PUNK AND SUBGENRES. HISTORY AND CULTURAL INFLUENCE

Punk is a musical genre and subculture that emerged in the mid-1970s as a response to the commercialization and perceived stagnation of mainstream rock music. Rooted in a DIY ethos and a rebellious spirit, punk quickly became a cultural movement that challenged the social and political norms of the time. Its distinctive sound, characterized by fast and aggressive guitar riffs, simple and catchy melodies, and lyrics that often dealt with themes of alienation, angst, and social critique, quickly gained a devoted following among young people around the world.

The history of punk is a complex and fascinating story that reflects the political, social, and cultural changes of the late 20th century. From its origins in the underground music scenes of New York, London, and Los Angeles, to its global spread and influence on subsequent generations of musicians and artists, punk has had a profound impact on popular culture and society at large. This article will explore the key moments, figures, and themes that have shaped the history of punk, from the early days of the Sex Pistols and the Ramones, to the rise of hardcore, the emergence of post-punk, and the ongoing legacy of punk in the 21st century.

The early days of punk were characterized by a handful of pioneering bands, such as the Sex Pistols, the Ramones and Misfits.

The Sex Pistols, from London, England, were known for their provocative lyrics and confrontational live performances, which often involved insulting and attacking members of the audience. One of the key figures in the development of punk was Malcolm McLaren, the manager of the Sex Pistols. McLaren was a master of self-promotion and media manipulation, and he used his skills to turn the Sex Pistols into a cultural phenomenon. He dressed the band in provocative and confrontational clothing, orchestrated their controversial interviews, and staged a series of high-profile publicity stunts that generated widespread attention.

Picture 1. Sex Pistols

The Ramones, from New York City, played fast and catchy songs with simple, three-chord structures that set the template for many punk bands to come. One of the key ways in which the Ramones influenced the punk scene was through their sound. The band's stripped-down approach to rock and roll, with its three-chord guitar riffs and pounding drums, set the template for the fast, aggressive sound that would become the hallmark of punk rock.

Picture 2. Ramones

The Misfits were an influential punk rock band that emerged from the New Jersey punk scene in the late 1970s. They are known for their horror-themed lyrics, fast tempos, and distinctive image, which included black leather jackets, devilocks, and skull imagery. The Misfits had a significant influence on the punk rock genre, in several ways. Misfits are widely credited with creating the horror punk subgenre of punk rock, which blends punk music with horror themes and imagery. Their lyrics often focused on horror movie-inspired themes such as zombies, vampires, and other monsters. The Misfits' distinctive visual aesthetic, which included the use of skull imagery, black leather jackets, and devilocks, helped to shape the punk rock look and style in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Picture 3. Misfits

As punk spread around the world, it took on different forms and styles.

In the United States, bands like the Dead Kennedys and Black Flag developed a faster, more aggressive style of punk known as hardcore, which was characterized by short, intense songs and frenetic live performances. Hardcore punk was notable for its emphasis on speed and intensity, with bands often playing at breakneck tempos and incorporating elements of metal and thrash into their sound. Hardcore shows were known for their intense mosh pits, stage diving, and crowd surfing, and the scene was marked by a DIY ethos and a commitment to independent, underground music. While the hardcore scene was relatively short-lived, its influence can be heard in a wide range of genres, from metal to grunge to alternative rock.

Picture 4. Dead Kennedys

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, bands like Joy Division and Public Image Ltd. explored a more atmospheric and experimental style of punk known as post-punk. These bands often employed more intricate song structures, layered instrumentation, and unconventional rhythms. Lyrically, post-punk was often more introspective and poetic than punk rock. Post-punk was also notable for its experimentation with literary and cultural references, with bands like The Fall and Wire incorporating elements of modernist literature and avant-garde art into their music. Post-punk was a highly influential genre, paving the way for many other subgenres of alternative and underground music. It inspired the development of gothic rock, which combined the dark, brooding atmosphere of post-punk with elements of punk and glam rock. It also influenced the emergence of new wave, which incorporated elements of post-punk, electronic music, and pop.

Picture 5. Joy Division

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, punk continued to evolve and expand, with subgenres like ska punk, pop punk, and emo all incorporating elements of the punk sound and ethos. At the same time, punk also became increasingly commercialized, with major labels signing punk bands and packaging them for mass consumption.

Ska punk emerged in the 1980s and 1990s as a fusion of punk rock and ska music. It was characterized by its use of horns, offbeat rhythms, and often humorous or lighthearted lyrics. Ska punk bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Operation Ivy, and Less Than Jake helped to popularize the subgenre and bring ska to a wider audience.

Picture 6. Operation Ivy

Pop punk emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a more melodic and accessible form of punk. Its catchy hooks, upbeat tempo, and often humorous or self-deprecating lyrics characterized it. Pop punk bands like Green Day, The Offspring, and Blink-182 helped to popularize the subgenre and bring punk to a wider audience.

Picture 7. Blink-182

Emo emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a more emotional form of punk. Many emo bands have been influenced by punk music, and both genres often feature fast tempos, distorted guitars, and aggressive vocal styles. However, emo music also incorporates elements of indie rock, pop, and post-hardcore, while punk music tends to be more straightforward and stripped-down. The most iconic bands of that period are Rites of Spring and Embrace.

In the 1990s, emo music emerged as a subgenre of punk, with bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, Jawbreaker, and Mineral combining punk influences with introspective, emotionally charged lyrics. As emo grew in popularity, it began to diverge from punk, with its own distinct subgenres like screamo, post-emo, and midwest.

Picture 8. Rites of Spring

In the 21st century, punk has continued to thrive as an underground and DIY movement, with bands like Against Me! and PUP carrying on the legacy of the early pioneers. Meanwhile, the influence of punk can be heard in a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to indie rock to electronic dance music.

But punk is not only music but also cultural movement that has had a significant impact on popular culture in the 21st century. Here are some ways that punk has influenced popular culture in recent years:

Fashion: Punk fashion has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with elements like ripped clothing, leather jackets, studded accessories, and combat boots continuing to be popular in mainstream fashion. The punk aesthetic has also been appropriated by high-end designers, with runway shows featuring punk-inspired looks.

Picture 9. Junya Watanabe Autumn/Winter collection 2017

Film and TV: Punk has been depicted in numerous films and TV shows, with movies like "Sid and Nancy" and "Green Room" and TV shows like "The Get Down" and "Stranger Things" incorporating punk music, fashion, and culture into their storylines.

Picture 10. SLC Punk! 1998

Politics: Punk has always been associated with political activism and rebellion against authority, and this influence can be seen in contemporary political movements. Punk's anti-establishment message continues to inspire political activists and artists who use punk as a means of expressing dissent and advocating for change.

Picture 11. Punk community joins protest against military coup in Myanmar

Overall, punk's influence on popular culture has been profound, and its impact continues to be felt in various forms of art, music, and media. Punk's legacy as a subculture and movement has transcended its origins, and its message of individuality, rebellion, and self-expression remains as relevant as ever in the 21st century.

At its core, punk has always been about rebellion, individualism, and the rejection of authority. Whether through its raw and aggressive sound, its confrontational lyrics, or its DIY ethos, punk has always been a force for change and a challenge to the status quo. And while its sound and style may continue to evolve and change over time, the spirit of punk will always remain alive and well.

References:

1. Phil Hine. Primary Chaos. – M.: Club Castalia, 2018. – 254 p.
2. Robb John. Punk rock. Oral history. – M.: AST, 2018. – 512 p.
3. challenge. Lookbook (silver). – M.: Eksmo-Press, 2016. – 144 p.
4. Legs McNeil, Gillian McCain. Please kill me! - M.: Astrel, 2005. – 448 p.