Favorite new artists? Here is one of mine

I'll be coming back to more of your recommendations.  Meanwhile, here is one of my favorite bands founded last decade.  Jinjer are a Ukrainian group formed in 2010.  Their instrumental foundation is a simple power-trio format (drums, bass, guitar), but they bring a rare level of musicianship, something akin to mid-1970’s King Crimson.  They play a dense mix of bass and guitar leads over jazz-infused drumming.  Floating above it all is one of my favorite vocalists of this or any time.   

Personnel: 

Tatiana Shmailyuk (Vocals)

Roman Ibramkhalilov (Guitar)

Eugene Abdukhanov (Bass)

Vladislav Ulasevich (Drums)

 

 

“Pisces” (studio live one-take)

I included this in an earlier post, for International Women’s Week, but if you didn’t see it then, it’s worth seeing now.  This is the youtube video that broke them to the world outside Ukraine, and also a good introduction to the group because the mix lets you hear each member of the band clearly.  Tati wrote this song about her own battles with depression and inner conflict.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQNtGoM3FVU

 

 

Teacher, Teacher (official video, with footage of live shows)

This is a protest song, in several movements.  It features the band playing with multiple time signatures and Tati transitioning fluidly among three different styles of vocals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRkRwL0vjOg

 

 

“Judgement and Punishment”  (studio one-take)

Do reggae and metal go together? Of course. Here Tati dons the Jamaican colors to honor the home of reggae.  As one person said, "This song makes me want to break into someone's house and water their flowers".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5rg_63Shqg