Psychobilly / Punkabilly

Description

Psychobilly is a fusion genre that blends elements of punk rock with rockabilly, often characterized by its fast tempos, aggressive style, and themes of horror, science fiction, and humor. It typically features upright bass, electric guitar, and energetic vocals.

History

Psychobilly emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily in the United Kingdom. It developed as bands began to mix the raw energy and attitude of punk rock with the traditional sounds of rockabilly. The genre was heavily influenced by the theatricality and rebelliousness of punk, as well as the retro stylings of 1950s rock and roll. The Cramps are often credited as one of the pioneering bands of the genre, although they themselves did not use the term 'psychobilly.' The genre gained more recognition with bands like The Meteors, who explicitly embraced the psychobilly label.