Synth Punk

TockTockTock · 04-23-2012, 12:07 PM

If you are not familiar with the genre, then allow me to explain. Synth punk is sub-genre of punk rock that developed around the mid to late-70s. It fused the simplicity and energy of punk rock with that of the seemingly cold, distant sound of early electronics. The earliest renditions of synth punk can be traced back to two bands: Suicide and The Screamers... as well as a precursor to the genre... Silver Apples, who were making energetic/psychedelic electronic music in the 60s.

As far as my opinion goes, I have always been fascinated with this genre because it's taking a type of music that is dominated by guitars and completely getting rid of them in favor of electronics.

Anyways, here is a list of what I consider to be the best of synth punk:

► Suicide (1977) by Suicide
► Suicide (1980) by Suicide
► Demos 77-78 by The Screamers
► Music from Hell (1981) by Nervous Gender
► Gadgetree (1980) by The Gardgets (my personal favorite out of the bunch)
► In a Model Room (1979) by P-Model

I would put something by Tuxedomoon, but... they're sort of in their own category.

bob. · 04-23-2012, 02:54 PM

nice call on Nervous gender....that album is a real gem

i know all of those excerpt P-Models....i'll check out the album tonight

Stephen · 04-23-2012, 11:20 PM

Funny I remembered this track being a lot more synth based.

Not really though.

What would you say is the defining feature that would make something punk? Just listening to that first Gadgets track you posted I wouldn't have said it was punk if I had to guess a genre.

TockTockTock · 04-23-2012, 11:51 PM

Somewhat aggressive and usually simplistic rock music that primarily utilizes synthesizers or other electronic instruments. So (to put it bluntly)... punk rock with synths.

I feel The Screamers fit this definition perfectly...

steve0211 · 04-24-2012, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

I feel The Screamers fit this definition perfectly...

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I am digging this thread so far. Would love to know what else is out there

Screen13 · 04-24-2012, 10:45 AM

Legends!

Push · 04-25-2012, 08:16 AM

Great idea for a thread... I love Suicide... Thanks for sharing those vids... The Screamers' vid is awesome... I always think of UK bands like Cabaret Voltaire (their early stuff) and Fad Gadget as synth punk too...

Sneer · 04-25-2012, 09:45 AM

Metal Urbain were good, they did make use of distorted guitar chords but combined them with a drum machine and synth.

Le Shok were also great;

And The Units:

mr dave · 04-25-2012, 10:01 AM

Whenever I think Synth Punk there are 2 groups that immediately come to mind.

Six Finger Satellite - they lean a bit more on the punk side but most definitely incorporate synths into their style.

Add N to (X) - Almost exclusively synth based but very much punk rock especially on their last album, but because of that Le Shok album cover I kind of need to include this (NOT SAFE FOR WORK OR SCHOOL) clip from their 'breakthrough' disc (Avant Hard) instead:

Stephen · 05-25-2012, 02:22 AM

Got the synth bit anyway, maybe more novelty than punk.

04-23-2012, 12:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
TockTockTock They/Them Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,914	Synth Punk If you are not familiar with the genre, then allow me to explain. Synth punk is sub-genre of punk rock that developed around the mid to late-70s. It fused the simplicity and energy of punk rock with that of the seemingly cold, distant sound of early electronics. The earliest renditions of synth punk can be traced back to two bands: Suicide and The Screamers... as well as a precursor to the genre... Silver Apples, who were making energetic/psychedelic electronic music in the 60s. As far as my opinion goes, I have always been fascinated with this genre because it's taking a type of music that is dominated by guitars and completely getting rid of them in favor of electronics. Anyways, here is a list of what I consider to be the best of synth punk: ► Suicide (1977) by Suicide ► Suicide (1980) by Suicide ► Demos 77-78 by The Screamers ► Music from Hell (1981) by Nervous Gender ► Gadgetree (1980) by The Gardgets (my personal favorite out of the bunch) ► In a Model Room (1979) by P-Model I would put something by Tuxedomoon, but... they're sort of in their own category.

04-23-2012, 02:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
bob. Still sends his reguards. Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Trying to get out of the cat town.... Posts: 5,039	nice call on Nervous gender....that album is a real gem i know all of those excerpt P-Models....i'll check out the album tonight __________________ A kiss is the beginning of cannibalism. Reach out, pierce the fine fabric of the sheltering sky, take repose.

04-25-2012, 09:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
Sneer Let it drip Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 5,430	Metal Urbain were good, they did make use of distorted guitar chords but combined them with a drum machine and synth. Le Shok were also great; And The Units: __________________ LastFM Sneer's Emporium of Sound Fright Team radio show

04-23-2012, 11:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
Stephen I sleep in your hat Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Melbourne, Vic. Aus. Posts: 1,847	Funny I remembered this track being a lot more synth based. Not really though. What would you say is the defining feature that would make something punk? Just listening to that first Gadgets track you posted I wouldn't have said it was punk if I had to guess a genre.

04-23-2012, 11:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
TockTockTock They/Them Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,914	Somewhat aggressive and usually simplistic rock music that primarily utilizes synthesizers or other electronic instruments. So (to put it bluntly)... punk rock with synths. I feel The Screamers fit this definition perfectly...

04-24-2012, 10:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
Screen13 Music Addict Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,388	Legends!

04-25-2012, 08:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
Push Groupie Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 11	Great idea for a thread... I love Suicide... Thanks for sharing those vids... The Screamers' vid is awesome... I always think of UK bands like Cabaret Voltaire (their early stuff) and Fad Gadget as synth punk too...

05-25-2012, 02:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
Stephen I sleep in your hat Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Melbourne, Vic. Aus. Posts: 1,847	Got the synth bit anyway, maybe more novelty than punk.