Esli Mozhno’s ‘Through the Screen’: A Dark Dive into Retrofuturist Post-Punk

Photographer: Anna Shishkina

Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the melodic post-punk band Esli Mozhno continues to captivate audiences with their unique sound and evocative storytelling. Translating as “if possible” or “if that’s okay,” Esli Mozhno was founded in late 2021 by singer-songwriter and producer Alexey Polyakov. Since then, the band has steadily built anticipation for their debut full-length album, scheduled for release in the summer of 2025.

The second single from this upcoming album, Through the Screen, marks a significant step in the band’s artistic evolution. Inspired by themes of space travel and retrofuturism, the track delves into a hauntingly introspective world. It stands out as the album’s darkest composition, offering listeners a glimpse through the eyes of an invisible, formless observer who perceives the world in its entirety, yet remains detached and unseen.

Esli Mozhno’s sound skilfully blends melodic post-punk elements with atmospheric textures, creating an immersive listening experience that resonates with the restless and the curious alike. Through the Screen exemplifies this approach, drawing listeners into a cinematic narrative that feels both otherworldly and intimately human.

As anticipation grows for the full album, Through the Screen serves as a compelling introduction to the rich sonic landscape Alexey Polyakov and his bandmates are crafting. It’s a bold, thoughtful piece that not only honours the post-punk tradition but also pushes its boundaries with fresh, imaginative storytelling.

For fans of atmospheric post-punk and those intrigued by the intersections of music, space, and the unknown, Esli Mozhno’s Through the Screen is a single not to be missed.