The difference, by ear
Punk plays fast barre chords and shouts. Post-punk is the same people eighteen months later removing the distortion, promoting the bass and slowing down.
Punk rock is shouted where post-punk is sung cleanly, and faster: 160 to 200 bpm against 110 to 150. Songs run longer in post-punk: usually 3 to 6 minutes, against 2 to 3 minutes in punk rock. To hear the difference, play Joy Division next to Ramones. Post-punk grew out of punk rock, four years later.
In figures
Post-punk
Where it sits
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 →Punk rock
Where it sits
In short
Three chords, two minutes and zero patience for solos. A full reset of rock, and the second major source of extreme metal.
How it sounds
- Three or four chords, open position or power chords, strummed in eighths.
- Songs of ninety seconds to two and a half minutes, with no long intro and no guitar solo.
- Fast, cheap production with the vocals up front and simple drums on two and four.
Key acts
- Ramones
- Sex Pistols
- The Clash
- Buzzcocks
Start here
The pickRamones - Ramones. Fourteen songs in twenty-nine minutes, not a wasted note.
Full page →