As the airwaves vibrate with the ubiquitous rhythms of hip-hop and dance, the notion of a new rock album can sometimes feel, well, *quaint*. One might even harbor a quiet skepticism, wondering if it can truly resonate in the contemporary sonic landscape. Yet, the Moscow-based collective LaScala, with their latest offering “Play-Off,” boldly reasserts the enduring power of the guitar, without clinging to archaic dogmas. Their interpretation of “Rock 2.0” proves to be genuinely intriguing, providing a much-needed jolt to those who might have begun to believe rock was fading into the background noise.
LaScala band members, embodying the spirit of their new album.
A Decade of Defiance: LaScala`s Unconventional Path
LaScala embarked on their pursuit of hits and audience engagement in 2011. At the outset, they were hardly poised to become the next “it” band. The fervent passion for alternative rock, a genre to which they held a certain kinship, had largely cooled. Guitar-driven music, if discussed at all, often referred to another iteration of punk, and soon enough, the hip-hop revolution swept in, seemingly claiming the market without much resistance. In such an environment, steadfastly pursuing their own distinct vision was an act of considerable courage. As time has unfurled, however, this very strategy has proven to be their greatest asset.
Through a consistent output of albums, LaScala meticulously constructed a unique musical universe where rock, Latin rhythms, and hip-hop influences coalesce into strikingly peculiar alliances. Their live performances serve as robust affirmations of the guitar`s remarkable vitality, amplified by a powerful, commanding vocal presence. While they might not consistently dominate the charts, their tour schedule rarely shows a blank space, a testament to a dedicated following and an unyielding commitment to their craft.
“Play-Off”: Nine Tracks, Twenty-Seven Minutes of Pure Intent
Arriving at their seventh album, the musicians behind LaScala exhibit a clear mastery of their desired sound, coupled with the studio acumen to bring it to fruition. “Play-Off” features nine tracks, including an introduction, packing a considerable punch into its concise twenty-seven-minute runtime. It`s a journey that reveals diverse facets of their artistry:
- “Cheat Codes” emerges as an ideal anthem for a high-energy concert mosh pit, brimming with raw power.
- “Ocean” drifts into a more languid, resort-rock malaise, evoking images of sun-drenched coasts.
- “Hasta La Vista” possesses an undeniable radio-friendly charm, poised for wider accessibility.
- “Yelochka” offers an intriguing homage to a classic Soviet New Year`s song, adding a layer of cultural depth and playful nostalgia.
- “Atacama” introduces a measured dose of growling vocals from guest artist Raev, showcasing the band`s willingness to experiment within thoughtful boundaries.
The lyrical tapestry woven throughout the album delves into profound themes: the introspective musings of modern city dwellers, a touch of evocative mysticism, and even an undercurrent of brutal romance. These narratives are not merely words; they are carefully crafted insights into the human condition, resonating with a generation navigating complexity.
The Architects: Green and Ezdakov`s Unwavering Devotion
It`s fair to say that the primary creative forces behind LaScala – vocalist Anya Green and guitarist Petr Ezdakov – are not strangers to this very brand of intense, almost theatrical romance. Anya, with her philological background, meticulously sculpts lyrics that contain not just subjects and predicates, but also rich definitions, compelling complements, and intricate circumstances. Her words carry weight, structure, and meaning. Petr, in turn, demonstrates no reticence in crafting melodies and engineering complex sonic arrangements. In today`s fast-paced musical landscape, this level of dedication feels almost anachronistic, a beautiful, defiant stand against brevity. It is a testament to what can only be described as a sacred, unwavering love for music itself.
The Unfashionable Virtue of Engagement
Perhaps the less celebrated aspect of LaScala`s brilliance is that their compositions demand a touch more attention than what has become customary for many contemporary tracks. In an era where sonic fast food often reigns supreme, consisting of identical samples and words seemingly strung together from a random generator, LaScala asks its audience for a moment of genuine engagement. While some might find the idea of “completing a thought” within a song a rather novel concept, particularly when juxtaposed against the prevailing trend of lyrical minimalism, LaScala embraces it with an almost defiant grace. They chose to finish their narratives, to fully explore their musical ideas, and for many, in an age of instant gratification, that can indeed be a challenge.
However, lamenting the audience`s preferences or, worse, attempting to quickly placate them, is a rather dreary endeavor. Far more exhilarating is the opportunity to orchestrate a guitar-driven ritual, especially when such an pursuit remains a source of profound inspiration. The members of LaScala, refreshingly, show no signs of musical fatigue. Their latest album, “Play-Off,” serves as a vibrant reminder that authentic, thoughtfully crafted rock music is not merely surviving; it is thriving, inspiring a loyal following with its meaningful resonance and defiant spirit.
