Folk Fatale
Self-Released, 2026
9/10
The Ontario duo of Alina Kuzma and Zoë Santo, as Divka they pen an album of songs created by women, carried through centuries of war, displacement, and cultural suppression.
The expressive vocals and upbeat strings of “Of Storms, Babas, and Fiddling Rabbits” flows with much warmth and adventurousness, and “Zhuravel” follows with Santo’s strategic viola amid the emotive singing.
Moving into the middle, the dance floor spirit of “IDK” is full of melodic spirit via the vocal harmonies, while “Volodor” blends the viola and Kuzma’s bandura with hand clapping and firm bouts.
Getting close to the end, “Kailalliri” mesmerizes us with its meticulous strings and colorful singing of the traditional Karelian + Crimean Tatar, and “Kozel” exits with the animated voices aligning with playful instrumentation.
A daring effort that employs polyphonic singing, raw moments and a rebellious nature, Divka flesh out a post-modern feminist experience that should be required listening in 2026.
Travels well with: Duende Libre- The Dance She Spoke; Naima Shalhoub- Siphr