- In terms of electronic music, Russia is still regarded as an emerging scene. However, some Russian artists have already reached international fame like the ever-energetic Bobina, Nina Kraviz and Anton Zap. Russia also claims Moonbeam, a progressive house duo consisting of two brothers, as one of its finest exports. They played a live set at the Pravda club in Moscow in early December consisting of compositions from their The Secret album, released just a few weeks prior on the Moonbeam digital imprint.
What the gig lacked is probably a slight touch of show. But though everyone on the scene looked quite casual, it didn't spoil the musical aspect of the party. And, in any case, video successfully compensated for the lack of aesthetic flamboyance. Six screens fixed on the wall above Moonbeam's heads showed their videos (rather numerous and stylish, indeed—making movies is the duo's second interest after making music).
Some accuse Moonbeam of being nerdy. Moonbeam look simple and neat. One of them, wearing glasses, looks more like a young scientist than a musician. They took full control of every tone and every button, proving that when they're booked for a live show, it's very much a live show.
The club's unassuming interior welcomes any sort of music, and the night itself isn't about being dressed up to the nines and getting picked up (sadly enough, this type of clubbing is very popular in Russia). But the biggest merit of Pravda is its sound. I'm no engineer, but it's some of the best sound in the city—deep and soft. As an Ibiza regular, Pravda's acoustics reminds me most of the DC-10 terrace. Coupled with solid sound and their own refined and lush music, Moonbeam's night made for a pleasant party, something that can sometimes be hard to come by in Russia's clubbing capital.