2 March 2013

A Little bit of Russian Post Punk

I was planning for a while doing this post, hence my opinion on Russian Post Punk.
For a start, let me make it straight to you that Goth didn't exist in Soviet Union as much as many different sub-cultural / musical varieties. However, when looking [and hearing] at it now one could easily connect the rock music of the 80's in Russia to a typical Gothicly inclined sound.

Why do you need to hear this?
Because, and it's only my opinion, but Soviet Union had such a major impact on society that it made people hide themselves and what they are willing to express in terms of art and music. I mean, those people lived for years knowing that what they are passionate about creating is forbidden, and they can only make it "between the lines", writing lyrics which, literary speaking, told a completely different story but the people involved in it could easily understand, and all this just so the government won't find out.
I believe that the term "underground" was so strong and specific back then, I can only give much respect to those people who had the courage and enthusiasm to do it. All this refers to writers, classical music composers, journalists etc.

In addition, if you'd happen to ask a Russian [make it a Slavic person who lived/ knows SU times] about the rock music back then, he would name only 3 or 4 bands, because there were so few in the 80's and early 90's that actually gained success. Behind every band like this is a story, and in those times, if you liked anything alternative you would listen only to those few bands, because there was nothing else to hold on to.
It is so macabre, the way I see it, that the music has and always will have something mystical in it.

We will start with the giants of Russian rock:

Kino. Formed in 1982 their leader, Victor Tsoy, is practically the most recognized classic rock musician of that time. His lyrics and way of looking at the world of that time made him so popular, that after his death in a car accident in 1990 made him a complete hero.

"Changes". A song that talks about how the generation of the SU demands changes. pretty obvious to explain.

"Mother we are all very ill". Tsoy says, we are very ill, we have all gone mad.

"Close the door after me, I'm leaving".
The self made video clip goes very nice with this song. 

There are a lot of happy songs as well, funny ones that every teenager can relate to. Translating those songs is always inspiring. 
Fun Fact: this music wasn't even made as Goth, but it's Post Punk in its true kind. Can you hear the drums and the low voice? It is so familiar to us today.

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Next Band is Nautilus Pompilius. They were active in the 80's, and after a short break the band remained active till today. I've decided to include them here, among other bands, is because their sound was very different, and the band sometimes included elements of folk music.
The band varies in genres, which makes them so inspiring.

Forged together with the one chain.
I believe this is the best song that can impersonate the SU times.
"Here women seek but they find only aging, here they measure work by the level of tiredness."

This music will be eternal.

This is all I would like to share so far. Of curse after the 90's various styles and other bands existed, also in the 80's, but I've decided to focus on those two for now.
If someone would be interested in more music I would be happy to share.

Keep it Old School!

+ Nebel Violet +

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