclusion.
Weather begins with a heavily-doctored vocal riff from Berger who is quickly accompanied in unison by Sandor, and effectively proves the duo’s musical talent. Soon enough, Dalma’s layered falsetto pads the otherwise minimal set up of a syncopated synth riff and lavish trumpet line. When it all comes together, the sound is bordering on that of a shuffle or offbeat polka. As is the case with most of their compositions, these separate voices all roll into one smooth creation in the end” in this song’s case multiple voices and trumpets harmonize fluently.
Volkova Sisters are just now wrapping up their debut album, and, at the time this column is being written, only have 4 MySpace friends and 1 OurStage fan. Join the following so you can say you helped propel them into the public eye!