Difference Between Punk and Emo

Punk vs Emo

Punk and Emo music have been around the music scene for the past 4 decades. It’s repeatedly mentioned in the industry but seldom being differentiated. Typically, they are believed to be under the Rock genre; however the difference goes far beyond their characterization in fashion.

Punk

Punk primarily came in during the 1970’s, where people were taking in too much Rock that everything seems to be labeled as such. Its rise was presented as a protest and an effort as well to revive how rock should be. They saw the advent of rock being civilized enough that it lost it’s rebellious streak. During these times, several notable bands rose to fame as they all represent a passion for raw truth and defiance of social norms. Punk is distinguished for its aggressive and its drive for individualism.

Emo

Emo, or emotional started in the late 1980’s influenced by hardcore acceptance during Punk rock’s fame. Most emo fans would argue that this genre is a show for their depressed side; it is in fact a representation of the true emotions that they want to convey to the general public. It is reputed that one of the most distinct character of an emo single is in the sound of its guitar chords.

Difference between Punk and Emo

To distinguish one from the other, one of the easiest ways would be to listen to the lyrics and the vocal styles of the artist. It is generally accepted that punk’s message would be primarily composed of social concerns, focusing more on equality and contempt for social standards, even bordering anarchy at some point. While emo’s lyrics, is a combination of prose and abstract poetry that is entangled in melodramatic tune. Vocal style for emo music may also range from normal singing to screams to sobbing. Most punk tracks have shorter audio minutes as compared to emo’s almost epic-long singles.

Though considered as a sub group from rock, these two genres undoubtedly contributed a big factor to its widespread phenomenon. The main difference might be in the moral that they want to deliver and the tunes that comes with it. But both reflect an infinite passion and raw talent of artists that wants to break free from the commercialism of music and most of all, it’s still rock anyway.