I am glad this tape came into my possession (thanks Morgueldar). This folk-darkwave project courtesy of two Ukrainian girls is actually worth its salt. Despite severe production and equipment limitations (the shortcomings include occasional rhythmic overlaps, and the songs get cut off instead of fading away), the power and talent behind "Plach" ("The Weeping") are obvious. CMI people should get a hold of it. Vezha's music would fit quite well alongside Aghast, Arcana and other CMI luminaries of this sort. Simple and repetitious yet beautifully hypnotic and gloomy keyboards with some additional odd sounds, adorned by reverbed, sorrowful incantations sung in Ukrainian is what "Plach" has to offer. The songs are quite similar to each other, but it is a rather positive aspect, for it causes the whole album to transmogrify into one prolonged, otherwordly ritual. Atmosphere is the key term when it comes to this type of music, and Vezha have plenty of it. Put this on during one of those lonely winter nights or melancholic autumn days, or whenever it is you feel sad and despondent, and it will take you away. Once these girls get provided with good equipment and recording budget, the weeping season will truly begin.

© 2000 boris