The band “Butterfly Effect” was formed in Cherkasy in 2004 by musicians who had previously played in various local projects. Some of those earlier bands had split up, but their members didn’t want to leave the stage — this shared desire brought the future lineup together. The name symbolically reflects the central idea: “a small action can lead to a big result,” a concept that perfectly matched the spirit of the group.
Formation and Early Years (2004–2008)
The first years of the band’s existence passed almost unnoticed by the general public. The lineup changed several times, and only by 2008 did the group settle into its “golden roster”:
- Serhii Bobrov — vocals, lyricist, conceptual author
- Kostiantyn Dobrotskyi — guitar
- Yevhen Yakshyn — guitar, backing vocals
- Yurii Heleveria — drums
- Andrii Kryvushyn — bass
The main creative driving force was Serhii Bobrov — he shaped the band’s lyrical themes, creating emotional, sometimes philosophical, but always sincere material.
During this period, the musicians performed extensively in clubs, experimented with different sounds, and explored everything from heavier rock to tender acoustic sets. Gradually, their direction became clear: funk rock with emotional delivery and strong live energy.
Breakthrough: Winning DJUICE MUSIC DRIVE (2009)
The pivotal moment came in 2009, when “Butterfly Effect” won the DJUICE MUSIC DRIVE 2009. DEBUT festival.
The festival toured 20 cities across Ukraine, and the final show took place on Kontraktova Square in Kyiv. Five of the most promising young bands reached the final — and the group from Cherkasy took first place.
This victory brought:
- a contract with Sony Music,
- a major boost in media attention,
- wider recognition among fans of the alternative scene.
The win set the foundation for a new chapter in the band’s career.
The Album “Cocoons” and Artistic Growth
After the victory, the band focused on studio recording, resulting in the album “Cocoons”, which included 7 songs already familiar to their fans.
The sound matured into a cohesive blend of funk and rock energy, with driving riffs, unusual vocal phrasing, and lyrics about love, freedom, inner flight, and emotional openness. Experimental touches can be heard throughout — unexpected rhythms, vivid percussion, and unconventional harmonies.
The album was warmly received, especially for its sincerity, uplifting energy, and authentic performance.
Festivals and Live Reputation
By their fifth anniversary, the band had gained a strong fan base and became regular participants at major festivals:
- “Mazepa Fest”
- “Trypilski Zori”
- “Rock-Vizok”
- “Tarasova Hora”
- “Taras Bulba”
- “Fortetsia”
The band quickly earned a reputation as one of the most energetic live projects in Ukraine. Their performances featured powerful dual-guitar arrangements, full emotional commitment, and a drive that could “ignite” any audience.
Success in 2010–2011
In 2010, the band joined the M1 Channel project “Fresh Blood” and was highlighted as one of the most dynamic and promising acts of the season.
They also won the DJUICE Apartment Session, where the main expert was Sviatoslav Vakarchuk — a major achievement for any young band.
In February 2011, “Butterfly Effect” performed at the tenth Crimean Rock Festival — a landmark event where many Ukrainian bands first received collaboration offers. The Cherkasy musicians were warmly welcomed.
Rare and Little-Known Facts
- The band rehearsed for a long time in an abandoned factory building, where they built a small studio themselves.
- Bassist Andrii Kryvushyn originally joined as a sound engineer, but after improvising a bass part at rehearsal, he was immediately recruited.
- Serhii Bobrov has an unpublished poetry collection, portions of which became song lyrics.
- The song “Cocoons” took almost a year to create, unlike most of their tracks, which were written quickly.
- Some early tracks exist in “heavy” versions that were never officially released — only live fans know them.
- At one festival, the band refused to perform to a backing track, insisting on playing live — earning deep respect from fellow musicians.
- In 2010, the band was considered for Ukraine’s Eurovision National Selection, but the project wasn’t finalized.
Discography of “Butterfly Effect”
Albums
1. “Poltergeist” (1998)
— Debut album
— “Strashno sidet odnoi”
— “Kakao-kakao”
— “Poltergeist”
— “Plach, no ne ukhodi”
2. “Gone with the Wind — Vol. 2” (1999)
(Often mentioned as part of the early compilation period)
3. “Gone with the Wind — Vol. 3” (2000)
(Participation in various compilations)
4. “Full Version” (2002)
— Collection of early and popular songs
5. “Love Mood” (2005)
— Retro-style compositions
— “Katyusha”
— “Staryi klen”
— “Romashki”
6. “A Subtle Hint” (2006)
7. “Star Line” (2007)
8. “Cocoons” (2009)
— “Kokony”
— “Sontsy”
— “Zabuty”
— “Ne vypuskai”
— other well-known tracks
(Note: several albums were released in different versions or as compilations — typical for the Ukrainian music market of the 2000s.)
Conclusion
“Butterfly Effect” is a remarkable example of how a band from a small Ukrainian city achieved national recognition solely through honest music, live performance, and sheer energy. They rose from underground clubs to major festivals, earning the reputation of one of the most sincere and high-energy rock bands in Ukraine. The group continues to evolve, and fans believe that the “Butterfly Effect” is far from finished.
