scuzz

Scuzz refers to a genre of music that emerged in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily associated with independent record labels. It is characterized by a deliberately lo-fi, raw, and often abrasive sound, eschewing polished production in favor of urgency and immediacy. Guitars are typically distorted and played with a garage-rock sensibility, while vocals are often shouted, sneered, or sung in a deliberately unmelodic fashion. Lyrical themes frequently explore themes of alienation, social commentary, and everyday frustrations.

The term "scuzz" itself evokes a sense of dirtiness, grit, and grime, which is reflected in the aesthetic and sonic qualities of the music. While not a strictly defined genre with clear boundaries, scuzz bands often shared a DIY ethos, releasing their music on small labels and playing in intimate venues. Influences can be traced back to punk rock, proto-punk, and early garage rock. Bands that are often cited as seminal to the scuzz sound include The Birthday Party, Flipper, and early Sonic Youth, though many other groups contributed to its development across various regions. The genre's impact can be felt in later alternative and underground music scenes.