Pussy Riot: true punks

On 21 February 2012, punk rock outfit Pussy Riot performed at Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior. In doing so, band members Maria Alekhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, and Ekaterina Samucevich hoped to highlight the relationship between the Russian president, Vladimir Putin and the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church.

A week later, a video of their performance was uploaded to YouTube. Alekhina, Tolokonnikova, and Samucevich were subsequently arrested and charged with hooliganism. And have been in pre-trial detention since 4 March 2012.

Pussy Riot's plight has received support from musicians such as Jarvis Cocker, Pete Townsend and Alex Kapronos, who all called for the three band members to be released.

Musically they sound a little like Minor Threat. Not being a Russian speaker Sound Destruction Device can’t comment on the lyrics, but watch a few videos on YouTube and you soon get a feel for what they are about.

It’s easy - and probably lazy - to draw parallels with bands like Bikini Girl from the Riot Grrrl movement of the mid-nineties, but they are cut from the same cloth. And that’s no bad thing.

Pussy Riot employ guerrilla-style tactics by performing in and around Russian landmarks at the drop of a hat. So the music is simple, ruthless and to the point. Just as it should be. There’s no waste and no time for solos. It’s smash and grab. Which is what real punk is all about.

Anyone can be in Pussy Riot - they wear balaclavas to cover their faces. And unlike the majority of people who apply to be on The X Factor, they haven’t sought fame or fortune. The band is all about the cause.

While popular western music can be frustrating and disheartening because of its seemingly increasing mediocrity and blandness, it’s refreshing to hear a band that cares and sticks to its principles, despite such strong adversity.

You can find out more about the campaign to release Pussy Riot on the Free Pussy Riot! website.