Hailing from Finland, Varvara's beginnings were humble, but the band helped to establish the musician’s collective Haminian Sounds which releases their music. Varvara's output, over two albums and an EP, has slowly been recognized as a distinctive collection that harnesses disparate influences into a new sound...

Death Defying Tricks is the new album from Varvara. Of this LP's 10 songs (38 min, 28 sec) personal highlights included 'Headlights' and 'Since We Can't Explain'. But even these aren't memorable enough that I'd want to add them to a playlist and listen to them repeatedly.

There are moments throughout this album when I was reminded of Radiohead and Cheap Trick. And while, on the whole it's an enjoyable album, there's very little here that would make me want to play this for long periods of time.

6

Nick Smithson