Daria is back with her fourth album, her first since 2019’s excellent ‘Earthly Delights’, although there have been other works including the excellent ‘Flowers’ which was released with Odette Michell and Karen Pfeiffer. Odette has even returned to provide some backing vocals here, while two of the tracks contained here formed part of the three-track ‘Eve’ EP which was released at the beginning of 2023. A lot has happened to Daria since her last solo album, as not only has she become a mother herself, but the country of her birth, Russia, has invaded Ukraine which has made her feel even more removed from it and more specifically from her traditional home in Ingushetia in the North Caucasus. That heritage resonated incredibly strongly on her last albums, forming a huge inspiration and a focus of celebration and pride, and was one of the main reasons (alongside her wonderful vocals) that she stood out so much when compared against other artists.

This time around not only has she matured as a woman, and as a mother, but she is conflicted on Ukraine and needs to voice her protest not only against the war but in other areas where she sees people being wronged. So while there are still songs of joy, there are far more about war, exile and protest, with a style which often feels very much like that of her adopted home as opposed to her motherland. I was surprised at how often I felt reminded of Talis Kimberly while playing this, while I also believe Maryn Cairns (Aussie born but has spent a lot of time in the UK as well and is currently in Guernsey) has had an influence. There are still times when one can guess where her roots are, but they are not as prevalent as they have been in the past which I am sure is a result not only of the real conflict taking place in Ukraine but how she is conflicted personally due to that. Daria has always felt a very close link with her heritage, but how can she feel proud of what is going on in the war? It must be very difficult for many Russians, both those still in the country and those exiled, and here she reflects on that.

There is material in Russian and Ukrainian, but mostly this is English is coming together of material which tell stories from all over the world, including Alena Arzamasskaia (a 17th century warrior sometimes called the Russian Joan of Arc) and the famous British abolitionist, writer and composer, Charles Ignatius Sancho. Dylan’s ‘Masters of War’ is no longer being sung as a protest against Vietnam, but for a war far closer to home, and while full of passion and emotion it is again far closer to Kimberly’s style than it is to her own. Her vocals are as clear and wonderful as ever, and this is a thoroughly enjoyable album with her voice always well to the fore, but I must confess I enjoyed her material when it was more centred on her homeland. Only time will tell what is happening with Ukraine, particularly with the current world order being as chaotic as it is, but hopefully by the time of the next album it will be far more settled with people again living in peace and Daria again being able to bring to life the stories and music of her childhood.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://daria-kulesh.co.uk/