Young punk rockers of Flit, energized by Orange Revolution, work on new CD

by Danylo Peleschuk

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Just as it marked a new beginning for Ukraine, the Orange Revolution seemed to provide a fresh start for a relatively young new Ukrainian punk rock band, Flit (pronounced "fleet"), ushering in a chance for the band to embrace a new generation's vibrant spirit of freedom and opportunity.

Hailing from Ivano-Frankivsk, the outfit has created a name for itself within the realm of modern Ukrainian rock by touring extensively throughout the country, and playing smaller local gigs such as Plast camps and gatherings.

According to the band members, their most prominent achievement to date is their participation in the well-known "Perlunu Sezony 2004" music festival, which is held annually in Zaporizhia.

Formed in 2001, the band has seen several member changes. As of early 2004, the band consists of Volodymyr Novikov (vocals), Andrii Markir (guitar), Michael Kopiyevskyi (bass) and Ihor Ozarko (drums). In December of 2003 the band released its first full-length recording "Svit Takyi..." ("The World Is Like That..."), distributed by the Ternopil company Grolis Records.

While recording the album, the band received a helping hand from fellow musicians and producers Roman Kalyn and Roman Kostiuk, who dub themselves Gryndzholy (or Greenjolly in English), and are credited with providing the anthem for the world-renowned Orange Revolution of last winter. The now-prominent rappers are local friends of Flit, and have assisted the band in its musical endeavors.

In May 2004 Flit shot its first video for the song "Yizhachok." Later that year the band saw the redistribution of "Svit Takyi..." by Ukr-Music.

Flit is currently gathering material for its next album, which is set to be released sometime during the summer of 2005. The foursome expects to release another single, as well as an accompanying video, in the near future.

The album "Svit Takyi..." is available online at www.ukrmusic.com.ua/eng/album.php?id=365.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, July 10, 2005, No. 28, Vol. LXXIII

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