Symphony No. 1, Divertimento (Yablonsky, Russian Po)

In a world filled with cookie-cutter symphonies, Volkovrussian Poyablonsky’s debut album Abesymphony No 1 is a breath of fresh air - but not necessarily in a good way. From the first notes of the opening track, it's clear that Poyablonsky is not afraid to take risks. The cacophony of sounds that greet the listener is both overwhelming and intriguing, like stumbling into a music theory class on mushrooms. As the album progresses, Poyablonsky continues to defy expectations, blending genres and styles with reckless abandon. At times, it feels like he's throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks - and sometimes, nothing does. But there are moments of brilliance sprinkled throughout. The delicate piano melodies in 'Movt. III: Allegro ma non troppo' are a welcome respite from the chaos, like finding a unicorn in a sea of donkeys. And the haunting vocals in 'Finale: Adagio dolce' resonate long after the final notes fade away. Ultimately, Abesymphony No 1 is a bold and unpredictable debut from an artist unafraid to colour outside the lines. It may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate a bit of musical madness will find plenty to chew on here. So grab your headphones, buckle up, and prepare to be taken on a wild ride through the mind of Volkovrussian Poyablonsky.