Shono – Kolkhozoy Traktor (CPL-Music CPL066, 2023)
Unveiling unheard auditory landscapes hailing from the distant region of Buryatia, Shono resurrects the time-honored rituals of the expansive grasslands in Eurasia on their new album, “Kolkhozoy Traktor.” The group plays a fascinating mix of Buryat folk and rock music.
While the ensemble adeptly employs Buryat instruments such as the horse-head fiddle, they also fearlessly embrace modern rock instrumentation like the bass guitar and drums along with awe-inspiring throat singing. Their propulsive rhythms and irresistible dynamism have propelled Shono to the vanguard of Siberian, Tuvan, and Mongolian ethno-rock bands, receiving accolades from the discerning pages of the trade press.
Nestled in the far eastern realm of the Russian Federation, this autonomous republic shares its borders with Mongolia and embraces the eastern fringes of Lake Baikal. Presently, the republic is home to less than a million ethnic Buryats, a population that endured persecution and ruthless executions during Stalin’s reign.
The progenitor of Shono, Alexander Arkhincheev, established the ensemble in 2014. Hailing from the Buryat community, this skilled musician resides in Irkutsk and holds a reputation as a maestro of throat singing. Furthermore, he possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of Buryat legends and epics, and his expertise spans a multitude of traditional Buryat and Mongolian instruments. In addition, Arkhincheev dedicates himself to the realm of education. By combining his ardor for traditional Buryat melodies with a profound admiration for Western rock, the four-member group known as Shono came into existence. The inaugural album titled “Hunters” captivated listeners with its kaleidoscope of throat singing styles, featuring original compositions from Arkhincheev.
“With the passage of time, the rich tradition of Buryat throat singing fell into obscurity. Nevertheless, a rekindling fervor has emerged, with an increasing number of individuals aspiring to revive this age-old art. Our musical endeavors serve as a conduit for promoting throat singing and the employment of traditional instruments. The roots of this vocal technique stretch far back into the annals of history, entwined within our religious heritage and shamanistic traditions,” passionately articulates Alexander Arkhincheev.
Within their second album, “Kolkhozov Traktor,” Shono embarks on an expedition to discover a novel soundscape. The album predominantly comprises melodies that permeated Alexander Arkhincheev’s childhood, melodies which were passed down to him by his grandparents. Delving into the essence of this musical endeavor, Arkhincheev expounds, “This album pays homage to tradition and serves as a bastion for preserving the eminent cultural heritage of the Buryat people, ensuring its transmission from one generation to the next. These songs encapsulate the resplendence of nature and the animal kingdom, as well as extol the virtues of the Buryat homeland and its people.”
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.