Album Review: Завотной Сверчок by Зоя Ященко И Белая Гвардия
If you’re into raw, heartfelt rock that feels like it was made in someone’s garage (in a good way), then Завотной Сверчок might just be your next obsession. Released back in 2009 in Russia, this album is a DIY masterpiece—basically, Дмитрий Баулин did everything but bake cookies for the recording session. Okay, maybe not everything, but close enough. From arranging to mixing, mastering to designing, he wore more hats than I thought possible. Oh, and let’s not forget Наталья Чернышова, who brought the artwork to life with some killer visuals.
The vibe of Завотной Сверчок is hard to pin down—it’s got this mix of melancholy and mischief, like when you're staring out a rainy window but secretly plotting world domination. The tracks are all over the place emotionally, which keeps things interesting. Two songs really stuck with me after giving the album a few spins: "Танец Льва" and "Я Так Люблю Лето."
"Танец Льва" kicks off the album with this eerie yet beautiful violin intro by Артем Руденко. It’s haunting, man. Like, goosebumps-level haunting. Then Зоя’s voice comes in, soft but full of attitude, telling a story that feels both intimate and epic. You can almost picture a lion dancing under stormy skies—it’s cinematic without being overdone. By the time the percussion kicks in, you’re hooked. This track sets the tone perfectly, making you wonder what on earth comes next.
Then there’s "Я Так Люблю Лето," which is basically summer bottled up in four minutes. It’s upbeat, catchy as hell, and has these little flute bits by Павел Ерохин that make it feel like you’re running through a field of wildflowers. Дмитрий takes lead vocals here, and his delivery is so chill, it’s like he’s whispering secrets about lazy afternoons and stolen kisses. It’s one of those songs that makes you want to roll down car windows and blast it at top volume—even if it’s February and snowing outside.
What’s wild about this album is how personal it feels. With Зоя writing most of the lyrics and sharing music duties with Дмитрий, it’s clear they poured their souls into every note. And yeah, sure, sometimes it sounds rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. It’s real. No shiny polish, no big-label nonsense—just pure passion.
Oh, and random fun fact: photography credits go to Дмитрий, Лиза, and Таня Ященко. So basically, the whole crew doubled as paparazzi. Love that.
In the end, Завотной Сверчок isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s messy, emotional, and brimming with character. Listening to it feels like flipping through an old scrapbook filled with faded Polaroids and scribbled notes. Honestly? I kinda wish I’d discovered it sooner. But hey, better late than never, right?
Final thought: If this album were a person, it would probably show up to a party wearing mismatched socks and still manage to steal the spotlight. Give it a listen—you won’t regret it.
