Renowned Ukrainian singer-songwriter Maryna Krut is resilience personified. She was only little when she first heard the bandura (a bulbous 64-stringed, handheld guitar/harp) but its ethereal sound immediately caught her ear. Traditionally played by blind or visually impaired troubadours, Krut’s unique style of bandura playing shines a light on Ukrainian culture, history and its war-torn present. She uses her bandura and gorgeous voice to connect the listener to the strength and history of her people through her original songs – sometimes created using poems from Ukrainian masters – as well as traditional compositions and lullabies. Only in her 20s, her instrument is twice her age. Her singing voice is evocative, birdlike and flits between jazzy inflections and heart-tugging sighs. She is a master instrumentalist, simultaneously playing bass notes, accompanying chords and melody lines on the bandura – it’s clear that Krut has studied for decades, exploring every inch of her beloved instrument. Her compositions are many things at once: modern meets ancient, supple meets strong, culminating in timeless, spaceless, unforgettable impressions.

— Chantal Vitalis