Gypsy punks GOGOL BORDELLO have released their new single and video “Forces of Victory.” The song features Ukrainian poet, novelist, essayist, and translator Serhiy Zhadan and Ukrainian electro-folk band Kazka and is performed in their native Ukrainian.
Gogol frontman Eugene Hütz said this about the song: “Music with real purpose for real warriors who need it now is what ‘Forces of Victory’ is all about. Ukraine is a very musical nation, and the right kind of music makes a world of difference. If you have met at least one of us you already know that Ukraine will prevail, this is just about speeding it up.”
The chorus translates as:
Just when it seems I can no longer go on
That is exactly how I know that I will make it
I know it’s exactly how the forces of victory awaken deep within
When you are halfway through…
The video also features phenomenal work of front-line photographer Andriy Dubchak. It is also a lead track of compilation Artdopomoga Vol 2. which features Ukrainian artists reacting to war.
With the atrocities still being committed in his native Ukraine, Gogol Bordello and especially Hütz have been on the forefront to bring more attention on the invasion of Ukraine.
Bearing witness as his homeland endured the heinous barrage of a violent and deadly invasion from Russia, Eugene recently joined forces with Les Claypool of Primus to collaborate on “Zelensky: The Man With the Iron Balls,” a joint release to rally support for the Ukrainian people. The track also features Stewart Copeland, Sean Lennon, Billy Strings, and fellow Gogol bandmate Sergey Ryabtsev.
Proceeds from the sale of the single will be donated to Nova Ukraine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
In addition, Eugene collaborated with NYC punk stalwart Jesse Malin for a cover of The Pogues’ classic “If I Should Fall From Grace With God.” Released exclusively via Bandcamp, all proceeds for that single will benefit the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, which “supports the development of democracy, a free-market economy and human rights in Ukraine, and the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine.”
