The Truth of Revolution, Brother by Lisa Sofianos, Robin Ryde and Charlie Waterhouse is both an immersive read and art book. Over 288 pages, 30 in-depth interviews are mixed with striking illustration, intimate black and white photography and original art from several of the book’s interviewees.
The interviews and analysis gently reveal proven strategies for alternative living more relevant now than they were in punk’s 70s/80s heyday.
Artistic highlights include new work by Crass’s Gee Vaucher and Penny Rimbaud, David King (designer of the Crass logo), Gaye Black (the Adverts) and Little Annie. Anti-folker Jeffrey Lewis contributes a brand new comic-strip on 80s punks in the USA.
The book has been designed and typeset by This Ain’t Rock’n’Roll, the London agency responsible for the ‘David Bowie’ Brixton Pound.
Printing has been expertly handled by Calverts Cooperative. The book features an open bind, and is printed on heavy (sustainable) stock with biodegradable vegetable inks.
The black and white photography throughout was taken during the year-long interview process that saw the authors travel around the UK, the US, Iceland and Germany.
Co-author Robin Ryde says: “This is a book for people who are into punk – but also those who are just plain interested in how to live a better life.
“The ideas in the book – of challenging authority, disrupting ideology – of taking charge of your own situation – couldn’t come at a better time.
“We live in the shadow of the Global Financial Crisis and the terrible conduct of the banking industry. We find ourselves surveilled to within an inch of our lives. We look at the system around us and find it riddled with holes.
“The philosophy of punk offers a way of doing things differently. It offers a route out of a system that persists in failing us. And the voices heard echoing through the pages of this book won’t be with us forever.
“If you are fascinated by punk, philosophy, popular culture, art or how to live now, then this book will have something profound to say to you.”
Interviewees include:
Jello Biafra – Dead Kennedys
Ian MacKaye – Minor Threat / Fugazi
Steve Albini – Shellac / Big Black
Jeffrey Lewis
Little Annie
Penny Rimbaud / Gee Vaucher / Steve Ignorant – Crass
Tim Smith – Adverts
Jón Gnarr – ex-mayor of Reykjavík
Einar Örn Benediktsson – Sugarcubes
Mark Stewart – the Pop Group
Vi Subversa – Poison Girls
Dunstan Bruce – Chumbawamba
Mike Watt – Minutemen / fIREHOSE / Stooges
The Truth of Revolution, Brother is published by Situation Press.