Убивать - Гражданская оборона
"Убивать" (translated as "To Kill") is a track by the Russian punk rock band Гражданская оборона (Grazhdanskaya oborona), also known as GrOb. The song was released in 1987 as part of their album "Игра в бисер" (The Game of Beads). The theme of the song revolves around the act of killing and the destructive nature of violence. The lyrics portray a bleak and nihilistic outlook on life, with references to death and bloodshed. The song captures the raw energy and intensity of punk rock, with aggressive guitar riffs and powerful vocals by the band's frontman, Yegor Letov. The composition of "Убивать" is characterized by its fast tempo and heavy instrumentation, typical of GrOb's punk rock sound. The band's DIY ethos is evident in the raw production quality of the song, adding to its raw and gritty appeal. Notable facts about "Убивать" include its controversial subject matter and provocative lyrics, which sparked debate and censorship in the Soviet Union at the time of its release. Despite its controversial nature, the song has since become a classic in Russian punk rock history, showcasing GrOb's uncompromising and rebellious spirit.
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.