While mainstream rock is cool, indie rock brings out something different and unique from the genre. Sometimes methodical, sometimes erratic, but always centered around a message. These awesome indie rock bands are out there and they deserve your attention.
Formed in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England in 2010, Eagulls released their first single ‘Council Flat Blues’ on Moshi Moshi imprint Not Even Records. When it comes to indie rock bands, these guys are very post-punk with a melancholic and oftentimes erratic style. The vocalist, George Mitchell, provides most of the heart and soul to each single. One of their best songs is called ‘My Life In Rewind’ which was recently played heard in an episode of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why.
Currently signed to Glassnote and 4AD Records, Daughter are an indie folk band from England. This band is known for their guitarist and supporting singer, Ben Howard. They have also released four EP’s and three albums, one of which was a soundtrack dedicated to the popular indie video game Life is Strange. Their song called ‘No Care’ is another great one and has incredible rhythm and tone.
Out of all the indie rock bands on this list, none of them bring as unique and electric of a style as Chvrches. Formed in Glasow, Scotland, the band draws inspiration for their music from the synth-pop genre while also adding in a bit of electronic dance. Even their live performances incorporate neon colors and have a sort of retro feel to them. Chvrches also won the Rober Awards Music Poll’s breakout artist award in 2013!
Originating in Northampton, Massachusetts, Speedy Ortiz presents their best version of alternative rock and noise pop. Formerly a solo project for Sadie Dupuis, the band is named after a comic book series character from Love & Rockets who committed suicide. Dupuis has friends who committed suicide while she was making demos for her project. This inspired her to name the band Speedy Ortiz in reference to how ‘everyone else deals with his loss.’
For a while, The Killers were considered indie rock but are now mainstream due to their popularity. However, their song ‘When You Were Young’ goes back to their indie rock roots. The band now has five consecutive chart-topping albums and are still going strong. They also played on the White House south lawn on July 4, 2010, for the second annual ‘Salute to the Military.’
Rolling Stone once described the work of Death Cab for Cutie as ’emotion through its lack of emotion.’ Perhaps the softest and most subtle of all the indie rock bands on this list, Death Cab for Cutie’s music is darkness mixed with energy. ‘Meet Me On The Equinox’ for instance has disturbing lyrics made even more intense by the song’s rapid pace. One of the lyrics reads: ‘the sun crawls across your bedroom.’ If that isn’t creepy, then I don’t know what is.
Known as ‘starfucker’ this band’s music is indie mixed with pop or a sudden jolt of energy and suspense you won’t find anywhere else. ‘Being No One, Going Nowhere’ encapsulates this the most. It has a hypnotic vibe without being too serious, leaving you in a place where you’re wondering about life and the point of it all. When it comes to indie rock bands, ‘starfucker’ is by far the most atmospheric on this list.
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