Identity, Punk Rock And Reclaiming Public Image

 

1978 marked the inevitable downfall of, perhaps, one of punk rock’s greatest bands of all time - Sex Pistols. What started as a music industry experiment put together by one Malcolm Mclaren on the grounds of it being an art project, turned sour in a few hasty years. It is only years later that the public found out just how truly abusive, counterfeit and manufactured the face of punk, then, actually was. From management pushing band members to dye their hair in a certain way, wear particular clothes and do what they’re told, to forcing the band’s music be left on the back-burner while style and aesthetic took the forefront. Entrapment that let talent go to waste and pushed an artificial, money-making agenda while hiding those at fault behind a “public machine”. Something vocalist John Lydon a.k.a “Johnny Rotten” subtly hinted at while closing one of his shows. Laughing:

“Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?”

Not even a year passed when Lydon, after his holiday in Jamaica, set out to retake his personal public image and changed the course of punk in the process with his new band “Public Image Ltd.” and their self-titled debut. An event that contributed to the quickly rising wave of a new genre - post punk.

 

In many ways, Public Image’s debut album was the music that Lydon was certainly passionate about. It being the first occasion when the English musician has full-fledged over a project, the individuality, liberty and experiment heavy nature dominated almost every aspect of the record. Right out of the gate, the song “Theme” is an almost ten minute slow burning monolith. Drowning distortion, heavy, almost furious, drum beats devolve into a masterfully rich sonic landscape. A sandbox for Lydon’s vocals to play around with from any angle. From nonsensical shrieks and maniacal laughter, to nihilistic propositions of death, mockery of understanding and reason. It’s everything but coherent, a sign of what’s to come. A concept the band explores on the track “Fodderstompf” as well. An even more bizarre experiment that’s trying its hardest to avoid being catchy. It’s quite interesting to see how Lydon’s vocal manner shifts throughout the duration of the album as he discovers himself and his coordination with band members. 

 

 

 
John Lydon addressed past events with no subtlety on tracks “Low Life” and “Public Image”. The first one being a direct message to his ex band’s manager Malcolm Mclaren. Exposing just how phony and fake Mclaren’s persona was, as well as ridiculing him for being Bourgeoisie yet pushing an anarchist agenda in form of Sex Pistols. The second track, written while Lydon was still in his old band, admitting feeling exploited by management, press and being treated as property in the music industry engine.

“Two sides to every story

Somebody had to stop me

I'm not the same as when I began

I will not be treated as property”

A fast paced post-punk gem that puts emphasis on its instrumentals and especially, lyrics. Arguably one of the best punk songs ever written, Public Image marked the shift in underground music. Introspection, experimentation, heavy emphasis on bass and drums became the norm for those wanting to branch out from the straightforward nature of classic punk. Bands such as Wire, Television, Talking Heads, Joy Division and Gang Of Four set the standard for what post-punk can offer. Elevating the rough and edgy sounds, adding melody and gentle touches to its rocky predecessor.

It is quite apparent now that Public Image Ltd. did not wish their debut effort to stand only as a personal response to what transpired with the Sex Pistols. Themes of religion, dependency, lack of genuineness and the band members' fun nature also found their way on the album. It is advisable to focus on both the musical craftsmanship and pay respect to the message the album carries. “Public Image: First Issue” is the poster child for what we now recognize as “post-punk” and paved the way to music’s most ambitious genre by being genuine, bold and not punching below its weight.