Gothic music in Ukraine always was in a deep underground. It is an indisputable fact. It's not less conclusive that a similar sort in creativity at us broad masses of public hardly will become interested, let alone leading domestic labels. Therefore occurrence in the market of a disk of Odessa collective Fleur, moreover in such known firm as Lavina Music, is perceived, to put it mildly, with surprise. Which repeatedly amplifies at acquaintance with contents of a plate. Difficultly to itself to present, that presently there are still people, capable to support so noncommercial product. I present, as noses of many of you were contemptiously wrinkled at perusal of these lines. Just a minute! I have told "noncommercial", but I have not told "bad"! Moreover, I'm ready to assert opinion, that 'Touch' - remarkable in own way album.
So sincere and genuine sadness, melancholies, romanticism, at last, love, me for a long time it was not necessary to hear any more. In the beginning of the review I have hastened to name Fleur a gothic style, and meanwhile it not absolutely so. Certainly, the Gothic component takes the basic place, but besides it here is both medieval motives, and easy, hardly perceptible influence folk. Influence of classical music is sometimes heard even. Well, the dissatisfied reader will tell, has heaped up such, that features a leg will break, - and will be absolutely right. I shall try to simplify. Blackmore's Night remember? And so, as much as possible simplifying, creativity Fleur can be compared to family collective legendary Ricchi. Though, if it is fair, all similarity will consist only in similar sounding yes approximately identical tooling. Plus also there, here again the leading part is played with an acoustic guitar.
By the way, about a guitar. I have been very much surprised, when have read in the booklet, that in all compositions on this tool plays... The girl by name Elena Vojnarovskaja (a guitar, a vocal). She is the author of half of songs. Second half one more representative of a fine half of mankind - Olga Pulatova (a piano, a vocal). Their beautiful, feeling melodies and not less beautiful voices bewitch, will penetrate into the nature oppress and remain there for long weeks, and even months. Complete and without that positive impressions texts of songs which authors besides are Elena and Olga.
If about belongings to a gothic style music it is possible to argue still in verses it (gothic style) reigns gloomily. In the best traditions of the French symbolism when a little that is clear, but mysteriously, mystically and very much, very beautifully.
Not applying for truth in highest authority and understanding, that begin to listen such music is far from being everyone, I, nevertheless, shall dare to recommend to you even to familiarize with a disk. If it's not yours, you will understand at once, otherwise risk for long time to get under magic influence of 'Touch'.

© Dmitry Shpakovich, translation - Mashenka