Molchat Doma

Formation and Early Years

Molchat Doma is a Belarusian band formed in 2017 in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. The group consists of Egor Shkutko (vocals), Roman Komogortsev, and Pavel Kozlov. They made their debut with the self-released album "S krysh nashikh domov" (С крыш наших домов, 'From The Roofs of Our Houses') on April 24, 2017. The single "Kommersanty" (Коммерсанты, 'Businessmen') followed in July of the same year. The album was later re-released by the German label Detriti Records, which also released their second album, "Etazhi" (Этажи, 'Floors'), on September 7, 2018. Both albums gained traction through platforms like YouTube and Bandcamp, leading to a growing fanbase across Europe, although they remained relatively unknown in Belarus itself.

Rise to Popularity

By the end of 2019, "Etazhi" had amassed around two million listeners on YouTube, largely due to unofficial uploads. Despite their success abroad, the band expressed little interest in performing in Belarus, preferring to maintain a certain distance from the local music scene. In September 2019, they released two singles, "Zvezdy" (Звезды, 'Stars') and "Po krayu ostrova" (По краю острова, 'Along the Edge of the Island'), collaborating with the Russian band Ploho.

Musical Style and Influence

Molchat Doma's music is characterized by a blend of post-punk, new wave, synth-pop, and cold wave, drawing inspiration from 1980s Russian rock and bands like The Cure and Joy Division. Their sound is often described as "doomer music," featuring introspective lyrics and a cold, dystopian atmosphere. The absence of a drummer, replaced by a drum machine, adds to their unique sound. The band's aesthetic and Shkutko's vocal style have drawn comparisons to Ian Curtis of Joy Division, further solidifying their place in the post-punk revival scene.

Political Engagement

The band has also been politically active, supporting protests in Belarus during the 2020 elections and participating in charity efforts for victims of the protests. They condemned the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, pledging to donate concert proceeds to affected civilians. This engagement reflects their commitment to social issues alongside their musical endeavors.