Alt. Rock Yap

Hello everyone,     Do I need to even introduce Nirvana? A well-acclaimed band from Washington, and the infamous makers of "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Their songs are heavy, messy (in a good way), and rock of angst and passion. Their songs are great for teenagers in existential dread, American hard-rock enthusiasts, and people like me who listen to experimental and niche songs. If you try to picture a "punk" in your head, there's like a 70% chance they'll be wearing a Nirvana t-shirt. This is indicative of how deeply planted Nirvana is in rock and punk culture. Their songs are the classic "teen" and "American" sounding rock songs we've grown to love. So without further ado, it's time for my favorite songs!: Smells Like Teen Spirit (you cant go wrong with this) Aneurysm Drain You  (a sleeper option from the same album as Teen Spirit) If you somehow haven't listen to any songs from Nirvana, I could at least recommend trying to l...

 Hello everyone,     Hitorie is a Japanese alt. rock band that is known for the songs "Unknown Mother Goose" and "One Me Two Hearts". They are a popular Japanese rock band with members that have worked with other popular artist such as Ado, LiSA, and ichigo. Unfortunately, their lead member and singer wowaka died of acute heart failure in 2019. wowaka was a key identity to the band and the passing affect many fans and the members greatly. What I like about Hitorie is their fast-paced, sporadic pace. Their band does not play it safe, and goes for more avant-garde ideas. Each song has a lot of passion behind it and it is truly unique compared to other alt. rock bands, even Japanese ones. My favorite songs include: Utsutsu One Me Two Hearts SLEEPWALK I'd recommend Hitorie if you like Japanese rock and a fast-paced playlist. It is definitely niche and less-mainstream, so it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I won't judge, but I will judge you if you don...

Hello everyone, Sunny Day Service is a Japanese alt. rock band that I enjoy listening to on the daily. They have a more somber, less-grungy tone than other alternative bands which makes them unique.  Despite their name however, many of their lyrics talk about loneliness, lost love, and other gloomy subjects. Likewise the tone of the songs is a lot less upbeat and more calm and soothing. I started listening to Sunny Day Service to fulfill my "the pillows" itch. The pillows disbanded recently and I've already listened to their entire discography. So naturally, I looked elsewhere to find similar gems and Sunny Day Service eventually popped onto my radar. Some of their songs are hit or miss, but when they hit they are great. Personally I enjoy these songs from Sunny Day Service: Setsuna Ichigobatake de tsukamaete Convini no Coffee  (this one is very somber) I would definitely give them a shot if you enjoy the pillows and other Japanese rock bands! Be sure to follow along if y...

Hello Everyone,  julie is not one person, but rather a band from Los Angeles. In fact, no one on the band is actually named "Julie". They are new to the music scene, signing to Atlantic Records and debuting their first album in September 13th, 2024.  Shoegaze and Indie are core to the identity to julie and their music. julie's music evokes a grungy and slow tone that I believe many emo rock listeners would enjoy. Although their music is very simple, that's what makes them good and enjoyable. I would normally recommend multiple albums, but julie has only released one album and singles. Having said this, I can recommend my favorite songs from My Anti-Aircraft Friend : thread, stitch (I love the instrumental and vocal mix in this song the most out of the entire album) very little effort feminine adornments Judging solely on their current songs, julie looks to be a promising band for alt. rock and shoegaze listeners. If they release an album within the next 4 weeks, I...

 Hello everyone, I'm back and I'm here to give a blog about the alt. rock band: Arctic Monkeys. I'm sure we all know this indie rock band, they might actually be the most popular one out there currently. It surely is a step to go from somewhat niche The Pillows to Arctic Monkey, but they are popular for a good reason. Arctic Monkeys has particular sound that is amazing for driving down the interstate during nighttime. It is emotional, calm, and packed with passion for most of their songs. I'm still working through their discography as we speak. So while I can't speak for their newer songs, I can recommend some albums I HAVE listened to. My favorite albums and songs: AM ( Do I Wanna Know? , Snap Out of It , and Knee Socks ) Favourite Worst Nightmare ( Balaclava and 505  obviously) Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not ( Riot Van and I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor )  If you don't already an Arctic Monkeys song on your playlist, I defini...

 Hello Everyone, I'm James Tran, a student at USC Columbia whose had an unhealthy obsession with alternative rock over the last few years. Today, I'll be starting my weekly blog with my favorite alternative band: The Pillows.  The Pillows is an alt rock band from Hokkaido, Japan that is infamous for their work on the show FLCL and their distinct early 2000s sound. They are a regular on my playlist, and even at points the only band I'll listen to throughout the day. There is a "carefree" and "punk" vibe to almost every song they put out. Although their lyrics may not make a lot of sense, it's great music to turn your brain off and listen to. My favorites albums and songs include: HAPPY BIVOUAC (specifically LAST DINOSAUR and Back seat dog ) Thank you, my twilight ( Come on, ghost , Angels of Babylon , and Thank you, my twilight  itself) MY FOOT (the entire album minus Degeneration) ALL the FLCL Albums on Spotify ( Ride on Shooting Star is the best...