Genre Research Project 89/1362: Post-Punk

Post-punk is a rock music genre that paralleled and emerged from the initial punk rock explosion of the late 1970s. The genre is a more experimental and arty form of punk. Post-punk laid the groundwork for alternative rock by broadening the range of punk and underground music, incorporating elements of krautrock (particularly the use of synthesizers and extensive repetition), disco, dub music, and studio experimentation into the genre. It was the focus of the 1980s alternative music/independent scene, and led to the development of genres such as gothic rock and industrial music.

Stylistically, the genre has a general backbone consisting of a prominent, pulsating sound and rhythm section of bass and drums. The bouncy syncopation and overall funkiness of the bass is exploited to its maximum in Dance-Punk. On top of this arrangement are atmospheric-but-minimal, spiky, interweaving lead guitar lines and squall, creating a cold, melancholic tone, with extensive use of minor key melodies. Vocals are commonly menacing, monotone and even robotic.