POST-PUNK
Late 70s
Contrary to what one might think, post-punk does not necessarily come from punk. Obviously, depending on the sources, some will tell you that it is obvious that post-punk is an evolution of punk, but yet certain groups like The Residents, formed in 1969, are designated as post-punk. Post-punk is therefore not necessarily born as a reaction to punk. We could say that post-punk is a genre which, born in the same context as punk and therefore around the same concerns, is a genre that deals with these same questions but differently.
Yet it is true that, among the early post-punk bands, many artists were influenced by punk. Some bands, like Public Image Limited, turned to post-punk when they realized that punk had become mainstream and used by the music industry for profit: in short, the complete opposite of punk's original purpose.
Post-punk is then a new form of protest. This claim is less radical than punk: Allen Ravenstine, member of Pere Urbu, said in 1978 "The Sex Pistols sang 'No Future' but there is one and we're trying to build one".
Beyond the changing claims of punk, we can also note that the structure of the songs are radically different: post-punk has quite worked and elaborate structures, often experimental, and almost always repetitive which create a hypnotic atmosphere. The sound is neat, and the lyrics deal with immaterial, very personal and intense issues.
Iconic post-punk bands are Joy Division, Public Image Ltd, The Birthday Party, Gang of Four, Siouxsie and the Bnashees and Pink Turns Blue.
Playlists you should listen to:
- goth 101
- sad goth
