Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
A 60 song Digital Boxset in support of The Disasters Emergency Committee And The People of Ukraine
By Various Artists, Aldora Britain Records 2022.
Throughout this year I have brought to your attention various fundraising albums in support of the Ukrainian people, but this compilation is certainly the most comprehensive to date.
Aldora Britain Records have put together an impressive collection of musical artists from eight countries who have donated their time and talent in support of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine.
The label has stated “We feel it is our duty to use the power of music to help in any way we can.”
The project is very much a collaborative effort with journalist and war photographer Alex Lourie contributing the album cover picture.
Alex has been documenting the frontline destruction from the onset of the invasion and is to be commended for his efforts to make sure that Ukraine’s story is told.
The words of Art Dudko, front man for Ukrainian band Straytones from Kyiv, are more authentic than mine and sum up the importance of getting the message out and making sure that what is happening in Ukraine is kept front and centre of our minds.
“It’s always nice to know that someone likes your music, however in the current situation it doesn’t give me much satisfaction… A missile was just shot down two blocks from my house… A lot of Ukraine’s cities are bombed and besieged… Thanks for making a charity project, I’m sure it will come in handy… (but) don’t let this war be forgotten in the coming weeks and months. (The Russians) commit war crime after war crime and who knows how many more people will die because of this senseless rage.”
The songs in the boxset cover all genres from folk to garage to pop, to rock, alternative to mainstream and everything in between.
Most artists were unknown to me and although I have only dipped randomly into the box of goodies, I like what I’m hearing.
There are some wonderful songs and performances to be discovered.
You can buy the digital album for as little as 50 pence but obviously it’s up to you as to how much you are willing to donate.
Be generous, it’s going to people in desperate need.
The Straytones were signed to Aldora Britain Records weeks before the onset of war but instead of recording music they are engaged in defending their country.
The boxset is available via Bandcamp.
