London’s avant-garde provocateur Brudini has unleashed a potent force with ‘Rogue Oligarch’, a track that charges headfirst into chaos with razor-edged swagger. Leaning into his experimental instincts more fiercely than ever, Brudini fuses jagged post-punk pulse, searing guitar outbursts, and untamed brass improvisations into a volatile, hypnotic brew.
Originally tucked away as a B-side in 2020, ‘Rogue Oligarch’ has been resurrected from obscurity following Brudini’s striking return to live stages in East London earlier this year. After a two-year creative retreat in Norway, his March gigs at Poetry Brothel London and Biddle Bros cracked open something electric, breathing fresh fire into this once-shelved track.
Built on a transnational collaboration, the song pits Brudini’s brooding vocal delivery against the combustible energy of Istanbul jazz luminaries Taskin Akarsu (trumpet) and Baris Dogukan (trombone). Facilitated by longtime ally Derin Bayhan on drums, the session captures an organic, almost primal energy- directed in real-time and translated across languages as the horns spiral into a fierce, improvisational storm.
The track’s recording is rounded out by Christos Fanaras on bass, with a mix crafted by Njål Paulsberg and a mastering touch from Martin Ankelius, ensuring that every sharp edge and smoky groove cuts straight through. It’s a wild, careening listen that feels on the verge of collapse at every moment- and that’s exactly where its brilliance lies.
‘Rogue Oligarch’ is a fever dream of distorted headlines and urban nights, delivered with a grin. Brudini’s ability to meld literary gravitas, avant-garde spirit, and raw human emotion has never sounded more vital. As he sets the stage for the release of the album ‘Vanishing Point’ later this year, this track is a thrilling reminder that Brudini isn’t here to play it safe.
If you like your music unpredictable, a little dangerous, and undeniably alive, consider ‘Rogue Oligarch’ essential listening.