AUKTYON in London

30 September – The 100 Club, 1 October  - Ocean

From its very first concert in 1986 AUKTYON stood unique even in the vital and vibrant Russian rock scene of the late 80s. Unlike many other leading bands of the time with their pre-emphasis of lyrical poetic vision over musical form, AUKTYON always aimed at swinging, dynamic, and vibrant rock music with infusions of jazz, folk, ska, punk and reggae.

The band’s driving force is Leonid Fedorov, prolific singer/songwriter, one of the most creative artists in today’s Russia’s music scene, active collaborator in a number of ambitious cutting edge projects, combining authentic Russian music with the avant-garde jazz, experimental poetry, Russian Orthodox choral tradition and post-rock mentality.

The band’s visual focal point is Oleg Garkusha – an eccentric showman/poet, towering well over six feet in his awkward epauletted jacket weighed down with rows of phoney medals.

AUKTYON are a legend in their homeland and a cult band in continental Europe where they spend half of their time touring. In spite of having been around for more than two decades they remain an ever developing creative laboratory. Their sound keeps changing all the time and now, complete with assorted percussion, multi-reed player, a trumpeter and a tubist, it approaches tight jazzy arrangements of Charles Mingus or Radiohead Kid A style.

At the same time they are, jerky, danceable, vibrant and enthralling. A treat to see and to hear!

http://www.russianlondon.com/newspaper/anons/concerts/22203/