Scythian bring wild fusion of roots music to Monroe’s

Hailing from Washington DC, Scythian play a wild hybrid of Irish, gypsy and Americana music that they describe as ‘immigrant rock’. They will be full flight with this musical mix when they give two concerts at Monroe’s Live this Thursday, April 7, and Thursday April 14.

Scythian are Alexander Fedoryka (violin, mandolin, harmonica, bass, vocals), Danyloe Fedoryka (rhythm guitar, accordion, vocals), Josef Crosby (violin, bass, vocals), Tim Hepburn (drummer, percussion) and Larissa Fedoryka (cello, bass).

Dan explains the origins of their unusual name.

“The Scythians are ancient nomads from the Black Sea region who became a cultural melting pot. They were only conquered once in their long history – by the Celts. We are Ukrainians playing Irish, bluegrass and gypsy music so we thought the name was pretty fitting.”

Last year, Scythian brought 90 fans on their Irish tour. They are repeating that feat, and then some this year.

“We are bringing 170 fans over two weeks!” Dan says. “The first trip sold out at 90, so we added another trip which is almost full as well.  We’re hoping that the buzz we create the first week will get the locals out the second week.”

Scythian are looking forward to bringing their rootsy mish-mash to Monroe’s, playing a genre that has survived changing fashions.

I think over the last couple of decades, people have become tired of what they’ve been fed and are returning to the source of music, that is the roots. There is a certain purity to it,” Dan remarks.

■ Tickets €10/€7 online at www.monroes.ie.