Fusing metal, punk, ska and polka, Russkaja call for peace with their most heavy-hitting album yet!
Stand up, couch potatoes – it’s time to get moving! High voltage party polka virtuosos Russkaja provide the most danceable heavy album of early 2023 with Turbo Polka Party, out February 3 via Napalm Records! Hailing from Austria but wearing their Ukrainian and Russian heritages on their sleeves, Russkaja present their hardest-hitting studio album to date, once again mixing elements of metal, punk, ska and polka to create an addictive mixture you can’t help but move to.
Although they hail as one of the most entertaining bands in rock, Russkaja have never strayed away from clear political statements. As with past releases, most recently 2019’s No One Is Illegal, the band, known for utilizing Russian imagery as a nod to their cultural background, sends a clear sign against war – calling for peace and humanity on Turbo Polka Party. This message is particularly emphasized with new song “No Borders” – reflective of the cries for peace Russkaja stated in the wake of the Ukrainian/Russian tensions that came to a boil during their recent USA tour with Flogging Molly: “No borders, no wars, We‘re equal, all the same, No nations, no fighting, Just stop this game”.
It’s clear with one listen that Russkaja masters the tightrope act between important messages and pure entertainment, staying true to their unique style and, first and foremost, providing their listeners with a good time. With “Russki Style”, they boast their trademark sound – catchy riffs balance with a hefty dose of ska, polka and punk. “Shapka” adds another genre to the multifaceted genrescheme: polka and ska meet nu metal, often reminiscent of the heyday of Limp Bizkit. While the guitars set the pace, wind instruments follow with breathtaking speed. However, a party is no fun without friends, so Micha Rhein from In Extremo finds his place on the wistful “Olga von der Wolga”, while the rousing reggae metal single “Vozdukh” is supported by Skindred singer Benji Webbe. Followed by the German-Spanish song “Senales”, it joins the dance groove with Hamburg based dance act Le Fly. Swinging rhythms and effervescent riffs have you feeling like you’re on vacation! Russkaja switches things up and takes the celebration of life further by including their previously-released, ska-inspired parody of the Wham hit “Last Christmas”.
The tracks on Turbo Polka Party come together for an authentic and humorous ride that stands tall in the band’s discography by way of honor and toughness. The album was written by singer Georgij Makazaria and guitarist and singer Engel Mayr. The latter recorded, mixed and produced the album as well. Together with the album, the band sells a “No Borders” shirt, the profits of which go to people who have fled Ukraine. Russkaja proves once again that they have evolved to create an action-packed, unforgettable listen that must be heard by fans of fun!
Tracklist: 1. No Borders 2. Russki Style 3. Shapka 4. Olga von der Wolga 5. Paschli 6. New Life 7. Vozdukh 8. Senales 9. Last Christmas 10. Baila 11. Turbopolka
Russkaja are: Georgij Makazaria – Vocals / Engel Mayr – Guitar, Vocals / Hg Gutternigg – Potete, Tuba / Mario Stübler – Drums / Nico Loro Ravenni – Sax / Dimitrij Miller – Bass / Lea-Sophie Fischer – Violin
