Yuri Andrukhovych, Mertvyj Piven'. Kryminal‘ni sonety. (Criminal Sonnets)

It is nice to see that Mertvy Piven and Yuri Andruhovych continue their joint experiments in synthesis of the not quite usual poetry and the not quite conformist music. It is not less cool – to see that the experiment does not freeze in the once discovered form but adjusts to some new embodiments. This time, for example – we can see appearance of something that, it seems, has never before happened in the space of modern Ukrainian music. It is difficult and even virtually impossible to call "Criminal Sonnets" a reaction to such phenomenon as modern Russian chanson (or simpler – the rogue song). It is not just more elevated, it is – even better – different. Refined and simple, grotesque and life-like at the same time – Andruhovych did manage to play in his role. And – to create a small but very convincing cycle of poems marginal in their theme, but banter and philosophical in their content. In the album, he narrates these short bright stories – with words. And Myhaylo Barbara, in his turn, narrates these stories – with his voice, intonation, tone, pauses... Narrates – that is, sings – so brightly, vividly, that first one does not even hear the words (it is good that a minute before their were read by Andruhovych). Actually, due to music arrangement – and, above all, due to Barbara's vocal – not just songs but music frescos appear in front of the surprised ear of the audience. That is, deep and clear voice paints laid on the fresh plaster of words transparent in their exactness. And ears quickly open due to such presents, relax – and absorb all that to its full...

Anton Jozhik Leyba (Hedgehog)