Just when I was starting to forget that Russia actually has a music scene, I am confronted by Kalutaliksuak, a Russian trio that violates the rules of krautrock and space/progressive/psychedelic rock in their self-titled matryoshka album, possibly remastered in order to rub a significant part of their intended audience the wrong way. To clarify all misconceptions, I will commence by stating that the keyboards, drums, bass, and guitar immix into an unnatural sound, rather then working together to fight against conformism and standard conventions.

With the album's length clocking in at just over 53 minutes, it is incredibly easy to lose focus; Kalutaliksuak thus threatens to turn into a snorefest rather than a cinematic piece of avant-garde-ish music. In “They Shall Catch You Up For Sure,” the band manages to set the stage for their horror production, a vacant set permanently awaiting its next five actors. Unfortunately, the action here unfolds sluggishly, as we are only able to witness a semi-climax at about the 6 minute point. Be that as it may, it still feels like the appropriate opener, comprising a somewhat logical summary of what’s to come.

If you need more proof that Kalutaliksuak is a record that exhibits its infinite pretentiousness by selecting quasi-metaphorical song titles, our next actor is Mr. “While He Sits In Ice Cracking a Whip Around.” Indeed, having an interesting and mighty character, this song teaches us a lesson -- proving the first taste might have been irrelevant, as this is, in reality, more of a album based in background sounds. As the synthesizers persist in meddling with the listener's peace of mind, this public display of ostentation goes forth to the wah-wah and delay dependent “What Are Your Feet Eating” and to the forced “They Usually Eat Humans” partial intermezzo.

With its last two songs, Kalutaliksuak appears to eventually materialize, conducting a flurry of cinematic sentiment. While reiterating its same themes, the album somehow contrives to set up a sophisticated but weary mise en scène, in which the textured soundscape might be of interest to those looking for haunting and monotonous tracks. As for the rest, you should shy away from these six fraudulent third rate movie actors, as they will vicariously drain your attention span.

To clarify all possible preconceptions, I will end by stating that Kalutaliksuak is nothing but a mere misunderstanding, being as hard to listen to as it is to pronounce its name.

-Diana Sitaru