• The first comprehensive collection of its kind, Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 explores the flourishing Ukrainian music scene of the late 20th century—much of which was recorded under strict Soviet control.
• Historical liner notes by Kyiv-based writer and filmmaker Vitalii “Bard” Bardetskyi.
• Carefully curated by David Mas "DBGO,” Mark “Frosty” McNeill, and Matt Sullivan in collaboration with Ukrainian label Shukai Records with full support from each artist.
• Features artwork by Ukrainian folk art painter Maria Prymachenko.
• Audio remastered by GRAMMY®-nominated engineer John Baldwin.
• Art Direction & Design by Darryl Norsen at D.Norsen Design.

While the songs collected in Even the Forest Hums were recorded during periods of immense societal and political upheaval—and certainly reflect the resilience of the Ukrainian people—they are rooted in the universal spirit of exploration: from post-war teenagers seeking fresh rhythms and artists experimenting with DIY recording technologies to an entire nation being introduced to decades-worth of previously-embargoed albums. Yet, until now, it has been nearly impossible for anyone outside Ukraine to explore the country’s flourishing music scene for themselves.

TRACKLIST

1 Kobza - Bunny
2 Shapoval Sextet - Oh Get Ready Cossack There Will Be a March
3 Vodohrai - Remembrance
4 Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Tetiana Kocherhina) - Play the Violin Play
5 Vadym Khrapachov - Dance (Remastered 2024)
6 Krok - Breath of Night Kyiv
7 Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Natalia Gura) - Oh how how?
8 Valentina Goncharova - Silence
9 Radiodelo - 90
10 Cukor Bila Smert’ - The Great Hen-Yuan' River (Remastered 2024)
11 Er. Jazz - Tea Ceremony
12 Uksusnik - North Wind
13 Iury Lech - Barreras (Remastered 2024)
14 Yarn - Viella
15 The Hostilnia - Sick Song
16 Svitlana Nianio - Episode III (Remastered 2024)
17 Omi - Transference
18 Ihor Tsymbrovsky - Beatrice