For Peace. Against War. Who Is Not? A Compilation For The People Of Ukraine – V/A – Album Review Pt 1.

Album: For Peace. Against War. Who Is Not? A Compilation For The People Of Ukraine

Artist: V/A (Component Records)

Release Date: March 15, 2022

I know what you’re thinking: “How the fuck are you supposed to review something that’s almost 200 tracks?” The answer is, I really love geopolitics and I don’t mind breaking this review into ten parts just so I can talk shit about Russia. A little background: Component Recordings put a kind of call-to-arms out for artists to submit music as an open protest to the Russian regime. The logic of Russian domination has often hinged on suppressing the autonomy of neighbors and culture. This is geopolitical theater in the form of puppet states, invasions, gas pipelines as weapons, disinformation, etc. Kind of sounds like the United States – but hey, one conflict at a time amirite? But the message is certainly clear: Russia can go fuck itself and Ukraine will be victorious.

The invasion of Ukraine didn’t begin in 2022. Putin’s regime has been working slowly and methodically through military aggression and disinformation since the dissolution of the USSR. The goal has always been control. This compilation functions as both document and a gesture – an archive of global solidarity rendered through electronic and experimental sound. The album documents how art can become a public record of opposition. That’s right kids, you can make Techno as a “Fuck You” to Putin.

The sonic range is enormous. The music is amazing, but really what I’d rather do is write a bunch of different reviews about this over the next year or so talking about the music and how Russia actively harms people. Maybe we’ll do a deep dive on Putin killing his political rivals or talk about how Putin uses blackmail to keep American politicians like the leader of the “FREE” world in line. Whatever I can do to help the cause.

This album shouldn’t have any rhyme or reason (well, it has plenty of reason, but I wanted to turn a phrase), but honestly it really flows well over the first 15 tracks. There’s energy, friction, and a sense of chaotic order that somehow holds together. There are some serious bangers on this first part. Specifically FHTH‘s track “This is My Country” and I’m really digging Kevin Lux’s track “Skyfall.” It’s giving 2008 in the best possible way. Reviewing a compilation of this size always feels strange because generalized statements seem unfair; but there’s plenty of sharp and catchy electronic music to latch onto.

Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. I’ll be back for part 2 of this review next week.