Friends vinyl

In an alternate digital universe of 1986, The Bolshoi's album would have likely found itself nestled in online recommendation sections akin to "If you like The Cure, you'll love The Bolshoi." This hypothetical scenario belies the band's classification as peripheral goth, a tag more for convenience than accuracy, according to a listener reflecting on youthful musical explorations. Their discovery of the album was likely facilitated by late-night KROQ broadcasts or perhaps a peer's persuasive recommendation at Tower Records. The listener was drawn to its amalgamation of 80s post-punk attitude, British keyboards, and a dark allure that complemented its underlying pop sensibilities. Not a frenetic production, the album instead inhabited the midtempo realms shared by The Jesus and Mary Chain and Love and Rockets, adding a distinctive gothic edge epitomized by tracks like the anti-establishment 'Sunday Morning.' While never quite aligned with icons like The Sisters of Mercy or Joy Division, the listener's eclectic collection of Psychedelic Furs, Gene Loves Jezebel, and Flesh for Lulu albums mirrored their penchant for divergent musical paths. In hindsight, albums like The Bolshoi's serve as foundational stepping stones beyond mainstream sounds, offering a gateway to deeper musical exploration and shaping enduring musical preferences.