Description
Svetlanas - This Is Moscow Not LA – Blue Vinyl Record
Svetlanas’ This Is Moscow Not LA, released in 2017, is a fierce and politically charged punk rock album that showcases the band’s raw energy and confrontational style. Known for their aggressive sound and incendiary live performances, the Svetlanas have carved out a unique space in the punk scene with their blend of hardcore punk and old-school punk rock influences.
Svetlanas was formed in Moscow but later relocated to Italy, with the band’s lineup including members from various countries. Their music is heavily influenced by classic punk bands like the Dead Kennedys, The Exploited, and Black Flag, but with a modern twist that reflects the band’s international background and the socio-political issues they address in their lyrics.
The title This Is Moscow Not LA suggests a defiant stance, juxtaposing the gritty realities of life in Moscow with the more glamorous and commercially successful punk scene in Los Angeles. This contrast highlights the band’s commitment to authenticity and their rejection of the commodification of punk culture.
This Is Moscow Not LA is a fast, aggressive album that blends the raw energy of hardcore punk with the sneering attitude of classic punk rock. The album is characterized by its high-octane tempo, abrasive guitar riffs, and the snarling vocals of frontwoman Olga Svetlanas, whose delivery is as confrontational as it is compelling.
The album’s sound is heavily rooted in hardcore punk, with short, fast songs that rarely exceed two to three minutes. The guitar work is sharp and aggressive, while the rhythm section drives the songs with relentless intensity. Lyrically, the album is filled with political and social commentary, addressing issues like corruption, oppression, and the struggles of everyday life. The band’s lyrics reflect a sense of anger and disillusionment, delivered with a biting sense of irony and sarcasm.
While the music is hard-hitting and aggressive, it also carries the rebellious, anti-establishment spirit of early punk rock. The band’s attitude is uncompromising, and their music reflects a deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Key Tracks:
‘Putin on Hitz’: One of the standout tracks on the album, ‘Putin on Hitz’ is a scathing critique of Russian politics, with lyrics that are both provocative and darkly humorous. The song’s fast pace and biting lyrics make it a powerful opening statement.
‘Let’s Get Drunk’: This track combines the band’s aggressive punk sound with a more anthemic chorus, capturing the reckless, defiant spirit that punk has always celebrated. It’s a song that invites the listener to join in on the band’s chaotic rebellion.
‘Negative Approach’: The title track is a declaration of the band’s identity and their rejection of mainstream punk’s commercialization. It’s a blistering track that encapsulates the themes of authenticity and defiance that run throughout the album.
‘Vodka’N’Roll’: This song features a mix of aggressive guitar riffs and shouted vocals, making it one of the more intense tracks on the album. The lyrics reflect themes of resistance and survival in the face of oppression.
This Is Moscow Not LA solidified Svetlanas’ reputation as one of the most incendiary punk bands of their time. The album’s raw energy and uncompromising political stance resonate with listeners who appreciate punk’s roots in social and political protest.
The band’s fearless approach to addressing controversial topics, combined with their intense live performances, has earned them a dedicated following within the punk community. Svetlanas continue to be a powerful voice in punk, using their music as a platform to challenge authority and speak out against injustice.
For fans of hardcore punk and politically charged music, This Is Moscow Not LA is a must-listen. It’s an album that captures the rebellious spirit of punk in its purest form, reminding listeners of the genre’s power to confront and provoke.
Rad Girlfriend Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Putin On The Hitz
Lose Control
Tell Me Why
Let’s Get Drunk
Vodka’N’Roll
Negative Approach
Speed Freak
Put Your Middle Fingers Up
Where Is My Borscht
People Suck
