When war tears at the very fabric of society, music often becomes the language of the unsaid. VGmates—an ensemble of raw emotion, unrelenting honesty, and haunting melodies—takes us on a journey with their six-track album Черным по белому || In Black and White, released on February 24, 2025. For those looking for a reminder of humanity amidst chaos, for those who seek art that dares to confront reality head-on, this album is a statement that begs to be heard.
From the very first track, “Черно-белый мир (Black and White World),” the band makes it clear that this isn’t an album for the faint-hearted. The eponymous piece sets the tone by exploring how war strips away nuance, turning life into a stark tapestry of victims and aggressors. The music opens with a driving rhythm that feels like the pounding of distant artillery, its cadence echoing through the mix. Meanwhile, layered guitars weave around electronic flourishes, creating a sound that is both raw and cinematic. There’s a sense of urgency in the vocals—more a rallying cry than a melody. It’s as if every verse begs the question: When the world loses its greys, how do we hold onto our humanity?
This sense of urgent critique continues in “Гладить кота (Pet the Cat),” a biting, satirical piece that calls out those who remain willfully ignorant of atrocities, focusing instead on trivial comforts. Opening with a playful guitar riff, the track quickly takes a darker turn, introducing a bassline that rumbles with discontent. The lyrics slice through the facade of normalcy, highlighting how easily people distract themselves with mundane pleasures while devastation rages just out of sight. Imagine a society scrolling through cute cat videos in the middle of a crumbling city—this track holds up that unsettling mirror. The interplay of sardonic vocals and driving instrumentation makes “Pet the Cat” a standout in its capacity to make you tap your foot and grimace at the same time.
Switching gears, “Не вернуть (Irreversible)” ushers in a mournful reflection on the changes wrought by war—and how some losses simply cannot be undone. This track leans on slower, more introspective rhythms, letting the vocals hover like a lament over a grave. A plaintive violin and electronic hum merge, creating a sort of post-apocalyptic folk. The lyrics are a series of wistful questions—How do we rebuild a life when the cornerstones of normalcy have shifted? The subtle use of the shakuhachi against a backdrop of distorted guitar adds an otherworldly sheen, reinforcing that feeling of standing in the ruins of a once-familiar landscape.
Midway through the album comes the instrumental centerpiece, “Тьма (Darkness).” Perhaps the most daring track, it dispenses entirely with words, relying solely on synth-based electronics to articulate the overwhelming void of despair and uncertainty. Gone are the live instruments, replaced by reverberating pulses and layered synthetic tones that conjure images of an endless night. It’s an auditory exploration of a space where language no longer suffices—where only music can carry the weight of grief.
“Времени нет (Time Is No More)” brings a sense of urgency back to the forefront, with a beat that pulses like a quickened heartbeat. The guitars and percussion drive forward, embodying the panic of realizing how fleeting time can be, especially in a world shredded by conflict. In this track, the Irish tin whistle makes a discreet yet poignant appearance, weaving through the tension and underscoring how crucial every moment becomes when tomorrow is no guarantee. There’s an undercurrent of regret that courses through the arrangement, balanced by the band’s ability to blend aggression with tenderness.
Finally, “Мы не уходим (We Remain)” closes the album on a note of defiance and hope. After such a heavy emotional journey, it’s a relief to feel the sense of resolution this song brings. Percussive bursts and swirling synth lines merge seamlessly to create a crescendo, and here, the duduk adds a haunting and regal dimension to the track. The lyrics emphasize the endurance of love, ideas, and art in the midst of devastation, suggesting that even in the deepest darkness, there is light if we choose to see it.
Ultimately, Черным по белому || In Black and White is more than an album; it’s a living document of three years of war in Ukraine. The six songs serve as a collective diary, each revealing a facet of human existence under relentless pressure—anger, sorrow, satire, perseverance, and even hope. By blending alternative rock’s raw intensity with electronic intricacies, VGmates have crafted a sound both unique and transcendent. The occasional inclusion of instruments like the Irish tin whistle, duduk, and shakuhachi underscores the band’s refusal to be pigeonholed, while highlighting the universality of their message.
This is music that pulses with life, even as it recounts stories of destruction. It refuses to romanticize hardship, yet it doesn’t abandon the notion that beauty can survive in the ashes. VGmates have struck a delicate balance: confronting the grim realities of war while reminding us that in the shadow of devastation, resilience can—and does—emerge. From the cathartic rage of “Black and White World” to the enduring optimism of “We Remain,” the band’s journey offers a sense of collective understanding, a reflection of humanity’s ability to adapt, endure, and occasionally triumph.
For those who believe music can—and should—serve as both a mirror and a lighthouse, Черным по белому || In Black and White stands as a beacon. It’s harsh, it’s hopeful, it’s haunting—and it might just be the catharsis we need in these uncertain times.
