For a band that hails from Moscow, where winters are long and summer heat waves send citizens into daytime revelries of a life beyond their crowded, artificial riverbank beaches, Pompeya's sound is something like diving into a deep blue Caribbean lagoon, where lush green foliage dips into sparkling waters and gently pulsating beats echo from a yacht anchored somewhere nearby.
Maybe they've been dreaming it up all their lives, or perhaps Pompeya have just recently jumped aboard the synth-soaked nostalgia train back to the '80s. Either way, the high, cooing vocals, funky basslines, crisp electric riffs, and chilled-out tropical disco vibes give this Russian rock band an altogether fresh sound, perfect for melting into a new wave of summer heat.
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Since releasing its Foursome full-length in 2012, Pompeya has broken onto the U.S. scene, bolstered by a set of high-profile remixes for the single "Power" put out by Tiger on a Leash Records. With a second LP set to be released in the fall through New York's No Shame Records, the band has been traveling across the country on its first-ever full U.S. tour, making a final stop here in Miami.
To help get us even more psyched for Pompeya's local debut, drummer Nairi Simonian exchanged a few emails with us about how the group came together, the tour so far, and what he's looking forward to most about the Magic City.
Crossfade: Could you give us a brief intro to the band? Who are the members and how did you come together?
Nairi Simonian: It began in Moscow, Russia in 2006. I met Daniil (vox/guitar) via ICQ. I heard some demo he was singing and wanted to play with him. I invited my old friend Denis (bass) to join us -- we've played together before. A few years later, Sasha (keys) joined us. We were just partying and promoting ourselves and our shows. It was crazy times...
Describe your sound in a few words.
The sound has been changing from the first day of forming the band. It's really hard to describe. As an example, for the new record's drums, I want to mix acoustic and electronic kits, and drum machines.
