A science fiction fairy tale sung in 6 languages, with the story told in English, this is an enchanting and moving tale delivered through beautifully arranged original songs.
An astronomer hopes to understand the nature of time using the language of numbers, while a chemist struggles to invent a biochemical elixir to make Alma – the girl with olive skin – love him. But Alma loves another and things unravel in a surprising way. Will they be able to solve the riddle of love and science?
Zulya Kamalova – vocals
Anthony Schulz – piano accordion, piano
Andrew Tanner – double bass, jews harp
Lucas Michailidis – electric guitar, acoustic guitar
Aviva Endean – clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, tenor sax, sound effects
Justin Marshall – drums, percussion
Eamon McNelis – trumpet
The music defies easy categorisation, but has been described as “Kurt Weillish, Euro-Cabaret jazz colliding with lullabies constructed to tear your heart out.” It is transformative concert music that is nuanced and theatrical, with Zulya’s smoldering vocals supported and enriched by accordion, piano, clarinets, guitar, double bass and percussion.The limited edition CD is released as a larger format hard cover story book with stunning illustrations by Dilka Bear.
Engineered, mixed and produced by Myles Mumford at Audrey Studio and Bakehouse Studio, Melbourne
Mastered by Adam Dempsey at Deluxe Mastering, Melbourne
Artwork by Dilka Bear, www.etsy.com/shop/Dilkabear
Design by Luke Fraser
www.zulyaandthechildrenoftheunderground.com
” A reverential reception for … Miss Zulya Kamalova and her phenomenally talented Children Of The Underground. From the first beat of the opening song we are willingly transported to another realm; a scene from an Emir Kusturica film, a basement cafe in Moscow circa 1955, a circus band playing the funeral of the fallen trapeze artist, even Berlin between the wars. So consumed with the songs is Zulya that she enacts them in a mesmerising way you thought only dead singers filmed in black and white could do with any authenticity. But here, in Melbourne, it happens.” Interviews and Gig Reviews.
Zulya and The Children of the Underground perform exquisite original music inspired by Zulya’s Tatar and Russian roots. The music defies being labeled, but has been described as “Kurt Weillish, Euro-Cabaret jazz colliding with lullabies constructed to tear your heart out.” Ten years, three albums, one ARIA award and two ARIA nominations, the ensemble is placed firmly at the crossroads of restlessness and the sublime. The result: a transformative concert music that is haunting and nuanced, with Zulya’s smouldering vocals supported and enriched by accordion, trumpet, guitar, double bass and percussion.
Since their formation in 2003, Zulya and The Children of the Underground have enjoyed unprecedented success throughout their native Australia and abroad. They have toured Europe on numerous occasions – their latest (2013) appearance included the first inaugural Russian Womad, along with a National live to air broadcast at Vienna’s Radiokulturhaus, Austria. CD releases have held top 10 rankings in the European world music charts – a first for any Australian act. In 2010 the group embarked on a six week national tour – extending to all major cities and regional areas across the country. They have been featured repeatedly on national radio and television including live broadcasts on ABC’s Radio National Music Show and Music Deli.
Australian performances have extended to all major venues: Sydney Opera House, Angel Place (NSW), The Basement (NSW), Melbourne Recital Centre (VIC), Iwaki Auditorium (VIC) and festivals: National (ACT), Port Fairy (VIC), Woodford (QLD), WOMADELAIDE (SA), Ten Days On The Island (TAS), Brisbane Biennial (QLD), Apollo Bay Music Festival (VIC), Kulcha (WA) and numerous others.
In Europe they have performed at festivals and venues throughout: Russia, Germany, Luxembourg, Finland and Switzerland.