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The Prog Influence: JJ Burnel Dives into the Stranglers’ Inspiration

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers unveils the surprising prog inspiration behind one of their tracks, defying genre constraints and embracing musical innovation.
By VIBING
By VIBING
Defying the backlash against progressive rock, JJ Burnel of The Stranglers harnessed the genre’s essence to inspire one of their iconic tracks. He stands unabashed in his affinity for prog, and here’s how this devotion materialized into their music.

Music genres have often been caught in a relentless tug of war, with fans and musicians alike drawing battle lines in the sands of taste and preference. Within this melodic fray, progressive rock (or ‘prog’) historically found itself both revered and reviled. The Stranglers’ bassist JJ Burnel reveals a tale of musical irony where the influence of prog on punk is undeniable, despite the latter’s rebellious facade against the former’s complexity.

  • In the gritty world of punk, it was fashionable to denounce prog’s intricate escapism.
  • Yet, underneath the sneers and leather jackets, prog’s influence permeated punk’s core.
  • JJ Burnel’s encounter with Caravan’s ‘In The Land Of Grey And Pink’ led to a response in the form of ‘Down In The Sewer’.
  • If embracing prog makes The Stranglers prog, then Burnel accepts this label with pride.

‘It became cool to slag off prog, but what do you think these punk musicians did when they got home? Listened to the bands they’d been having a go at,’ Burnel mused. The authenticity of musical inspiration often contradicts the public persona artists portray. The Stranglers, known for their punk edge, were no different. This revelation acknowledges the complexity and depth found in progressive rock’s allure, capable of inspiring even those who publicly dismissed it.

The Allure of Prog: Prog rock is synonymous with technical prowess, conceptual storytelling, and symphonic ambitions. Its impact stretches across genres, bending the rules and provoking musicians to explore beyond conventional boundaries. ‘Down In The Sewer’ is a prime example of this exploration, standing as a testament to The Stranglers’ broad musical narrative and the porous nature of genre divisions.

Embracing Musical Evolution: Burnel’s openness in recognizing the influence of prog on The Stranglers epitomizes the fluidity of music. It’s a narrative of evolution and acknowledgment that even punk, with its raw simplicity and charged energy, is not immune to other genres’ intricacies. Music, after all, is a universal language spoken in many dialects — a celebration of diversity and sonic rebellion.
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