Sounds of Soviet Underground, Brighton, The Hope and Ruin, 13th September 2026

Soviet Underground is back in Brighton, The Hope and Ruin for the second time!

Club the Mammoth presents:

Soviet Underground + The Beyene Affair + Joanna and the Dropouts

A night dedicated to the Soviet-era underground music scene with songs of influential Red Wave bands performed live. London-based cover collective Soviet Underground recreate the sound of music revolution behind the iron curtain, paying tribute to the legendary bands that rose from Western-influenced underground subculture to mainstream phenomena. The music, presented by Soviet Underground, takes the listener on a historic music journey with covers of iconic songs by Kino, Nautilus Pompilius, Zoopark and many more.

Soviet Underground released their first album featuring original songs in June 2025, inspired by the sound of pioneering Soviet bands. The album is a representation of the band’s journey so far, shaped by the music they grew up with and is a reflection of their influences and their own voice. Having played Brighton this summer, Soviet Underground will return to bring the atmosphere of Leningrad’s Rock Club to The Hope and Ruin this autumn.

'Hailing from London, Soviet Underground operate as a collective on a mission to revive the spirit of the Soviet-era underground music scene. They interpret and reimagine the “Red Wave” of cult Eastern Bloc bands, delivering covers with a deep respect for the original aesthetic while placing it firmly into a Western context. With an atmospheric blend of post-punk edginess and vintage cold-wave textures, the group invites listeners on a sonic journey through a lesser-known chapter of music history—bringing a feel of lost archives into present-day listening rooms. Their work is both an homage and a curiosity-driven exploration, appealing to music-lovers intrigued by the intersection of political sound-culture and underground art.' - Brighton Gig Focus, 2025.

Linktree: Soviet Underground
Instagram: Soviet Underground

The Beyene Affair

The Beyene Affair are three working musicians that have built a project for their own satisfaction. Their songs are constructed as an excuse to spend time with friends and for the love of making music.

Their circumstances mean they can take influences from the full scale of their listening palate which includes Khruangbin, Jungle, Tom Misch, Girma Beyene, Thee Sacred Souls and El Michels Affair

Instagram: The Beyene Affair

Joanna and The Dropouts

Formed in 2019, Joanna and The Dropouts are a Brighton/London-based band drawing from garage rock and retro pop influences. Frontwoman Joanna leads with vocals inspired by artists such as The B-52’s and Wanda Jackson, alongside her distinctive baby blue Fender guitar. She’s joined by Ross on bass, Charlotte on keys and Jimmy on drums. FFO Shannon and the clams, The Black keys and The cramps. Notable gigs include; Glastonbury’s Croissant Neuf Stage 2024, 100 club 2025 and Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival 2026.

Instagram: Joanna and the Dropouts