«Sabertooth Tiger, Memory, Tremellow, Mumiy Troll» — LA Weekly

Sabertooth Tiger, Memory, Tremellow, Mumiy Troll

Planet Waves

The Russian band Mumiy Troll have come a long way since their start in 1983, when they drew the attention of Soviet authorities, who called them «one of the most socially dangerous bands in the world.» (Actually, when you`re from Vladivostok, on Russia`s eastern coast, anywhere you go is a long way.) But lead singer Ilya Lagutenko has gotten the last laugh, surviving long enough to see the band evolve from their position as subversive outsiders in the underground music scene to mainstream popularity and elder-statesman status in their home country. In recent years, Lagutenko has broadened his appeal, singing in English on Mumiy Troll`s 2009 album, Comrade Ambassador. «What a planet!» Lagutenko exclaims, as Yuri Tsaler`s persistent guitar swoops down menacingly. «Break a leg, sister/Mind the gap/The next stop might be a trap/Paradise ahead,» Lagutenko croons, while the rest of his mummy trolls create intriguingly evocative post-punk and elegantly shadowy moods. As he aptly puts it, «What a tune/Sing along, God dammit.»

By Falling James