Belarusian trio Molchat Doma, known for their post-punk sound, has shifted their musical gears with the release of their fourth studio album, Belaya Polosa (translated as White Stripe). The album diverges from the bleak aesthetics of their earlier work, introducing an infectious and dancier vibe that reflects a newfound sense of fun and self-assurance.
Since relocating from Minsk to Los Angeles in 2020, band members Egor Shkutko, Roman Komogortsev, and Pavel Kozlov have immersed themselves in the vibrant music scene, attending numerous concerts, including their recent favorites like Deftones with System of a Down and Queens of the Stone Age.
In an interview, Shkutko remarked that each Molchat Doma album represents a different musical era, with Belaya Polosa drawing significant influence from '90s sounds and the iconic band Depeche Mode. This marks the first album recorded in their new L.A. studio, a notable upgrade from the previous lo-fi setups used for their earlier albums.
The opener, "Ty Zhe Ne Znaesh Kto Ya," sets the tone with powerful synths, delving into dancefloor-ready tracks that echo their influences while pushing their sound's boundaries. Inspired by the success of their track "Sudno (Boris Ryzhy)," which gained popularity on TikTok, the band maintains a focus on their music rather than online trends.
Molchat Doma continues to experiment with sampling, evident in tracks like "Chernye Tsvety," where they incorporate elements from trip-hop alongside their distinct sound. Their evolution demonstrates a concerted effort to develop their artistic identity amid pressures of the modern music landscape.
Overall, Belaya Polosa showcases Molchat Doma's growth as artists, combining a playful approach with refined musicianship, signaling an exciting new chapter for the band. The trio is keen to explore the audience's reaction to these new sounds during live performances, hinting at further evolution ahead.