[Cover photo features Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello, photo credit to Michael Avendon]
“’Teroborona‘ is a term for Civil Defense Units formed of civilians who stood up to protect Ukraine,” explains Eugene Hütz, the frontman of Punk Rock band Gogol Bordello. It’s also the title of their new song out from Cooking Vinyl whose video is provocative and puts “a very real face on the Ukrainian militia” who are currently fighting against Russian invaders to their homeland.
With scenes depicting civilians picking up arms and performing drills to prepare for battle, the video is “an incendiary statement about Ukrainian patriotism and its widespread embrace”.
Hütz continues:
Many of my artist and musician friends had to pick up arms and join Teroborona. This is a dedication to their courage and to the courage of all defenders. The song is rooted in Ukrainian traditional dance ‘Arkan,’ one of true Ukrainian Hutzul spirit.
Interspliced with scenes of Gogol Bordello and featured guests The Cossacks performing the song, “Teroborona” not only offers moral support but practical support as well. All proceeds from the sale of the track will go toward the band’s Cauze campaign, a modern Donor-Advised Fund that donates to Care.org’s Ukrainian Crisis Response.
In addition, Eugene Hütz 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.”
