By Emma Melvin
For decades, punk has held steady in music and style, leaving their loud, bold mark on the world, but this is not just one style, as “punk” is an umbrella term. “Crust punk” is an alternative subculture originated in the United Kingdom in the early to mid-1980s. This culture is influenced by anarchism, environmentalism, and advocating for fair change in our world.
When it comes to the crust punk style, it consists mainly of thrifting and DIYs such as: painted patches sewn onto an article of clothing, zines, studded bracelets, etc. The style is meant to be very inexpensive, and far away from fast fashion since the concept is based on self-expression.
This subculture is not just based on fashion, however. The music is another
portion of the culture, which is influenced by anti-racism, anti-sexist, anarchy, anti-war, and independent production views.
The band Dystopia is an example of crust punk music. Their music focuses on various topics, such as racial equality, distrust in humanity, and problems in the justice system. “Our lives are being sucked dry, just to be sacrificed, for a fascist, sexist, lie. They keep it all illegal so they can always lock us up,” Dystopia inserts in their song “They Live”.
The band Doom is another example of crust punk music. The band focuses on the inequality in humanity, destruction due to climate change, and anti-capitalism. “Pointless slander will not help us to achieve our goals and dreams. We are one, united, bonded. Let’s all be friends,” Doom inserts in their song “Means To An End”.
Many people of the Crust Punk culture not only have anti-racism, anti-sexist, anarchy, anti-war, and independent production (DIY); but stand for them in local protests. Crust punk isn’t punk without these traits.
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