There are a select few smaller bands that have come to my attention over the last few years, and as people who know me well can attest-- they are all I ever talk about. I think it’s about time for me to finally let the general public in on my favorite best kept secrets. To make things easier, I’ve made a playlist of the key tracks: https://open.spotify.com/user/claire_spinner/playl...

1. Nothing But Thieves

Genre: Alt Rock

Nothing But Thieves is a recent breakout within the alternative scene. Formed in 2012, the band released their self-titled debut album earlier this year and has been slowly moving their way through the alternative charts. Lead Singer Conor Mason’s voice is among the best of the best in the current world of music, the key piece to this gem. The band’s catalogue is a unique blend of upbeat hard rockers and stadium worthy anthemic ballads, they are a true rock band.

Key Tracks:

Trip Switch, Hostage, Ban All the Music, Six Billion

For Fans Of:

Muse, Mutemath, Imagine Dragons

2. Sir Sly

Genre: Indie rock (or sly-fi, according to the band)

Sir Sly is a three piece band formed in 2012. Their Debut Album You Haunt Me was released in late 2014, and consists of an interesting contrast between both darker instrumentals and the pairing with lead singer Landon Jacob’s intriguing vocals. The band’s style is influenced by both rock and subtle R&B, often using a mixture of heavy bass and synthesizers. It is anticipated that they will release their sophomore album within the next few months.

Key Tracks:

Gold, Found You Out, Too Far Gone, You Haunt Me

For Fans Of:

The Neighbourhood, Foster the People, Maroon 5

3. Glass Animals

Genre: psychedelic rock, dream pop, alt R&B

Glass Animals was yet another band formed in 2012, releasing their debut album Zaba in the summer of 2014. Their debut album is a bizarre experience filled with jungle themes, abstract lyrics, and smooth vocals. This band is incredibly hard to describe stylistically, and this is perhaps what makes them so great. Upon listening to their album, it’d nearly impossible not to go into a trance-like state of wonder. Their second album, How To Be A Human Being is out this Friday.

Key Tracks:

Gooey, Life Itself, Black Mambo, Youth

For Fans Of:

Tame Impala, Flume

4. Mini Mansions

Genre: psychedelic rock, glam rock, dream pop

Mini Mansions originally started in 2009 as a side project of Queens of The Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman. They released their self-titled debut a year later, followed by The Great Pretenders, released last year. The latter of the two has appearances by both the Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. This band’s sound is comprised of vocal harmonies, distorted instrumentals, and the occasional rock driven guitar to boost a darker and heavier mood. They combines the sounds of modern psych rock with nostalgic elements reminiscent to Pet Sounds era Beach Boys.

Key Tracks:

Vertigo, Creeps, Crime of the Season, Wünderbars

For Fans Of:

Queens of the Stone Age, Tame Impala, The Beach Boys

5. Royal Blood

Genres: hard rock, blues rock

Royal Blood is a two piece band comprised of lead singer/bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher. Like all good two piece bands, the sound is full and rich, as the two members work in tandem. They released their heavily praised self-titled debut in 2014, which has made waves among the alternative world. The hard rocking jams are irresistible, and the dynamics of the group allow for a thrilling and sonic diverse experience.

Key Tracks:

Out Of The Black, Figure It Out, Little Monster, Hole

For Fans Of:

Queens of the Stone Age, Silversun Pickups, The White Stripes

6. The Last Shadow Puppets

Genre: psychedelic pop, alt rock

The Last Shadow Puppets is a rock supergroup comprised of co-lead singers Alex Turner and Miles Kane, along with James Ford and Zach Dawes of (ironically) Mini Mansions. Their first album The Age Of The Understatement was released in 2008 before the band parted ways until last year’s Everything You’ve Come to Expect. Their combination of perfectly executed harmonies and orchestral backing on many songs creates a unique experience unlike anything else on the radio. The Band’s sound is versatile, combining rock instrumental jams, doo-wop slow rockers, and dramatic orchestral pop.

Key Tracks:

Bad Habits, Miracle Aligner, Aviation, Sweet Dreams TN

For Fans Of:

The Arctic Monkeys, David Bowie

7. Foals

Genre: alt rock, indie rock

Foals has been around far longer than many of the other bands on this list, formed in 2005 with their debut Antidotes released in 2008. They’ve since released 3 albums, including last year’s What Went Down. Their sound ranges from transcendent and moody to hard rock. Despite their popularity among hardcore rock fans, they have managed to fly under the radar to the casual music fan. Needless to say, they have a sound meant to fill stadiums.

Key Tracks:

Mountain At My Gates, Give It All, Spanish Sahara, Inhaler

For Fans Of:

Modest Mouse, Two Door Cinema Club, Imagine Dragons, Foo Fighters

8. POP ETC

Genre: indie rock, alternative pop, new wave

Another long time band formed in 2005, (though originally under the name “The Morning Benders”) POP ETC. released their debut Talking Through Tin Cans in 2008. Their earlier dream pop sound has evolved over the years as they released three more albums, with their most recent, Souvenir, standing somewhere between synthpop and rock. Another extremely versatile band, their catalogue has something for everyone, and Souvenir is one of this year’s most popular albums, with several singles reaching number 1 on alternative charts.

Key Tracks:

Vice, Excuses, Speak Up, What Am I Becoming?

For Fans Of:

Broken Bells, Passion Pit, Two Door Cinema Club

9. The Arcs

Genre: psychedelic rock, blues rock, garage rock

The Arcs is the most recently formed band on the list, a side project of The Black Keys’ iconic frontman, Dan Auerbach. They were formed early this year before releasing debut album, Yours, Dreamily. The band is of course, heavily based upon the vocal and guitar stylings of Auerbach, but it’s the small details that set them apart from everything on the radio. Their brilliant roots rock background is brought about by unique resources, including an all-woman mariachi style trio.

Key Tracks:

Put a Flower in Your Pocket, Stay In My Corner, Outta My Mind, Chains of Love

For Fans Of:

Alabama Shakes, The Black Keys, Cage The Elephant

10. The Wrecks

Genre: alt rock, glam rock, pop rock

The Wrecks is my most recent discovery, one I made through their opening slot for a Nothing But Thieves concert I attended in May. This band is your classic pop rock 5 piece band. The powerhouse vocals of lead singer Nick Anderson, along with the upbeat rocking instrumentals of the other members translate best live, due to their eccentric and energetic stage performances. Needless to say, their debut EP We Are The Wrecks is a promising work, and a fun listen. The lead single, “Favorite Liar” is on the brink of a huge breakout, so this band is definitely one you won’t want to miss.

Key Tracks:

All of them.

For Fans Of:

The Struts, Saint Motel, Bad Suns