Domansky, Y. (2018). Egor Letov’s formula-based poetics: A monograph. Moscow, Kaluga, Venice: Bull Terrier Records. (In Russ.)

Abstract

The monograph by Y. Domansky contains a comprehensive analysis of E. Letov’s poetics, typified by short formula-phrases repeated in the song’s chorus or replacing each other in its verses. The research is concerned with their semantics and function in song lyrics. Domansky comes up with the following findings: first, Letov’s formulae have an intertextual nature; second, their position his song lyrics facilitates their perception on a stand-alone as well as contentsassociated basis; and thirdly, their majority is inherently ambivalent. The reviewer finds that according to Domansky, Letov’s rock music lyrics (described as saturated with quotes and featuring a thinning boundary between the signifier and the signified, as well as the emphasized absurdity of the world’s image) show kinship with conceptual art. Domansky’s conclusions are consistently substantiated and the book suggests new methods for research of song material..