Punk is back and as loud as it ever was

Pop music is easily the most well known music of our time, putting other genres to shame with the following of not only the music itself but also the people involved in pop. Stars such as Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan are well known even by people who don’t listen to their music. But what about the other genres? The ones that aren’t as well known, or don’t have people following the artists everywhere they go?
The culture of punk rock is often overlooked and has had a bigger impact than it’s been given credit for. One often overlooked style of music that has had a bigger impact than you might have realized is punk rock.
Punk rock began in the late 1960s but grew to be very popular in the mid ‘70s. Although it is thought to have begun by bands from the UK like the Ramones (founded 1974) or the Clash (founded 1976), it was actually started by smaller, lesser known bands from the US. The band credited with starting punk music predates both the Ramones and the Clash in 1971 and is called Death. This band consisted of three brothers from Detroit who combined the styles of Jimi Hendrix and Alice Cooper among other artists, making music completely different than anything heard before.
As punk continued, other better known bands that played an important role in this genre are Pure Hell, Black Flag, Suicide Machines, and more.
Punk quickly became known as more than just music, but also about a message; punk symbolizes rebellion, a hatred of authority and conformity, and the rejection of stereotypes. As punk culture grew, a following gathered to show off their strong views on bringing about equality within race and gender. In doing so, punks often are known for loud styles in everything: music, clothes, hair, even behavior. Despite this, not every punk had to produce these loud styles in order to follow the culture–you just had to have the same accepting beliefs. This still applies today, and many people are surprised when they learn that many punks don’t sport patch jackets or bright red mohawks.
As time goes on, some argue that punk is dead, while others strongly disagree, talking of many new punk bands that are back to renew the scene. One highly regarded but lesser known punk band is “G.L.O.S.S.”, which started out of Boston and was formed by Sadie Smith and Jake Bison who were tired of straight white men dominating the punk scene. This band speaks out on feminist, racial, LGBTQ, and disability issues, going out of their way to make sure their shows are a safe place for everyone who needs it.
G.L.O.S.S. puts out hardcore, feminist music that Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna would be proud of. With only one EP, the screaming vocals and relentless distortion makes an impression not to be forgotten. Songs of outcasts and oppression let G.L.O.S.S. create their own community between people who understand struggling in life.
Punk is known for releasing albums with lots of fast-paced, two minute songs. Albums composed of these songs become next level when they feature unique riffs while staying with an overall theme. Obscene Daydreams, an album by punk band the Last Gang accomplishes all of this, making a truly distinctive and attention-catching album.
While not everyone is interested in listening through full albums, especially with Spotify and other streaming services allowing you to make playlists, Obscene Daydreams provides enough variation between every song to keep you entertained. My favorite song from this album is Berlin to Rome, which starts strong with a unique guitar riff. The loud vocals and mirroring bassline creates an intense layered effect, making you want to listen to this song on repeat. Although all songs on this album are invigorating, Vacant Eyes and Electric Avenue are also worthy of high praise. Overall, Obscene Daydreams provides a new take on punk while maintaining the sound that attracted attention to punk rock in the first place.
As the development of punk music and culture continues, many new bands and albums will be released–and eventually bring about a new generation of punk rockers. Bands like G.L.O.S.S. and the Last Gang will continue to thrive, along with so many modern punk artists that have yet to be discovered; journalists will continue to analyze the techniques in their songs that appear throughout their albums. Genres like punk rock will continue to flourish whether you are aware of it or not.