“Alisa” is a representative of the St. Petersburg rock club. They appeared in 1983. In a year Konstantin Kinchev joined the band and became its main lyricist and vocalist. They still produce new albums and give concerts. The first album by the new lineup of “Alisa” was released in 1985th. It was called “Энергия” (“Energy” in English). The songs of this album (and most of their songs at all) were really quite energetic. This one album is quite soft, as well as the second one, third and fourth. Further on the band's music became some heavier. The name of the second album is a word spun. It is called “Блок ада” (блокада – blockade; блок ада – blocking the hell). That was the album where the first version of the hit song “Красное на чёрном” (“Red on black”) appeared. Also it has nothing common with Satanism or black-metal. Most of the songs are socio-political lyrics with philosophical context, vivid metaphors and even religion some times. Communist party of the USSR accused “Alisa” of fascism. At one of the concerts some person heard that Konstantin sang: “Hile Gitler on the farther side”. Indeed he sang: “Hey you on the farther side”. The song was about the possibility of the dialog with the West.
In 1996 the album “Jazz” was released. It was the 8th album of the band. The music in that album was very different from the music they performed before. Also other albums (and songs within one album) are not equal in music (and lyrics). Among the genres there are: power-metal, classic rock, psychedelic-rock, post-punk, jazz, etc.
Most of the lyrics are very well written. Let me show you a sample of translation of the lyrics. It is the song from the second album called “Блок ада”. The song is called “Воздух” (“Air”). Today the night will be again And I will see the dreams. How strangely I am spinned By the movement from spring to spring.
The net of black and white lines, The lash of the TV set. I do really want to be in that place But I can not bare it yet.Air. Air. I need the air.
My colors are black and red But it was not me who chose that. Someone who is very alike to walls Press me by himself. I continue to sing someone’s words But whom been I played by? Air.Air.I need the air. Air. It is silly to search for eyes Behind the black eye-glasses, But night sharpens The eyesight of predators and moles. It is the chance To stay sated and alive. Everyone’s got the permission To become first or second. I need the air. Air. Air. I need the air.
