Genre Characteristics

and ExpectationsPost-Punk

What is Post-Punk?
Post-punk literally means after punk.
This means it is a genre that was created after the creation of punk which formed in the 70s.
It was developed in the 1980s by bands such as: Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Smiths,
New Model Army and The Cure.
It then saw a revival in the early 2000s with bands such as The Strokes, Bloc Party and the
Killers.

What Does it Sounds Like?

It has the same instrumentation as punk and rock
music, with a typical line up: a singer, a bass guitarist, a
guitarist and a drummer.
It is usually less aggressive than punk music, with a
lower tempo and played less chaotically.
Its known for sounding quite dark, with low pitched
vocals.

Image

Post-punk is no exception, as a sub-genre of punk and rock, as

having a very alternative and striking appearance.
Clothing- Black is the dominant colour, with white usually
contrasting it. Often photo shoots are shot in black and white, as
well clothes being black. Leather is also worn a lot, sometimes
with a white shirt under it, to create a white/black contrast.
Hair style- hair is often long and messy or in mohicans.
Makeup- the genre of post-punk is affiliated with a certain style of
make-up, with people whitening their face to make it pale, and
then using darker make-up around their eyes.

Lyric Ideas and Common Themes

Narrative lyrics- the lyrics often tell a story.
Emotional lyrics- post-punk lyricists are often very open with their
feelings, which is reflected in the lyrics. The typical mood and
tone of the lyrics are melancholy or sad.
Anti- Establishment/ political- because of being a strand of punk
rock music, it often inherits politicisation. Political lyrics can
discuss anti-establishment ideas or social struggles.
Dark Lyrics- post-punk, with its association to gothic rock, often
has gloomy and moody lyrics. This comes from the topics
discussed, such as death, political and social struggle or failed
relationships.

Lyrical Ideas and Common Themes

Or is it that we were eating
While other people were
starving?
Is this our crime? New
Model Army

And if a double-decker bus

Crashes in to us
To die by your side
Is such a heavenly way to
die. The Smiths

She believes in angels, she believes in the

will of the Gods, and shes dancing
amongst the magic dust. The Mission

Run around in the radiation

Run around in the acid rain
On a
Black
Black planet. The Sisters of Mercy