07/2025 – Shufu Studio

What embodies the punk spirit?

Is it the spontaneous, unpolished nature of the performance, or the unrelenting energy that fuels it? Could it be the utter lack of shame, the boldness to speak your truth on stage—whether to friends or strangers? Is it a rejection of trends, formulas, or financial gain? Does it lie in the notion that melody is overrated, pathos is hollow, and sentimentality is weak? Or is it the sheer physical force of the show itself—a raw, unapologetic middle finger to anything institutional?

Whatever lies at the core of punk culture, we’re captivated by how deeply this music is tied to the social contexts that shape it. Like a gritty, postmodern take on folk music, punk rises from the ground up, unconcerned with winning popularity contests. It’s one of the most accessible genres out there. Want to write a punk song? Grab a guitar, strum some eighth notes, and shout what’s on your mind. As this month’s playlist reveals, that simplicity can lead to some profoundly powerful places.

Some highlights:

“Columnas Anormales” by Autopsia draws us into a thin, claustrophobic soundscape that’s as dark as it is unsettling. This Peruvian band, pioneers of South American punk, crafts a haunting atmosphere using just the basics—bass, drums, and electric guitar. The tempo wavers, constantly pushing for speed, while the vocals anchor us in stark reality. Meanwhile, the guitar interludes, playful yet eerie, pull us toward a realm of shadowy dreams.

“Painkiller” by BORIS + ENDON offers a jaw-dropping reinterpretation of the Judas Priest classic. This collaboration between a Japanese sludge metal band and an experimental noise collective morphs the heavy metal staple into a drone-like sensory assault. With chaotic electronic noise, walls of distorted guitars, and primal growls and screams, the cover is almost unrecognizable—yet it pulses with the same explosive energy as the original.

“Alternative” by SECT captures the punk spirit in a tight two-minute burst. Hailing from Barcelona, the band delivers a track with an unsteady, rubato tempo, shrieking vocals, and a schizophrenic energy that blends everything together. It’s a short but thrilling ride that distills everything punk stands for into pure, captivating chaos.

Many of these artists won’t appear on mainstream streaming platforms. Some are censored for their unfiltered messages, others reject corporate giants in a stand against consumerism, and a few simply play hard to get. Punk thrives in the underground, on independent and alternative platforms. We invite you to visit our website for the full playlist and to discover links to more music by these incredible artists.

We hope you enjoyed this month’s exploration. Let us know your thoughts, and feel free to share your favorite tracks or artists with us at: research@shufu.studio