The Jam was a British punk rock band formed in 1972 that was signed to Polydor Records. Their 1982 music video for "Town Called Malice" followed the standard conventions of 1970s and 1980s music videos, featuring the band playing against a black background. Throughout the video, the lead singer is shown in frequent close-ups. While the song sounds upbeat, the lyrics describe more miserable themes that are reflected in the gloomy black background. The video also briefly displays two signs but does not expand on any narrative.