Quiz on 'Prisoner of Society' by The Living End

Which word best describes the overall mood of this song?

• Calm and peaceful

• Energetic and rebellious

• Sad and sorrowful

• Joyful and humourous

Answer explanation

The song's lyrics and instrumentation convey a sense of high energy and defiance, aligning with the mood of being 'Energetic and rebellious.' This contrasts with the other options, which do not capture the song's vibrant spirit.

What is the main feeling communicated in the lyrics?

• The importance of fitting in with others

• Frustration at being told how to live

• Happiness about school and education

• A deep respect for authority figures

Answer explanation

The lyrics express frustration at societal expectations and the pressure to conform, highlighting a struggle against being told how to live, which aligns with the correct answer.

The tempo of this song is mostly:

• slow and relaxed, creating a calm mood.

• very fast and driving, creating high energy.

• gradually getting faster from start to finish.

• moderate and gentle, suitable for slow dancing.

Answer explanation

The song's tempo is characterized as very fast and driving, which creates a high energy atmosphere, distinguishing it from slower or moderate tempos.

The band is a trio. What are its three instruments?

• Piano, acoustic guitar, and drums

• Electric guitar, upright bass, and drums

• Two electric guitars and a lead singer

• Bass guitar, saxophone, and drums

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Electric guitar, upright bass, and drums' as it features three distinct instruments typical for a trio, while the other options either include a lead singer or do not fit the trio format.

How would you describe the lead singer's vocal style?

• A soft and gentle whisper

• A smooth and melodic tone

• A loud and intense shout

• A low and resonant hum

Answer explanation

The lead singer's vocal style is best described as a loud and intense shout, which conveys strong emotions and energy, distinguishing it from softer or more melodic styles.

The short, repeated musical pattern at the start of the song is called a:

• Riff

• Scale

• Drone

• Solo

Answer explanation

A riff is a short, repeated musical pattern that often serves as a hook in a song. It is distinct from a scale, drone, or solo, making 'riff' the correct choice for the repeated pattern at the start of the song.

What is the main role of the drummer?

• To play a quiet and simple background beat

• To play a fast, loud, and driving rhythm

• To focus on playing complex cymbal patterns

• To play a rhythm that opposes the guitar riff

Answer explanation

The main role of the drummer is to provide a fast, loud, and driving rhythm that energizes the music and keeps the tempo, making it essential for the overall sound and feel of the performance.

The volume of the music in the chorus is best described as:

• Quiet (piano)

• Loud (forte)

• Fading out slowly

• Constantly changing

Answer explanation

The chorus typically features strong vocal dynamics, making the volume loud (forte). This choice reflects the energetic and powerful nature of choral music, distinguishing it from quieter or more variable dynamics.

How are dynamics (volume) manipulated to create an explosive effect?

• The volume stays consistently loud throughout the entire song.

• The song starts loudly and then gets progressively quieter.

• There are sudden shifts from quieter sections to a much louder chorus.

• The dynamics are controlled by the singer, while the band stays quiet.

Answer explanation

The explosive effect in music is achieved through sudden shifts from quieter sections to a much louder chorus, creating contrast and impact, which captures the listener's attention.

What is the expressive effect of the distorted timbre of the electric guitar?

• It creates a clean, gentle sound suitable for a ballad.

• It produces a gritty, raw sound that matches the song's aggressive mood.

• It makes the guitar sound muffled and distant from the listener.

• It causes the guitar to sound like an acoustic instrument.

Answer explanation

The distorted timbre of the electric guitar produces a gritty, raw sound that enhances the song's aggressive mood, making it more impactful and resonant with the emotions conveyed in the music.