Album Review: Душевные Баллады by ВИА Ебланы В Говне – A Wild Ride Through Russian Rock
Alright, so let me just say this straight off the bat—Душевные Баллады (which roughly translates to "Soulful Ballads") is anything but your typical acoustic rock album. Released in 2016 by Russia’s own ВИА Ебланы В Говне under Popsakal Records, this record takes you on a chaotic journey that blends raw acoustic vibes with avant-garde experimentation. And honestly? It’s messy, unpolished, and kinda genius.
First off, let’s talk about the vibe here. You’ve got tracks like Отпор Быдлу!!!! kicking things off with an aggressive punch—it's short, loud, and makes its point without wasting time. The title literally screams “Fight Back Against Scum,” which sets the tone for what feels like a middle finger to societal norms. Then there’s Песня Про Рок, or "A Song About Rock," where they dive into self-aware humor while still delivering some serious guitar shredding. This one sticks because it’s both hilarious and oddly heartfelt—a rare combo that reminds you why rock music can feel so damn alive.
Now, don’t get me wrong, not every track hits perfectly. Some songs are just plain weird (Мышь Ебет Кузнечика, anyone?), but hey, isn’t that part of the charm? Like, who else would even think to write a song about… well, whatever that means? But then you hit something unexpected, like their cover of Venom’s Black Metal. They manage to make it sound fresh yet totally unhinged, almost as if they’re daring you to take them seriously. Spoiler alert: You probably won’t, and that’s okay.
What really stood out to me was Серенада Утонувшего Дерьма ("Serenade of Drowned Shit"). Yeah, yeah, the name sounds gross, but musically, it’s hauntingly beautiful in its own strange way. It’s slow, moody, and packed with layers of sound that pull you in deep. By the end, you’re left wondering how something so ugly-sounding on paper could feel so strangely cathartic.
And oh man, gotta mention Пашол Нахуй!!!!. If you weren’t paying attention before, this track will slap you awake. It’s raw, angry, and completely unhinged, making it impossible to ignore. Not gonna lie, I found myself laughing and cringing simultaneously—it’s wild stuff.
So yeah, Душевные Баллады isn’t perfect. In fact, it’s far from it. But maybe that’s the point. It’s loud, brash, and doesn’t care much for rules or expectations. Listening to it feels like hanging out with a group of friends who are too drunk to care what anyone thinks—and honestly, sometimes we all need a bit of that energy in our lives.
Final thought: If you’re looking for polished production or predictable melodies, this ain’t it. But if you want an album that’ll leave you scratching your head while secretly humming along, give it a shot. Just… maybe don’t play it at family dinners. Unless you hate your family. Then go for it.
