The Ukrainians

The Ukrainians are a British band best known for blending traditional Ukrainian folk music with Western rock and punk influences. Formed in the early 1990s as a spin-off from the indie band The Wedding Present, The Ukrainians began as a one-off project to record Ukrainian-language tracks but quickly evolved into a full-fledged band with a distinctive style. Their sound features traditional instruments like the bandura and violin, fused with electric guitars and energetic rhythms, giving classic Ukrainian melodies a modern, global twist.

Over the years, The Ukrainians have built a solid following across Europe and beyond, thanks to their dynamic live performances and commitment to bringing Eastern European music to a wider audience. They often sing in Ukrainian and their discography includes both original songs and imaginative covers—such as their Ukrainian-language versions of tunes by The Smiths and The Sex Pistols. With albums like Vorony and Kultura, they continue to celebrate and reimagine Ukrainian cultural identity through music.