Digital Edition | May 2025

Punk and New Wave were movements that created ripples of influence for decades, and indeed, we still feel that influence today. Rebellious, articulated and creative, these movements encapsulated individuality and a sense of distance from the glam rock and prog movements of the early 1970s. In short, out went the long hair and flares and in came ripped drain pipe jeans and short Spiky hair. The music changed also, from dream-like structured concept albums to a back-to-basics garage rock feel.

     Amongst these changes grew an interest in esoteric ideas, especially with Punk bands like The Damned, and New Wave bands such as Ultravox and Soft Cell, dabbling with esoteric cover art and themes. This issue of Fraternal Review explores this connection. We will look at how the Punk and New Wave movements used these ideas within their music and art; and how it filtered into their overall message. The issue will also delve into how, unlike the generation of musicians before them, the Punks and New Wave artists rejected Freemasonry as an organization supposedly of “the establishment.” Despite this, as we shall see, the issue ends with a final word by ex-Punk Simon Nodan, who has recently embraced Freemasonry, recognizing the fellowship and bonds that he experienced as a Punk.