The Russian Futurists

The Russian Futurists was a group of Russian poets and artists that lived in St. Petersburg in the early 1900s. It followed Filippo Marinetti’s Manifesto of Futurism, which rejected the static art of the past. Therefore, it seems quite fitting that Torontonian musician Matthew Hart would choose to adopt such a name for himself. His indie-electro-pop-psychedelic sound is forward-thinking and dynamic. With five albums under his belt since 2000, it’s surprising that this musician does not garner more attention than he does.

While Hart was the primary and founding member of The Russian Futurists, more members are added for live performances. His songs seem to be inspired by the simple super-group sing-along songs of the 1970s. Take “Still Life” from the 2005 album Our Thickness. The song has a Mammas and the Papas quality to it combined with a brassy symphonic sound and modern mash-up beats. Another song, “Paul Simon,” sounds like a Beck knockoff with a fuller orchestra — lots of brass and heavier, dirtier instrumentals. Overall, The Russian Futurists’ sound is uplifting and enlightening. I would say great walking music for your playlist.

Since its breakout album at the turn of the millennium, the band has toured Canada, the United States, and Spain. Since releasing a compilation album this year, Me, Myself and Rye, Hart and his band will be embarking on an eight-city tour this fall; starting in Victoria in late October, The Russian Futurists will be making its way east until the end of November. Be sure to catch the band at one of its stops for a completely refreshing, new sound. For a complete list of tour dates, visit the band’s website at www.russianfuturists.com/.