Album Review: Охота 68 by Various Artists
Released in 2016, Охота 68 is a sprawling Russian rock compilation that feels like an ambitious patchwork quilt of genres and emotions. With its roots firmly planted in folk rock, pop rock, art rock, alternative rock, heavy metal, and even acoustic vibes, this album—courtesy of the label Бомба-Питер—offers listeners a wild ride through sonic landscapes. Conceptualized by Артем Копылов and produced by Олег Грабко, it's not just music; it’s almost like flipping through someone’s diary, except instead of secrets, you get raw energy and storytelling.
The sheer variety within Охота 68 makes it hard to pin down one standout track—but if I had to pick two, they’d be “Rocky Mountains Blues” and “Листая солнечные дни.” The former caught my ear because it blends gritty guitar riffs with a haunting vocal performance that feels both intimate and epic. It’s got this cool Americana vibe but still stays rooted in Russian sensibilities—a mix that shouldn’t work but totally does. Meanwhile, “Листая солнечные дни” (which translates roughly to "Flipping Through Sunny Days") has this dreamy, nostalgic quality that hits differently depending on your mood. One day it might feel uplifting, the next bittersweet. Either way, it sticks with you long after the final note fades.
What strikes me most about Охота 68 isn’t just the diversity of styles—it’s how personal the whole thing feels. Tracks like “Сентябрь-художник” (“September—the Artist”) and “Not Just Cats And Dogs” bring their own flavors to the table, yet somehow fit together under the same umbrella. Sure, some songs are stronger than others, but there’s something charmingly messy about the whole project, as if the artists were more focused on expression than perfection. And honestly? That’s refreshing.
One odd thing worth mentioning: several tracks appear twice, sometimes with slightly different titles or capitalization. Is this intentional? A production quirk? Or just plain oversight? Whatever the case, it adds a quirky layer to the listening experience—like finding Easter eggs hidden across the playlist.
At its core, Охотa 68 feels less like a traditional album and more like a collective experiment in sound. For all its rough edges and genre-hopping madness, it manages to capture moments of real beauty and intensity. Listening to it reminds me of those old-school mixtapes people used to make for friends—except this time, it’s from strangers who clearly poured their hearts into every note.
Final thought: If you’re looking for polished perfection, this ain’t it. But if you want something unpredictable, heartfelt, and occasionally chaotic, give Охота 68 a spin. You might just find yourself humming along—and wondering why no one told you about this gem sooner. Rating: 7.5/10
