Live review: Otava Yo at Rich Mix

By Madeleine Woodley

From the moment I walked into London’s Rich Mix I was intrigued and excited for what the night was to offer. A stage with a washing line, a wooden duck statue and over twenty different types of instruments led to all different kinds of ideas running through my head. From the beginning to the end (of the washing line) not one audience member was disappointed with what ‘Otava Yo’ brought to the stage.

The six-member band from St Petersburg completely filled the room with their delightful fusion of traditional Russian folk and contemporary music. Their motivation was clear from the beginning, to show a revival of their traditional Russian folk heritage, which some would say has been lost, whilst presenting it in a way to make it accessible to the modern listener. Their intention was evident in more than just the music: from the outfits they wore, signature tank tops, peasantry dress and ushanka hats.

The mixture of their own Russian folk songs merged with modern day instruments such as the bass and electric guitar created a sound which was lively, innovative and rich in not only colour but harmony as well. The off-beat and dance like rhythms managed to get the whole audience moving their feet.

Their 21 different instruments definitely didn’t gather any dust either, each was utilized thoroughly, and in such a creative and inventive way to enhance their performance. From the archaic Russian village instruments such as the Gusli (Russian harp), to the Violin and lots of percussion instruments in between, we went on a musical journey through the Russian countryside, with Otava Yo showing fresh and original ways to fuse different instruments with music.

A particular highlight for myself was when the musicians used an iPhone as an instrument and incorporated that into one of the most moving songs of the evening. The use of the iPhone to produce rich cello sounds, mixed with pan pipes whilst the band was singing in harmony allowed the audience to see all sides of Otava Yo. Showing how their fusion of Russian folk music didn’t just produce upbeat, dynamic and danceable tunes, but songs with true raw emotion, capable of moving the audience emotionally too. This presented so much clearer the importance of the revival of traditional Russian folk music, and how integral it was for the band to communicate this to the audience (and the world).

Otava Yo were clearly passionate about presenting Russian folk music in a way which was accessible to 21st century listeners and they did all that and more. The audience was captivated from start to finish from not only the music, but by the band themselves. Communicating with the audience in between songs, telling jokes and educating the crowd on the meaning behind the songs they sung. Creative, inspiring, and genuinely interesting, Otava Yo are definitely one to check out if you get the chance.

Otava Yo at Rich Mix Lndon. Photo by Merlyn Driver