Based in Winnipeg, Canada, Tired Cossack is a Ukranian-Canadian artist who has been putting out music since the start of 2021. It’s taken until now for him to come to my attention though, and that’s all thanks to his new album release. Combining indie rock, alt-country, shoegaze and Ukrainian folklore, it’s called I Know, I Guess.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by K Doer

The album opens with Sardines. It’s a charming start, mixing the raw and intimate with something a little more otherworldly. The vocals are wonderfully soulful and compelling when they come in and things stay nicely between upbeat and melancholic. There’s a relatable feel about it all, and I definitely wanted to hear more.

New Binge takes things in a rockier direction, with dirty, grungy guitar and world-weary vocals. Cowboy strips things right back before exploding into a cathartic rock arrangement. It has an irresistible rhythm in the verse that’ll have you nodding your head. It’s a highlight.

Upper is suitably lively, with pop sensibilities mixed within its experimental rock composition. Dingo Starr goes heavy on the drums and jangly guitar, and takes things on a post-punk detour. Downer rounds off the first half of the album with a slow and vulnerable moment that builds with atmospheric layers.

Korean Baseball livens things back up again with a looping melody and characterful vocals. Tin keeps the tempo up and introduces some ’00s indie rock swagger. Sleepy Beepy doesn’t lose any of that energy while taking things in a slightly more introspective direction.

Casio feels more delicate, returning us more to the tone introduced by Sardines. It grows into a cinematic wonder. Zubov brings back the grunge with distorted guitar and passionate vocals before Voice closes the album with a slow-burning number that lingers long after it reaches its end. It’s the perfect conclusion.

I Know, I Guess was recorded at House of Wonders studio in Winnipeg. You can give it a listen below.