Rockpedia

Compare

Two genres, side by side. The ratings are editorial judgements on a ten-point scale, not measurements. Where they come out level, the difference is in the prose underneath them.

First genre

Post-punk revival2001

Second genre

Post-punk1978

Head to headPost-punk revival vs Post-punk
Post-punk revival: heaviness 3, melody 8, speed 5. Post-punk: heaviness 3, melody 6, speed 5.Heaviness3 / 3Melody8 / 6Speed5 / 5
Each corner is a ten-point rating. The further out, the higher.

The difference, by ear

The revival reproduces post-punk's techniques with modern recording. The originals were inventing; these bands are choosing.

Both are sung cleanly and move at much the same pace, around 110 to 160 bpm. To hear the difference, play Interpol next to Joy Division. Post-punk revival grew out of post-punk, 23 years later. United Kingdom appears in the origins of both.

Put together from each genre's vocals, tempo, song length, key acts and place in the tree.

In figures

Heaviness
Post-punk revival3
Post-punk3
level
Speed
Post-punk revival5
Post-punk5
level
Melody
Post-punk revival8
Post-punk6
−2

Post-punk revival

2001 · New York / United Kingdom

Where it sits

Rock › Punk rock › Post-punk › Post-punk revival

In short

The same basslines and the same chill, revived every ten years with contemporary production.

How it sounds

  • Melodic basslines up front with sharp, dry guitars.
  • Dry drums, often with tribal toms and closed hi-hats.
  • Cold production with large-room reverb on the vocals.

Key acts

  • Interpol
  • Editors
  • Fontaines D.C.
  • IDLES

Start here

The pickInterpol - Turn On the Bright Lights. Post-2001 New York, in sound.

Full page →

Post-punk

1978 · United Kingdom · 7 subgenres

Where it sits

Rock › Punk rock › Post-punk

In short

Punk asking what comes next: melodic bass up front, dry guitar, space and cold. Possibly the most fertile branch in all of rock.

How it sounds

  • The bass carries the melody; the guitar plays short, dry figures with chorus or flanger.
  • Dry-toned drums with plenty of space in the mix - you can hear the room.
  • Irregular structures, cold dynamics, abstract or political lyrics.

Key acts

  • Joy Division
  • Wire
  • Gang of Four
  • Public Image Ltd

Start here

The pickJoy Division - Unknown Pleasures. Martin Hannett's production is half the record.

Full page →