The third single from VELIKA VELIKA, “The Gulag Archipelago” thrills with a dynamic rock ascent and personal lyrical prowess. The Coventry, England-based artist’s track takes inspiration from Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s book of the same name, particularly the work’s themes of “of making choices within your own suffering.” The book made a strong personal impact on VELIKA VELIKA during a period of personal crossroads, and the result is a single with ample heartfelt emotion and stellar songwriting.
The track expands with a steady captivation, from quaint ukulele charm into a resonating vigor — propelled by electric guitars and ardent vocal pushes. “The Gulag Archipelago” exists in various parts, feeling like a different world entirely across the more orchestral-laden conclusion. There, following the peppy rock first half, cinematic strings swell with fervency as the vocals fade. A foreboding sense is apparent as the strings descend into a whimper, capping off the excellent “The Gulag Archipelago” with spine-tingling effect.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
