Molchat Doma / Chicago, IL

On February 21st, Molchat Doma brought the Belarusian punk back to the midwest at Chicago's own Salt Shed. This show was a dark wave, post-punk, pop synth lover's dream. The crowd was packed with people dressed in their own dark punk renditions from head to toe and chest-rumbling bass all night long. Despite many people not understanding the Russian lyrics, there's something about Doma's music that brings people together and clearly makes them feel free enough to express themselves and be unapologetically weird in the best way. Watching this performance, it's so neat to observe how locked in to their craft this band really is, while making sure not to leave a single audience member leave feeling bored. 

Originating in Minsk, Belarus, Molchat Doma is currently on tour celebrating their latest album release, Belaya Polosa (or Белая полоса, meaning "White Stripe"). The album description matches the vibe of their performance quite well - "...a love letter to the digital pulse of the ‘90s, and a technicolor reinvention of the band’s somber dance floor anthems" - Sacredbonesrecords.com, 2024. Their synthy, old school style of music has a brutalist, almost feverish kind of delivery to it that's complemented beautifully with the radiant, colorful lighting design on stage. They played many tracks from their latest record, while also dipping into some older fan favorites, like Kletka and Volny. There were plenty of dark, dance floor jams interlaced with some slower synesthetic melodies to balance out the intense vibrations. Seeing how the band members, specifically the lead singer, Egor Shkutko, fully immersed themselves into their characters onstage was such a neat visual compliment to the passion in their music. Shkutko let his body take over with loose, buoyant dance moves, almost like the instrumentals put him into autopilot. The crowd was naturally following suit.

Speaking of the crowd, seeing everybody's commitment to the aesthetic of Molchat Doma in their own unique ways was so inspiring. Everything from Matrix-style floor length leather trench coats and tiny sunglasses, to giant Dr. Martens and fringed loafers, to studded belts and black/white makeup - all forms of grunge could be found in every corner. The immediate judgement-free, "come as you are" essence in the air was undeniable that evening. Clearly, a combination of the band's music and commitment to their craft spans far and wide across their dedicated fandom as well. Doma finished off the night by reciprocating the love with a three song encore, closing out with their biggest hit, Sundo (Судно). This squeezed out every last bit of energy in the crowd, as people got up and danced together, or even alone, to the final song.

Molchat Doma's latest Chicago performance was a true testament to how music can not only sonically move people's emotions, but pull them in together to celebrate it in their own ways. Even if the lyrics themselves aren't fully understood by everyone! This is exactly what music is made to do and just proves how this band is on another level of committing to the art form and their vision. 

Gallery and Review by Wendy Davis