Mumiy Troll in Cleveland — Cleveland Scene

Mumiy Troll in Cleveland

Back in the early `80s, the Soviet Union was still immersed in isolation, and listening to rock `n` roll was considered a highly subversive act. But that didn`t stop teenage Ilya Lagutenko from starting his own band, even if it meant being pushed underground and labeled «dangerous» by Communist leaders in his native Vladivostok. After the fall of Communism, Lagutenko served in the Russian army, and later he earned degrees in Mandarin Chinese and eastern economics. But music was always in his soul, and about a decade ago, he re-formed Mumiy Troll. It became one of the most beloved rock bands in his country, and the first to have videos played on Russia`s MTV. Drummer Oleg Pungin, bassist Sdwig and guitarist Yuri Tsaler round out the quartet. In spite of all its success back home, Mumiy Troll has never released any material in the U.S. But on the new Comrade Ambassador, we get a sample of their soundÊ- guitar-heavy songs with a touch of electronica that sounds something like `90s U2 with a vodka-induced edge. Don`t worry about not understanding the lyrics — the groove is good enough, and the cover (in Russian) of the Mamas & the Papas` «California Dreaming» offsets the unfamiliar tunes. The band performs at 9 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124). Kong Sauce open. Tickets: $12.

Ernest Barteldes