Boris Grebenshikov Albums (9)
'Pesni Ribaka (Fisherman's Songs)'
Release Date 10/28/2003
Tracks 10
Label CD Land
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Boris Grebenshikov is often described as the Russian Bruce Springsteen. While this sentiment may ring true as far his iconic status goes, it does little to describe his colorful, offbeat, and wildly eccentric music. A more apt comparison would be The Beatles, as Grebenshikov wields psychedelic pop like a chef's knife, dissecting everything from eastern mysticism to Russian folklore, resulting in a sound that's the very definition of the term worldbeat. On Pesni Ribaka, Grebenshikov reunites his early-'80s Russian rock collective Aquarium on ten diverse tracks that rely heavily on serpentine arrangements that while complex, never lose track of the melody. Track one (there are no English translations) works off of a reggae-inspired rhythm, incorporating violin, bagpipe, flute, and Nusra Fateh Ali Kahn-esque backing vocals to achieve a kaleidoscope of sound that's both joyous and cerebral. The fourth track utilizes some George Harrison-style slide before bursting into a truly wondrous burst of mellotron and sunshine-pop horns. Track seven is the sparsest of the bunch, finding Grebenshikov singing tenderly over chimey harps and swelling mandolins, giving the effect of a gently spinning Russian carousel. There are city street soundscapes, sinewy sitars, and wonderfully out-of-place marimbas throughout Pesni Ribaka, but what keeps the ingredients from overpowering the dish are Grebenshikov's impassioned vocals. Those versed in the Russian language know of his abilities as a linguist and poet, and it's a shame everyone else can only guess his subject matter. However, anyone with an ear for pop will be able to recognize the talent. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although it has been imported into the west under the name Terrarium, with Boris Grebenshikov listed as the recording artist, in Russia this album is actually titled "Pentagonal Sin" and Terrarium is the name of the recording artist. Terrarium is, of course, a play on Aquarium, the group Grebenshikov founded, and he continued to use the name even after the original unit disbanded. He also makes side projects under his own name. But "Pentagonal Sin" is classified in the discography on the Aquarium website as an "incognito" album, and that may be because of its whimsy and eclecticism. Grebenshikov has reunited with old partner Anatoli Gunitskii, among others, for a busman's holiday that sounds like something they put together after listening long and hard to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and other early progressive rock albums. "January Romance," which kicks things off, sounds like a children's song, with its playful vocals and light pop sound, while "Out of Synch" could have come off the Beatles' The Beatles [White Album]. "Molloy Arrived," with its twangy guitar, has the feel of the old west. "Zoya and Sonya" has a traditional folk-rock sound, and "The Chinese Don't Want" mixes a tango rhythm with a mariachi trumpet. This everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach works, as it does in the best progressive rock, because it stays light and keeps moving from one thing to another. Terrarium, or "Pentagonal Sin", or whatever you want to call it, sounds like it was a lot of fun to make in a sort of "hey, let's try this" manner, and that fun communicates itself to the listener, whether that listener speaks Russian or not. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Singing partially in Russian, partially in English, Grebenshikov proves a thoughtful folk/rock performer with a gruff, effective voice. This is a surprisingly polished, fluent effort that, except when the language is foreign, gives little hint of its origin. Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox guest. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
