Aquarium | Artist
Aquarium (Аквариум) is a Russian rock band formed 1972 in Leningrad by Boris Grebenshchikov (vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica, glockenspiel, tambura), Anatoly "George" Gunitsky (drums), Alexander Tsatsanidi (bass), Vadim Vasilyev (keyboards) and Valery Obogrelov (sound recording). They started out when friends Grebenshchikov, then a student of applied mathematics at Leningrad University, and Gunitsky, a playwright and absurdist poet, decided to form one of Russia's first ever rock groups. The band has had many line-up changes over its history, and lead singer and founder Boris Grebenshchikov is the only remaining original member. In the 1970s and early 1980s, rock music was strictly regulated in the Soviet Union, and only a few artists managed to be approved and signed by the government record label Melodiya. Aquarium's usual concert venues were private apartments and they faced many years of fierce competition to land a spot on the label. Aquarium burst into the consciousness of the Soviet rock scene by competing at the 1980 Tbilisi Rock Festival, where they caused a scandal, with their performance considered bizarre and shocking. During the set, Grebenshchikov lay down on the stage and made provocative movements while playing the guitar, causing all the jury members to demonstratively leave the hall. The band was accused of promoting homosexuality, incest and indecency, and banned from the festival. The incident became known in Leningrad, and as a result Grebenshchikov lost his job and was expelled from the Young Communist's League. However, while they didn't receive any prizes, the band's performance made them a symbol of the Soviet alternative culture. The advent of Glasnost in the second half of the 1980s brought many underground Russian rock musicians to public recognition and Aquarium became one of the most popular acts. They were allowed to play in large concert halls, appeared on state-owned television and recorded soundtracks for several films. In 1987 they recorded their first album for the state-owned Melodiya record label. With official backing and legalised distribution the album Equinox was a huge hit in the Soviet Union, selling well over a million copies within a few months. The band's first seven albums were all self recorded and illicitly self released, but have subsequently been re-released on various labels. To-date they have released over 40 albums, plus Boris Grebenshchikov has a further 27 albums under his name. Standout albums include Acoustic [Акустика] (1982), To Find [Табу] (1982), Radio Afrika [Радио Африка] (1983), Equinox [Равноденствие] (1987), Navigator [Навигатор] (1995), Careless Russian Tramp [Беспечный русский бродяга] (2006), and the Boris Grebenshchikov solo album Russian Album [Русский Альбом] (1992). Aquarium's sound was strongly influenced by Western rock music, particularly by the Beatles, Dylan, Bowie, T.Rex, and various Prog Rock bands. This was reflected in the band's often complex compositions and wide-ranging lyric themes, even including references to Celtic folk and Indian raga music.
Artist Website: bg-aquarium.com
Featured Albums: Aquarium
Related Artists: Kino, Vermichelli Orchestra, Boris Grebenshchikov, Akvarium
