- A thundering protest techno EP aimed at the Russian government.
- This summer, police in Moscow arrested over a thousand people standing up for free and fair elections. Seven of them have since been sentenced to up to five years in prison while more remain under investigation. As much of Russia longs for a shift towards a more progressive society, the government tries hard to prevent the change. The first EP by the Yaroslavl-based collective Any Act references this reality.
The EP opens with "Grajdane," a track about the opposition between the state and citizens, sampling a policeman's voice trying to disperse the rebellious crowds. Dynamic guitar riffs appear on "Nesvoboda," reminiscent of the protest rock music of the '80s. The track echoes the police raids on clubs. "Freedom is cancelled, the party is forbidden", a male voice chants. On an EP of powerful basslines, the one placed amid the acid twists on "Molitva" stands out. Each beat sounds like an assault. The prayer Lord, have mercy, laid over the track, sounds dark and ironic, reflecting the hypocrisy of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has a close relationship with the state.
Like the rest of the record, "Brat" has familiar rhythms but stands out for its sentimentality. It samples the cult Russian film of the same name— I can't wait to hear it in the club to see someone's face light up as they recognise the reference. "This is all native to me, this is my homeland," the film's hero recites. Civil Act is critical yet patriotic, a reminder that electronic music belongs to the oppressed.
Tracklist01. Grajdane
02. Nesvoboda
03. Molitva
04. Brat