Polyvoda drops new single “Bonfire”

Coming out of Ukraine’s resilient music scene, the genre-breaking band Polyvoda was formed furing the turmoil of a besieged Kyiv last year. Featuring the talents of musicians Denys Levchenko on bass, Kyrylo Chykhradze on keys and Mykhailo Birchenko on drums, Polyvoda bridges cultural and geographical boundaries both sonically and thematically.

Their collaborative spirit has seen them link up with other artists, incorporating international voices to articulate a shared experience, resulting in a truly global musical endeavour. Polyvoda’s first unveiled their sound last autumn with the release of their first singles, “Never Ending” and “Sirens.” These early efforts earned high praise from the critics and fans alike.

Now, a year later, Polyvoda returns with their latest release, their brand new single titled “Bonfire,” offering an explosive fusion of modern jazz, hip hop, soul and funk wrapped up in an alternative R&B aesthetic. The band demonstrates a mastery of genre-blending, stitching together a range of styles into a distinct sound they can call their own.

“Bonfire” is a collaboration that amplifies its impact by featuring a female vocalist. With soulful timbre and impassioned delivery, her voice becomes an integral part of the band’s expressive output. Together, they create a sound where the vocal nuances dance above the intricate musical arrangement and the band’s impeccable musicianship.

Kicked off by the intricate patter of drums, the warm drone of an organ style instrumental stretches out as smooth bass lines slide in. The silky female voice flutters above, carrying emotive melodies and meaningful lyricism above the punchy drums and gentle blend of electric organ, soft guitar touches and bass.

At once angsty and alluring, “Bonfire” is a rhythm-driven cut brimming with funky groove and instantly memorable writing. The song dives into the personal emotions of the musicians regarding the war that’s wreaked havoc on their home country since last year.

Commenting on the single, keys player Kyrylo Chykhradze shares, “In this song, we tried to capture the emotional intensity and complexity of both love and war. We saw a parallel between the ash produced by the bonfire and the ashes left by the war, illustrating the destruction and rebirth inherent in both experiences. As the bonfire generates warmth, love can blossom amidst the chaos of war.”

Listen to Bonfire below

Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator

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