Murzik

Friday, March 16, 2007

In the vein of groups such as gypsy punks Gogol Bordello and klezmer revivalists DeVotchKa; Murzik creates music that is exactly what you would expect. It is beautiful, soothing, sensual, quiet, quite pretty, a little bit naughty and more than a tad Russian at times. The band employs saxophones, accordions, mandolins, bells and glockenspiel along with more standard instruments of popular music such as bass, drums and acoustic guitar. With their unique instrumentation and well-wrought and introspective lyrics Murzik carves a dark sonic soundscape that is reminiscent of a list of analogous contemporary predecessors often bringing to mind comparisons to the work of Nick Drake, Tom Waits, or Joy Division.

When putting all relative and obvious comparisons to rest it becomes astoundingly clear that Murzik's music stands on its own. Haunched squarely upon the shear strength of its unique and exquisite sonic beauty, brash confident daring and its undeniable charm, it is meant as a centerpiece juxtaposed to the dcor of an incredibly well manicured record collection.