Ukrainian Canadian group Zrada releases first CD

The contemporary Ukrainian Canadian group Zrada was formed in Winnipeg in 2005 and recently released its first CD.

Zrada fuses together a variety of contemporary genres (punk rock, reggae, ska) with the traditional sounds of traditonal folk music of Ukraine and other parts of eastern Europe.

Not to take away from them, but my first impression was that they reminded me of The Ukrainians of Leeds, England and other ethno-fusion groups like Mandry of Ukraine and Gogol Bordello of the United States.

These are no doubt influences. But they have a distinct sound all their own, which becomes more apparent after listening to the CD a second and third time. It likely is also apparent if you can hear them live!

Last month they performed at Toronto's Ukrainian Bloor Street Festival and with Haydamaky in Winnipeg. Those fortunate enough to be living in Winnipeg and Edmonton will have the opportunity to see them perform live this coming weekend and again later this month.

In Winnipeg: Friday, October 9 at the West End Cultural Centre at 8:15 pm (doors open at 7:30). Tickets are $15 available at Oseredok, WECC and Zrada.

In Edmonton: Friday, October 23 at Walkabout Pub at 9 pm. For ticket details contact the Ukrainian Students Society at the University of Alberta.

Listeners of Nash Holos will be hearing much more of Zrada in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can find out more about them at their website.