Welcome to our blog! Below are some of our favourite albums this month.

UP's Favourite Releases June 2008


Perunika Trio / Introducing Perunika Trio / World Music Network

Formed in 2005, Perunika Trio are one of the newest Bulgarian female ensembles to emerge. Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares (formerly known as the Bulgarian State Female Choir) were perhaps the most famous, with members subsequently forming groups of their own, such as Trio Bulgarka and Eva Quartet. Perunika Trio, however, do not stem from Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares, but instead their members met in the London Bulgarian Choir. They are led by Eugenia Georgieva, a classically trained musician who formerly fronted a rock band, Lady Jane. There is, however, no rock influence in this debut album (thankfully!). Their singing style originates from southern Bulgaria and the album comprises a mix of traditional songs from Russia, Macedonia and Bulgaria. Most tracks are sung a cappella with stately ascending and descending harmony and the traditional clash of dissonant seconds; two are with kaval (a type of flute) introductions; and a couple with tarabuka (an hourglass-shaped finger drum), which gives the odd rhythm and off beats. Perunika Trio's sound is fresh and beautiful and the album thoroughly engaging.

Check out Perunika Trio's MySpace Site.



17 Hippies / Heimlich / Hipster Records

Part cabaret act, part gypsy and part American folk, these are the three dominant sounds of Berlin based band 17 Hippies. They're kitch, wacky and groovy, and they sing in German, French and English. 17 Hippies are true entertainers with a breadth of musical scope and instrumentation: "Schattenmann" is a humorous mix of gypsy and Dixieland; "The Moving Song" is a playful track featuring the bounce of the Jew's harp and vocals reminiscent of the Beatles; "Apache", an instrumental track is a polka with cross rhythms on a beautiful oboe melody; "Madame" comes across as a light-hearted comedy song featuring very effective use of the theremin. Parts of the album sound a tad filmy, which brings to mind that 17 Hippies have written the score for German movie "Grill Point". 17 Hippies are proof that if done well, kitch can go far – these guys have been around for the last 14 years!

See 17 Hippies' website.



Rupa & The April Fishes / eXtraOrdinary rendition / Cumbancha

Rupa's imaginative album eXtraOrdinary rendition reflects the global influences that surrounded her upbringing. It's a catchy blend of gypsy swing, French chanson and cabaret, Tango, and American folk, with witty lyrics in French, English, Hindi and Spanish. Born in San Francisco to Punjabi parents, Rupa's daytime job is being a doctor, which she says inspires her to write her music. She sings with much sensitivity with her voice flowing and tapering over the music. "C'est pas d'l'amour" features her expressive style with each syllable sung with its own distinct character. She is creative: the extract "Not So Easy" gives the imagery of a camera capturing scenes from a café before quickly zooming in on a room and recording a snippet of activity that takes place within it. Rupa is definitely one to watch out for – she is eclectic and exotic – in fact she might just be the next Norah Jones.

Click here to view Rupa & The April Fishes' MySpace site.

MYO
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