Dare I say it, ladies and gentlemen? Could spring come to Moscow early this year? It's been an unusually warm February, and I know we are all hoping the weather will stay this agreeable. But even if it doesn't, the days are getting longer, the sun is coming out more often and great bands are performing in our fair capital. As always, there's plenty to choose from this weekend, so let's have a look at who's in town and worth a mention.
If you love punk rock, then Friday is your night, because the Misfits are performing in Moscow. They are an American band often recognized as the creators of the horror punk subgenre, blending punk and other musical influences with horror film imagery. Founded in 1977 in New Jersey by singer and songwriter Glenn Danzig, the group had a fluctuating lineup during its first six years. But during this time they released several EPs and singles, and the albums "Walk Among Us" (1982) and "Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood" (1983) are to this day considered touchstones of the early-1980s hardcore punk movement.
In 2009 and 2010 the Misfits performed an extended 30th anniversary world tour, and have since released a number of singles and are continuing to tour the world. And in 2011 they released their first full-fledged album in years, so this Moscow gig promises to be very exciting, especially for you punk rock lovers out there. The band takes to the Arena Moscow stage at 9 p.m. on Friday, so get your tickets ASAP if you don't want to miss out. Extra points if you dress accordingly!
Jerry Only with his trademark “devilock” hairstyle fronting the Misfits.
Saturday night fever in Moscow is high, as usual, with lots of DJs from all over the world bringing their sets to the city's best night venues. One of the most exciting programs is presented by Arma 17, as they are playing host to a number of world-famous DJs, including Chilean techno god Ricardo Villalobos. Born in Santiago in 1970, Villalobos moved to Germany and soon became well known for his work in the minimal techno and microhouse genres. He is considered to be one of the most significant figures in today's minimal techno scene. This is by no means his first visit to the Russian capital, but Moscow fans love his work — so if you want to see him live, make sure you get to Arma 17 early! Ricardo Villalobos will be sharing the stage with Lokiboi and Pearson Sound — both from Britain — and Fred P from the U.S., among others.
Solyanka is hosting Ghetto Kingdom night, with DJ Assault from Detroit in the spotlight. Expect booty bass, hip hop and ghettotech — a surprising blend of electrofunk, techno and hip hop. The event kicks off at 11:30 p.m., but best get there early and avoid the queues. And if you're looking for some good old drum'n'bass, then Arena Moscow is the place you need to be. Black Sun Empire from The Netherlands, State of Mind from New Zealand and Tantrum Desire from Britain, all there to make sure you have great night. That kicks off at 8 p.m., so don't miss it!
And if clubbing isn't your thing, then go check out Coockoo at Artefaq. They are an indietronic brit-pop Russian band with two albums under their belt — the first of which was recored at the Abbey Road Studios in London. Coockoo opened for Jay Jay Johansen when he was in Moscow, and toured Russia with Garbage. Fan trivia: Shirley Manson liked the band so much, she invited them to open for Garbage on their British tour as well. The band is currently working on their third album, produced by the legendary Jay Reynolds. They have performed live here at Moscow FM, and they're great, so do go check them out! Coockoo take to the stage at Artefaq at 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Seeing as Sunday is a national holiday here in Russia, I thought I'd leave that day up to you — spend it with family and loved ones, do volunteer work or whatever else feels right to you. Whatever you choose to do, just remember to have a great time doing it and I will catch you next Friday. Have a fantastic weekend!
Katerina Azarova is a radio host at Moscow FM 105.2, Moscow's English-language radio station.
Contact the author at: artsreporter@imedia.ru
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