Punk Music

Key Facts and Terminology

Started around 1975 in the US and the UK Really went big in 1977 Punk was a reaction against the excesses of technical, highly produced progressive rock Designed to be aggressive, anti-establishment, disposable music for people Social and political commentary was often the main thrust of the lyrics Several bands and songs were banned on radio and TV Chaotic dancing (pogo-ing) and spitting was common amongst fans at gigs Equipment and venues were often smashed up at gigs Fashion was also important- Custom made clothing covered with zips and safety pins, lots of black and wild spiky black hairstyles were the norm. Punk was influenced by the social unrest that came from over working conditions.

Influences
Rock and Roll Early 1960s pop Hard rock sound of bands like: The Who Velvet Underground

Instrumentation
Vocals (mainly male) Electric guitar Bass Drum Sometimes keyboards

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Performance and Arrangement

Hard edged, raw and chaotic- Stripped down, small ensembles; basic music with no frills Vocals often delivered at shouting level Melodies simple, covering only a few pitches or delivered almost as shouted chants Backing vocals are similar; no complex harmonies Often based around simple chord structures- three-chord tricks like those used in rock and roll; simple major chords or power chords common Fast tempos; drums loud and trashy; lots of cymbals used Straight forward rhythms; some simple syncopation Songs often short-around 2 mins long with basic structures

Technology and Production

DIY ethic to the production Bands used independent small studios and went for a simple raw unprocessed sound. No clever production tricks Guitar sounds were often distorted although quite thin and harsh compared to hard rock Effects were still used but producers avoided the polished sound of disco and pop of the era. No use of effects like delay and flanging, and no lush reverbs

Main Artists
Sex Pistols- Anarchy in the UK The Clash- White Riot The Buzzcocks- Ever fallen in love The Undertones- Teenage kicks The Ruts- In a rut Ramones (USA)

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