Alternative music is an ever-shifting, undefined genre that encompasses thousands of bands. There's no definite description of what alternative music is; it's a conglomerate of multiple styles and backgrounds.
Here are five awesome alternative bands you should check out if you're new to the scene:
1. Alt- J
Alt-J (also known as ∆) is an unbelievably talented British band known for its unusual use of sounds. The band's debut album An Awesome Wave was released in May 2012 and received great reviews. Their second album, This Is All Yours, was released in September 2014 and topped the UK music charts. Alt-J has garnered national attention and performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2015.
Alt-J’s history as a band is almost as interesting as its music. Since the band formed at Leeds University while the members were students, they had to keep the noise level low in their dorms. Thus, they couldn’t compose music with bass guitars or bass drums. Early on in their music composition, the artists learned to utilize other instruments or objects as stand-ins. The band's recognized symbol is the letter 'delta,' which looks like a triangle. The name stems from the fact that the delta sign can be typed on a Mac with the commands of Alt followed by J.
Another unique aspect of Alt-J’s artistic background is its bizarre music videos. The video for the song Tessellate was an interpretation of Raphael's famous School of Athens painting. It features rappers and scantily-clad women to symbolize modern culture. Also, Alt-J’s Breezeblocks video runs in reverse motion and presents a gruesome murder of a woman by a man. As the video progresses, it is revealed that the woman actually planned on attacking the man; it is up to the viewer to decipher who the real victim is in this act of jealousy.
Alt-J’s music is at the forefront of the alternative genre and has a rare, unique sound that can appeal to both rock and pop music fans. The band's live performances are electric and full of energy–if you have the opportunity to see them, take it!
2. Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend is an American rock band from New York City, initially formed at Columbia University in 2006. Its music is distinctly upbeat and features fast rhythms; it is a rare mix of rock, classical, and Afro-pop guitar melodies. While many people believe the band's music can be described as preppy, it’s actually an uncommon cross-culture blend.
The band released its first album Vampire Weekend in 2008, which included the singles "A-Punk," "Oxford Comma," and "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa." The band's second album, Contra, was released in 2010 followed by their third album, Modern Vampires of the City, in 2013. Modern Vampires of the City won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2014.
The band chose the name "Vampire Weekend" from the title of a short film project one of the members tried to make. Initially, the band received backlash for being too preppy and coming from old money, since the members attended Columbia. However, the band refuted critics’ claims by revealing that they attended Columbia on scholarships and student loans. After graduating from college, the band self-produced their debut album by working full-time jobs.
Vampire Weekend seamlessly combines pop, indie, and almost folksy sounds to create refreshing songs that have an unconventional appeal.
3. The Kooks
The Kooks, a British rock band from Brighton, are most well-known for their song "Naive," released in 2006. While "Naive" is undeniably original and catchy, it just scratches the surface of the musical talent that The Kooks possess. The band has released four albums, the latest of which came out in 2014 and was entitled Listen. The Kooks are influenced by a wide array of artists, including The Beatles and Bob Dylan. As a result, their music is a blend of rock and pop.
Most of the members of the band met at school and started gaining popularity through performing at local bars. Just four months after they formed, The Kooks signed on with Virgin Records and released its first album, Inside In/Inside Out, in 2006.
The Kooks’ music has a wide range; it can go from soft acoustic sounds in songs like "Seaside" to pop-inspired, funky music in "Down." Their latest album has focused more on rock and heavily incorporates intense percussion. Most Kooks albums are great to listen to because they encompass a variety of songs and moods; although the Kooks have a distinct sound, it has changed and evolved as the artists have been influenced by different styles.
4. Arctic Monkeys
The Arctic Monkeys are a rock band from Sheffield, England. They have a definite hard, grungy rock style that appeals to many age groups. The band has released five official albums since 2006, when they first signed on with Domino Records.
Arctic Monkeys formed the band as high school students, and were labeled as one of the first bands to rise to popularity because of the Internet. Many of the band's early demos were spread on Myspace by a strong fan base in Northern England.
Alex Turner, the lead vocalist and guitarist, writes most of the band’s songs and has been praised by critics for his poetic, intricate lyrics. His lyrics examine love and human nature in a mature way. As the band has evolved, Alex Turner has been placed more and more in the spotlight and is now well-known for his musical talents.
The band has evolved significantly from their first album; their most recent music incorporates more modern hip-hop influences, while their early albums, like Favourite Worst Nightmare, were rooted in aggressive punk music.
The band has slowly but surely learned to step out into the spotlight. Their evolution includes going from grungy, disheveled boys to hard-core rockers in leather jackets. The band has a wide fan base and appeals to listeners all over the world.
5. The Neighbourhood
Formed quite recently in 2011, The Neighbourhood is a new type of alternative rock band that fuses classic rock influences with modern rap to create a contemporary style. Their most famous single, "Sweater Weather," reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in June 2013. Although many of their songs have mass-audience appeal, The Neighbourhood has an edgy style that results in severe, genuine songs. Many of their songs, like "Afraid" and "Let It Go," explore and express intense emotions. Their songs are relatable and delve into childhood reflections, falling in love, and the loss of faith. Although the band is relatively new and only has one studio album (entitled I Love You), it’s on the rise and has the attention of thousands of fans. Their next album, Wiped Out!, is due out this October.
