Kurt Cobain’s suicide in 1994 didn’t stop the search for another Nirvana, nor end bands such as Wilco, Alejandro Escovedo and Sleater-Kinney – though alternative rock was beginning to lose steam due to frat-rock bands like Hanson, Spice Girls and other popular acts that emerged later.
Music today is being transformed by artists who are masters at synthesizing rock-influenced riffs with vocal hooks – such as Arctic Monkeys, Inhaler and Young the Giant.
Declan McKenna
Declan McKenna, born and based out of London UK at 21 years old. His music combines indie rock and folk styles influenced by classic British artists. After winning Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition in 2015 – winning that competition set in motion media coverage and major-label bidding wars while his peers his age were taking their GCSE exams – his debut single Brazil was widely received and earned widespread critical acclaim; later his second album Zeros came out and Pitchfork described its songs about climate change and capitalism themes.”
With his album’s release, Daniel plans to tour the US. Two singles from it have already been released; “Daniel, You’re Still a Child” boasts an outer space vibe and electric guitar instrumentation; this song addresses issues related to social justice such as an unfair police force or youth exploitation.
McKenna became a household name after winning the Emerging Talent Competition, with his debut album What Do You Think About the Car? reflecting his newfound fame with an established sense of himself. It featured tracks that spoke out against social issues such as transgender teens’ mistreatment and religious bigotry; this same mature sense was brought over into Zeros, his sophomore effort. This record explores themes such as transformation and discovery with its frenetic indie stompers that appeal to younger listeners; it will surely gain him even more admirers!
Inhaler
Dublin-based Inhaler came together after meeting as schoolmates and bonding over their love of guitar music – an unsurprising outcome given that frontman Elijah Hewson is actually Bono’s son! However, their circumstances make for an unusual start as Bono himself has one of modern music’s biggest superstars as his mentor.
Hewson may be the son of such an iconic figure, yet despite this He and his bandmates Ryan McMahon, Josh Jenkinson-Tansia and Robert Keating have successfully found their own musical niche with Cuts & Bruises – their second album released earlier this month (February 17) boasting tales from their carefree youth along with songs that emphasize friendship, introspection and respect for ’60s rock.
Musically, the foursome maintains their trademark pop-indie sound with influences ranging from The Strokes and Interpol to The 1975 permeating their sound. Not a bad thing by any means as they have found an audience through their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This as well as supporting acts such as Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys live concerts – further cementing their appeal and increasing fandom.
Hewson says their father’s influence comes naturally and unintentionally: he notes “he’s really proud of us and loves what we do, but it’s not something that we actively try to emulate”. Nonetheless, you can hear U2’s father in their stunning single ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’; its shimmering beat belies its young age while paying tribute to both parentage and talent alike.
Bad Suns
Bad Suns is a Los Angeles band that marries the post-punk sound of legends such as The Cure and Elvis Costello with more contemporary rock influences to create hook-heavy indie rock songs that appeal to music critics and fans alike. Their irresistible sound has quickly gained them widespread fame over recent years.
The band made their mark when their single “Cardiac Arrest” went viral in 2013 and caught KROQ DJ Kat Corbett’s ear – she added it to her Locals Only playlist at KROQ Radio Station and provided the band a contract with Vagrant Records, working with producer Eric Palmquist (MUTEMATH and WAVVES), on producing Transpose EP album which received great acclaim and the band began touring across the US shortly afterwards.
Disappear Here was another continuation of their organic sound and became one of iTunes’ best alternative albums of 2014. Following this success, they toured with The 1975 and worked with producer Mark Ronson on Mystic Truth; both releases would go onto become smash hits for iTunes users.
On their fourth album, APOCALYPSE WHENEVER, the band continues to evolve their sound while maintaining an overall sense of consistency and integrity. This album showcases dreamy ’80s pastiche highlighted by Stratocasters through cranked Vox amps with pulsing synths for rhythmic energy as well as surreal lyrics by Haruki Murakami and futuristic flair from Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Blade Runner movies as well as Spike Jonze’s HER. These disparate influences provide APOCALYPSE WHENEVER with an expanded palette of sounds to help color their airtight hooks; creating an album both thought-provoking yet sensitive.
Dayglow
Sloan Struble, better known by his stage name Dayglow, crafts catchy and energetic indie pop. His 2018 home-recorded debut Fuzzybrain went viral and earned him an appearance at Austin City Limits as well as a record deal. Harmony House followed in 2021, earning over 100 million streams on Spotify alone with lead single “Then It All Goes Away.” His songs adhere to one cohesive theme influenced by piano-driven soft rock as well as 80s pop.
Dayglow has performed alongside artists like Quinn XCII, King Princess and COIN on tour and has appeared at festivals like Lollapalooza and Governors Ball. His natural energy onstage makes him a fan favorite and his music always inspires positive energy from audiences.
He has collaborated with artists like MAX, Ashe and K.Flay. His song “Heatseeker” has received over 6 million views on YouTube; additionally, he enjoys over 113,000 followers on Instagram.
Young artist who resides in Aledo, Texas enjoys traveling and reading as well as spending time with his family. When not doing that, he enjoys listening to music or podcasts – particularly nutrition-themed podcasts – in his free time; particularly nutrition podcasts which he finds beneficial with regards to eating healthily and exercising (albeit not enough!). Also enjoys movies and video gaming. Currently in a relationship with Reagan Liddell whom they plan on marrying soon – they plan to purchase their dream house, start their family together while expanding musical careers!
The Strokes
After its release in 2000, The Strokes quickly achieved both critical and commercial success. Some critics saw them as one of the most pivotal bands of this millennium and others saw them as mere rich kids who simply offered a pale imitation of past great guitar rock bands.
Even with their mixed reception, the band remained committed to artistic integrity. Their respect for New York City pioneers such as Ramones and New York Dolls as well as Tom Petty and Iggy Pop was apparent; furthermore they took inspiration from groups like Cars, Blondie, and Nirvana.
Room on Fire was recorded quickly over three months and featured a more refined sound that highlighted their new wave influences. It proved an instantaneous success, building upon Is This It. Although not as playful or sensuous, it still maintained The Strokes’ trademark angularity and energy.
The Strokes continued to refine their sound with subsequent albums such as First Impressions of Earth and Comedown Machine, touring extensively (18 sold-out shows alone in 2006). Following several years spent working on individual projects, The Strokes returned in 2020 with The New Abnormal; an album that features elements of New wave, synth pop and glam rock that proved one of their most successful records yet and proved their talent at reinventing garage rock for modern audiences.