На наших глазах - Гражданская оборона
"На наших глазах" (translated as "In front of our eyes") is a song by the Russian punk rock band Гражданская оборона (Grazhdanskaya Oborona) released in 1990. The song's theme revolves around the societal issues and political unrest in the Soviet Union during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The composition of the track is characterized by its raw and energetic punk rock sound, featuring distorted guitars, fast-paced drumming, and aggressive vocals by the band's frontman, Egor Letov. The lyrics of the song are filled with angst and frustration, reflecting the turbulent times in which it was written. One notable fact about "На наших глазах" is that it was one of the band's most popular and controversial songs, drawing attention to their anti-establishment views and subversive lyrics. The song became an anthem for the dissident youth culture in Russia at the time, and its rebellious spirit resonated with many who were disillusioned with the government. Overall, "На наших глазах" is a powerful and provocative song that captures the rebellious spirit of the punk rock movement in Russia during the late Soviet era. Its intense energy and political message have cemented it as a classic in the band's discography and a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism.
Гражданская оборона
Гражданская оборона, also known as Civil Defense, was a Russian punk rock band formed in Omsk in 1984 by the iconic frontman Yegor Letov. The band quickly gained a reputation for their raw and politically charged lyrics, as well as their DIY approach to music production. Letov, a self-taught musician and poet, was heavily influenced by Western punk rock bands such as The Sex Pistols and The Clash. He used music as a platform to express his dissatisfaction with the Soviet regime and the oppressive political climate in Russia at the time. Despite facing constant harassment from the authorities, Гражданская оборона continued to produce music and gain a loyal following among dissidents and underground music fans. Their songs often touched on themes of social injustice, government corruption, and the struggle for freedom and individuality. One of the band's most famous albums, "Настройщик" (The Tuner), released in 1988, was a seminal work that solidified their place in Russian music history. The album featured tracks like "Всё идет по плану" (Everything is going according to plan) and "Колхозный панк" (Collective farm punk) that became anthems for the disaffected youth of the era. Гражданская оборона's impact on Russian music cannot be overstated. They were pioneers of the punk rock scene in Russia and paved the way for countless other artists to use music as a form of protest and social commentary. Their uncompromising attitude and fearless creativity inspired a new generation of musicians to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Despite Letov's untimely death in 2008, the legacy of Гражданская оборона lives on through their music, which continues to resonate with listeners who seek truth and authenticity in a world filled with hypocrisy and oppression. They remain an enduring symbol of resistance and defiance in the face of adversity.