Final answer:
Punk rock is characterized by its raw sound, brevity of songs, and anti-establishment ethos, featuring straightforward instrumentals and a DIY approach to production and culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to defining the music and culture of punk rock that developed in the UK and went mainstream in the mid-1970s, the key elements include a raw, aggressive sound, short songs, and an anti-establishment attitude. Punk is noted for its stripped-down instrumentals, often foregoing elaborate solos in favor of straightforward guitar riffs and driving rhythms. Unlike more polished mainstream productions, punk music embraced a DIY ethic, typically featuring less refined production values. The culture surrounding punk rock often involved distinctive fashion statements, like ripped clothing and unusual hairstyles, that stood against societal norms and often symbolized the community's outsider status. The community formed around punk music valued self-expression and independence, often manifesting in politically charged lyrics and a rejection of traditional social values.