Volkova Sisters

Volkova Sisters

Volkova Sisters are a Budapest-based Hungarian group active since 2009. The group forms around Dalma Berger on vocals, Dániel Sándor on synths and Kovács Gergely on guitar. Their early development grows out of the Hungarian underground DIY scene, and they play one of their first gigs at SXSW in 2011.

Formation and name

The group forms in 2009 as a songwriting project between Berger and Sándor, who first connect through a shared interest in dark, melancholic 1980s new wave. Kovács joins later in 2009. The name comes from the central characters in William Gibson’s Pattern Recognition.

Sound and influences

Their music draws on shoegaze, ambient and electronic elements, with references to the textures of My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins. They also describe their approach as mixing European cold wave with a sharper industrial pop edge. The group’s releases and videos are created, directed, recorded and shot by the three members themselves.

Venus Robot and related work

Their debut release is the four-track EP Venus Robot. Its songs centre on loneliness, solace and the aftermath of a relationship break-up. Black Mountain reflects time spent in Los Angeles and travel through the Rocky Mountains and Utah Desert. Last Song Of The Dying Fly leans into a more eccentric sound, while I Could Have Known is the most upbeat track on the EP and includes blues-based guitar from Kovács. World Without Delight returns to synths and Eastern European techno.

Visual work and wider activity

Outside the band’s recordings, Berger works in fashion and appears on runways in Milan, while also directing music videos and photo shoots for designers including BKuND, NUBU and Nora. Kovács works as a visual creative and makes trailers for HBO. Sándor runs a mastering studio and produces other bands on the Hungarian underground scene. The group later tours the US, with performances including SXSW and Whiskey A Go Go.