Bichkraft

Bichkraft is a Ukrainian ensemble whose sound consists of taut, abrasive experimental post-punk, incorporating harsh guitar textures alongside electronic rhythms structured in a chaotic but pressing fashion. The group's participants reside in Kiev, an urban center lacking a vibrant rock music community. Necessity compelled them to create their independent route, capturing material in improvised recording spaces and staging shows at self-operated locations. In 2014, shortly following their introduction, vocalists and guitarists Dima Novichenko and Jenia Bichowski established the outfit. Bassist Serzh Kupriychuk soon augmented the lineup, leading the three to capture their initial full-length Mascot within a cellar setting. Wharf Cat Records, a Brooklyn imprint, inked a deal with Bichkraft and put out the album during 2015. The arrival of Zenya Fenec prompted a shift from employing sampled breakbeats toward utilizing live drum machines. Constructing a personal facility amid a refuse-filled expanse in Kiev allowed preparation for their sophomore effort. Shadoof appeared in 2016, just prior to the band's inaugural tour across North America. Several tracks were laid down in New York alongside Carson Cox, who produces for Merchandise. On a single track apiece, Sam York and Elizabeth Skadden from WALL provided the primary vocals. Towards year's close, a digital EP featuring reinterpretations of "Ashley" emerged. Following further recording sessions back in their hometown, the album 800 came out in March 2018.