Punk rebels Pussy Riot have been in the news a lot in recent weeks. Their new single, 'Putin Zazhigaet Kostry' hits out against the band's persecution by the Russian judiciary and government. The title translates as 'Putin LIights Up the Fires' and the lyrics directly reference three of the band members' recently awarded prison sentences: 

'Arrest the whole city for May 6th
Seven years isn't enough, give us 18!'

Pussy Riot

Pussy Riot are a feminist punk-rock outfit from Moscow. Their music and performances are inherently punchy and political. They stage unannounced provocative and socially loaded performances in iconic or relevant Russian locations. Recent performance venues have included atop the Lobnoye Mesto in Red Square, the Moscow Metro and most recently upon the altar at the renowned Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, a performance which ended in arrest. 

A week and a half after their 'punk prayer' performance in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, three members of the band were arrested for 'hooliganism'. On August 17 those three members wre then covicted of hooliganism motivaton by religious hatred. The trio have been given a two year sentence each. Public outrage followed, as did political disapproval - USA President Barack Obama commented, 'we have serious concerns about the way that these young women have been treated by the Russian judicial system'. Their plight calls in to question issues of free spech and human right to expression in Russia.

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True to their punk protesting hearts, the band have released their new single regardless of their difficult situation.The music is passionate, loud and important.