I’ll admit to being pretty ignorant when it comes to Russian music; other than a couple of shoegaze acts, those faux-lesbian girls, and whatever they send to the annual Eurovision Song Contest I really don’t know much about it. That’s why Moscow band Manicure took me by such surprise, as their dark post-punk featuring dirty synths sound nothing like how I’ve imagined Russian music.

The band began in 2007 by  Zhenia Novikov and sisters Polina and Ania Butuzova, turning into a four-piece a year later with the addition of  Zhora Kushnarenko. Their EP Another Girl released in 2008 was a critical as well as a commercial success, followed by debut album About The Something which is now being released world wide (but apparently as a self-titled, unless I’ve completely misunderstood). It’s a solid indie record that overall makes the band sound like a grittier version of New Order. How can you not love that?

Manicure have already shared the stage with some notable acts such as Neil’s Children, Late Of The Pier, and Glass Candy and are currently out on their own tour around Russia. For dates, check out their MySpace.

~ “I Wanna Be Free” ~