Alternative rock music is a genre that began in the late 1980s, developed into a mainstream style of music in the 1990s and it’s here to stay.
There are a lot of bands who play in this genre of rock music that isn’t necessarily mainstream but deserves a lot more attention.
This genre and its subgenres of music are already one of the most popular genres in the United States, Europe, and many other countries.
People of all ages can associate with this genre to varying degrees, as alternative rock encompasses a wide range of types, such as indie and pop punk. Here is another alternative rock playlist for your listening pleasure this weekend.
This playlist features great alternative rock songs that are sure to put you in a good mood and make you want to spend some of your spare time listening to some new music.
You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) EVERYTHING BUT THE EVERYTHING – Intimacy
If you haven’t heard of Everything But The Everything, you’re missing out. This indie rock band from Oakland, California is one of the most exciting new bands to come out of the Bay Area in a long time. Their debut single “Intimacy” is an 80s-tinged pop song that sounds like it could have been released 30 years ago but was actually released just two years ago. It’s a dreamy mix of soft vocals and guitar that transports you to another place entirely.
There is a wide appeal to this song. Developed a songwriting partnership with Luke Sweeney, an established SF singer/songwriter. It was once again the usual suspects who contributed, Andrew Gomez with his Moog magic, Landon Cisneros with the perfect drum work and producer Rex Shelverton overseeing everything.
Their single “Intimacy” is the kind of song that plays on repeat in your head for days. It’s got a retro rock feel, but with a modern twist. They don’t take themselves too seriously. We love how this artist is able to combine nostalgia with modernity in such an accessible way.
This is a great song, I love it. It sounds like ‘Eyedress’ blended with ‘TV girl’, but with that ‘Everything But The Everything’ taste. It is a perfect song for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with a lover. The music has a great relaxing vibe that I am sure you will enjoy!
If you’re looking for something new to listen to this summer, check out EVERYTHING BUT THE EVERYTHING on Spotify, and visit their website! You won’t be disappointed!
2) SANO HILL – Feel Love
SANO HILL is an independent artist hailing from Ireland, Galway, and his single Feel Love is an anthem that will make you want to get up and move.
Sano Hill is an indie rock artist who makes music that you can feel. He has a classic sound that will appeal to fans of classic rock bands like The Beatles or Bob Dylan.
A song that expresses the power of love within us all. Our well-being and the future of our world depend on connecting with this aspect of ourselves and realizing our interconnectedness with others and the world around us.
During a time of great instability, war, and potential environmental catastrophe, this song appeals to ‘feel love’ again as a foundation for responding appropriately. It’s sparse and direct – but hopefully clear. The current events inspire them
It’s a very powerful song. Imagining Bob Dylan singing this, as if Sano Hill were now named ”the voice of a generation”. This sounds like something from the album ”Slow train coming”. Everything sounds well produced and well thought out, and the lyrics say a lot. There should be a lot more attention paid to it!
The single is available on Spotify, and you can also visit his website for further information about tours and releases. Check it out!
3) RIVAL KARMA – Powerduism
Rival Karma is a UK-based alternative rock band with a sound that has been described as “alt-rock pop” and “stoner rock.” They released earlier this year, a new EP.
The EP from Rival Karma, Powerduism, is the band’s sophomore release. – The band started the band’s inception while they were touring extensively in 2019, and living the dream of a touring rock band at the time.
Powerduism is an EP that you need to check out. Each song on the album has its own style and sound, but it also has a cohesive feel. The EP is a mix of alternative rock, grunge, stoner rock, hard rock and indie rock with touches of ’90s nostalgia thrown in for good measure.
The lyrics are honest and catchy. If you’re into alternative rock or pop rock bands like Arctic Monkeys, then this is definitely an album for you!
My favourite track from the album is ”Jesus is from Chico”. It sounds so energetic, and the riffs are catchy and fun, I love listening to it and I’m pretty sure you will love it also! Go have a look, you q«won’t regret it
Make sure to check it out, visit their website and follow them on Spotify and other social media to stay in tune with their releases and tours!
4) NICK NOON – Bring Out The Sunshine
Nick Nook, one of Nashville’s most prominent rising musical artists, returns with yet another goosebump-inducing single. His music can be described as an American mix of 90s rock, alternative rock, Britpop and glam rock with influences of indie melodic pop rock, indie pop and power pop.
With “Bring Out The Sunshine,” the talented artist delivers an upbeat indie rock production and lyricism that will resonate with listeners. Through energizing guitars, drums, and atmospherics, the emotion-drenched vocal adorns the euphoric instrumental.
The single delivers a refreshing take on indie rock with an ear-catching guitar and nostalgic rock composition. The first verse, “Bring Out The Sunshine” will capture anyone’s attention and leave them wanting more.
There is something very different about this music video, it looks amazing. It’s a high-quality production both on the song and the video. Brian Lucey (who mastered Arctic Monkeys and The Black Keys) mastered the song. There’s no wonder it sounds so good!
Check it out, visit his website, follow the artist on Spotify, and make sure to listen to more of his songs, I’m sure you will not be disappointed by it!
5) N4NOVEMBER – A World Of So Much Hate
N4NOVEMBER is a name that may not be familiar to many, but it should be. The Australian artist is a rising star in the alternative pop scene, having already released his latest EP, A World Of So Much Hate.
The A World Of So Much Hate EP is a collection of six songs that are all very different from each other, but they all share one thing in common: they’re incredibly edgy. The lyrics are honest and relatable, and the music itself is dark and moody. It’s alt-rock pop with an emo twist—it’s perfect for anyone who likes classic rock or alternative pop.
‘A World of So Much Hate’, N4N’s debut EP, is comprised of songs Alex (lead guitarist, vocalist, songwriter) wrote when he was 16 about fictional love and heartbreak. The stories he wrote when he was 18 describe his struggle to live in this reality. Also letters he wrote when he was 21 to say goodbye to loved ones.
‘Dear Friend’ is my favourite song from this album. It’s so relatable, and since I love these kinds of songs, I felt relaxed while listening to it. Even though it is not a relaxing song, it is very energetic and moody, and it is the perfect blend of the two. I love how it sounds!
As a 20-year-old musician, he hopes he’s making his 16-year-old self proud that he’s living out his dream of making and releasing music. A dream he never thought he’d be able to fulfill, and now he’s here.
Check it out, visit his website, and follow the artist on Spotify for more songs like this, you will not be disappointed!
6) TOUGH ON FRIDAYS – The Encore You Didn’t Ask For
It’s always a good time to check out new music, especially if you’re a fan of alt-country, 80’s rock, and 90’s rock.
A second album by Tough On Fridays was released on November 4, 2022, by Archangel Records, a label based in Sydney, Australia. As the album is already receiving critical acclaim, it gives a good idea of what this band has to offer.
The Encore You Didn’t Ask For is TOUGH ON FRIDAYS’ latest album, and it’s full of anthemic rock pop with female vocals that will transport you back to the best parts of the grunge era. The album has a classic sound that brings out all the best parts of 90’s alternative rock: crunchy guitars, edgy vocals, and plenty of guitar solos.
There is so much energy in this album. It was great listening to it while working out. My favourite band (after Tough On Fridays) is Deftones, and I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between this album and their songs. I really like how energetic and edgy it is. A great workout companion or just a relaxing listening experience at 3 a.m. on a Sunday!
‘Overboard’ is my favourite track from this album (and now of all time). In addition to being extremely well mixed, it gives the impression that it comes from a major band, which I am sure Tough On Fridays will be. Make sure you listen so you can feel the power flowing through your veins as I did.
We recommend checking out this album on Spotify—it’s available there now! And visit their website for more information also!
7) FAINT ON CALL – Harpoon
FAINT ON CALL is a band from San Francisco, California and they’re back with their single “Harpoon”
Producer Sylvia Massy, who has worked on TOOL’s Undertow and Taylor Hawkins’s albums, worked on the single and album in Mexico. Definitely influenced by Puscifer/APC/Failure and 90’s experimental rock.
They’ve gone for a more rock-driven sound here than on previous songs, which makes sense considering the current state of the genre. They’ve also added in some sweet 90s-style guitar riffs to keep things interesting—and they’ve done it well!
After listening to this track, I immediately thought of a blend between RHCP and Foo Fighters. It sounds just like them, but with Faint On Call’s taste. I love their ability to make anything sound unique when they play, so I listen to them all the time. I think you should listen to this because the production is very high quality, and you won’t be disappointed
The vocals are great too; they’re very smooth and quite melodic. You’ll probably be singing along after just one listen! It’s a relaxing but energetic vibe at the same time, i sure do enjoy it!
Overall, this song is a banger that definitely deserves more attention. Check out their website and follow them on Spotify!
8) TONY LIO – Kaleidoscope
On his latest single, Kaleidoscope, indie rock artist TONY LIO delivers a punchy, dreamy track that’s sure to keep you coming back for more. With its upbeat tempo and bright, layered guitars, this song is perfect for a night drive or a winter day.
This song is an alternative rock track with elements of new wave and post-punk, which is what lends it its dreamy quality. He evokes the sounds of artists like Bob Dylan and Prince with his soft, melodious voice. I can’t believe that a man who looks like a movie villain can produce such a delicate sound!
“Kaleidoscope” serves as not only a continuation of his previous single “Cigarettes and Angel Wings”, but also as a showcase for the lighter, mellow indie elements that are a part of Tony’s hybrid style, finally allowing the “light side” to take centre stage.
This song specifically reminded me of Deftones and Radiohead also. It sounds amazing. As soon as I heard it, I immediately placed it on one of my playlists. I love how the vocals blend in with the sound of everything else in the song. The production is high quality, and pleasing to hear.
The music video, on the other hand, is extremely different. It’s not bad, not at all, it’s unusual in a way that you have to be open-minded to understand! But I dare you to give it a try, I am sure that you will not regret it!
All in all, “Kaleidoscope” is an excellent addition to any playlist—whether you’re listening while driving around town or relaxing at home after work. Be sure to check it out on his Spotify, and visit his website also!
9) THE ALESSI BROTHERS – Dreams Come True
are a singer-songwriter band from the United States, New York. They play a mix of acoustic rock and pop with a classic sound that makes it easy to listen to. Their single “Dreams Come True” is an example of this style, with male vocals and an easy-listening sound that is perfect for any occasion.
This is the second single from the band’s new album that has been released since the success of the first single from the album
As there is no doubt that the two created a harmonious rendition of a classic from The Beatles’ rich catalogue, “I’m in love”, the Alessi Brothers present “Dreams Come True”, the latest gem in their career,
This song is taken from their critically acclaimed release “Eden Roc”.
If you listen to the song, you can quickly notice the similarities with ”The Beatles”, In a good way. They totally have the essence of rock-pop/soft rock that TB had. It’s amusing to hear something so similar but with a modern taste to it. I think you should listen, you won’t regret it!
Are you already a fan of their work? Then you’ll definitely want to check out their website as well as follow them on Spotify!
10) HOUNDS HAUL – Under Glacial
In the world of music, there is no shortage of independent artists looking to make their mark on the industry. One such artist is HOUNDS HAUL, a British alt-rock pop band whose song “Under Glacial” has been blowing up lately.
They have been away for a while figuring out their next move, and they now feel it is finally time for them to release their three-part musical combo. It is this song that starts the journey of The Odyssey EP (which will be released after PT.3) on the road to the release.
The song is a perfect blend of alternative and pop rock, with catchy lyrics and a hook that will get stuck in your head for days. The first time I heard it on Spotify, I immediately added it to my playlist. My opinion is that the production is very well done, and it is very professional as well.
As the song goes on, the band’s darker side becomes evident, with heavy riffs and high crescendoing highs that are present throughout the song. As all three songs are seamlessly interwoven together, it becomes a dramatic experience that is reminiscent of a movie soundtrack.
If you’ve been looking for something new to listen to, this is the band for you! Check out their website, follow them on Spotify, and give them a listen today!