DakhaBrakha: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

People always ask me, "What's your favorite Tiny Desk Concert?" Well, right now it's the one recently performed by DakhaBrakha. The creative quartet from Kiev, Ukraine make music that sounds like nothing I've ever heard, with strands of everything I've ever heard. There are rhythms that sound West African and drone that feels as if it could have emanated from India or Australia. At times, DakhaBrakha is simply a rock band whose crazy homeland harmonies are filled with joy. All the while, they play tight-knit tunes featuring accordion, drums, reeds and shakers while wearing tall, Marge Simpson-looking wool hats that made me jealous.

I want the world to see this Tiny Desk Concert more than any other right now. It's refreshing to hear the power of acoustic music and the many worlds of sound still waiting to be explored. -- BOB BOILEN

Set List
"Sho Z-Pod Duba" 0:00
"Torokh" 3:43
"Divka-Marusechka" 8:07

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Morgan McCloy, Maggie Starbard, AJ Wilhelm; Assistant Producer: Annie Bartholomew; photo by Colin Marshall/NPR

[lynnpehrson]

Came for the hats, stayed for the music

[Colochoide]

9 years later, I still come back to this concert every few weeks when I need a dose of happiness. Thank you.

[torreydunn]

Don’t understand a single word, but I know great songs when I hear

[kathyunger]

Confused. Alarmed. Aroused. Joyous. Fascinated. The 5 steps of the DakhaBrahka experience.

[heihan]

Dear Marco, Irina, Elena and Nina, we hope very much you are well in these troubled times. We wish you all the best.

[MikeCaseyMusic]

Will never forget being in the room for this - a special memory and an incredible intro to Ukrainian culture. Hope they are safe and sending love to Ukraine!

[dwightgaston]

What the--? It's rock, it's New Age, it's Tibetan drone, it's African call and response, it's Slavic folk, it's so old and so new and it makes me want to headbang and hippie groove and do the cossack dance at the same time! I am joyful right now because of this joyful, utterly unique music!!!

[hamptontanguero]

Three beautiful women in wedding dresses and a guy yelling. Couldn't get any better! Love the music.

[heidihemore]

How can a person NOT get into this band?? Holy Christ have they just created their own genre? This is some of the most incredible music I've ever experienced. I am now one of your greatest American fans!!!

[jennoam]

I've seen them live in a festival in Devon, England. Nobody knew what the music would be like. As the performance ended and the audience 'recovered' from the fantastic experience, everyone were running to the CD shop to buy their album. Stunning gig.

[vladislavjacobson]

Magic is real and alive in Ukraine - this is some of the best musical expressions of that magic. Victory, Peace, and Glory to Ukraine!

[AshleyPomeroy]

It's been said before but the engineering on these concerts is incredible. These guys have acoustic instruments and they're being mic'ed from across the desk but it sounds great on headphones.

[silviac]

They are so insanely good that they have nothing left to prove, so they can afford to do something really wild, and unique. Three brides in Cossack hats! And they have so much fun it's infectious!

[debrabrabenec]

Just had first row seats at a dazzling concert by this fascinating group! Not only was their performance incredible, but, on the large screen behind them, the graphics were beautiful, the photos moving, and the film brought tears. If you have a chance, GO SEE AND SUPPORT THIS WONDERFUL GROUP!!

[frankdepiction]

Saw this quartet a year and a half ago in Toronto. Audience ages from 12 to in their 80s. About the third song, I noticed that everyone in the audience was rocking out in a chair dance, to every song. One of the best concerts I've been to, ever.

[JRandallS]

If this group isn't cast as the band in the next Star Wars dive bar, then somebody isn't paying attention. Got to love me some DakhaBrakha!!

[BuddhistBlade]

In a perfect world beauty and creative genius would annihilate destructive stupidity every time. Maybe it still will. You're wonderful, DakhaBrakha❤❤❤. Bless you!

[kriskronkle]

They came to my university last year, and when they played their first song nearly jumped out of my skin!

[therev]

Just discovered DakhaBrakha last Friday and am currently obsessed. In light of the current war on Ukraine I searched for Ukrainian music and certainly wasn't disappointed. Ukraine is in my heart. <3

[ericwehrlin]

Extraordinary discovery : never heard such original music. Many thanks to Tiny desk and its team.