moremoney

Last September we paid enthusiastic attention to the appearance of Moremoney, otherwise known as Ivan Kalashnikov and Nadia Gritskevich. At that time we noted some of the key themes in the duo's early songs. Having met as a couple of journalism students at Moscow’s Druzhba Narodov University, these musicians were obviously not blessed with major funding. Early instruments, therefore, were often borrowed from the university. This "peripheral" status twice over - vis a vis their income and the music business - led not only to constant self-mockery whenever a future album was discussed. Those same initial recordings were also colored by a sometimes spiteful criticism of the outside world.

Hoping to find a safe, respectful enclave for themselves, the slightly embittered characters of Moremoney's songs were often ready to kick and punch if the world had other plans. - www.farfrommoscow.com

In order to lessen the cultural divide between central Moscow and the west of England, Tricky's management arranged for a local warm-up act - the recently-formed duo Moremoney, whom we see above. Video snippets appeared online in the days leading up to September, doing everything possible to promote both the headliner and the support act.

Slowly but surely, the week of the concert appeared on the calendar, but then - with no warning and only two days before the curtain call - Tricky's representatives decided that anybody declared a "trip-hop god" need not share the stage with minor deities, and Moremoney were pushed rudely away from the event. Their services were no longer needed and no funds would be forthcoming. All that remained from months of preparatory work was "a super - but now pointless! - promotional video." It can still be seen online, but in hindsight makes for slightly sad viewing. - www.farfrommoscow.com