One cannot deep dive into the indie-rock genre without bringing up bands like Arctic Monkeys, Modest Mouse, or The Strokes among others. These names have played a pivotal role in defining and dilating the genre to give it its niche and charm. They broke the traditional fetters of rock music with innovative multi-genre blends and threw open the gates for intuitive compositions and sound design. And this week, we have added five exciting artists to our LITM Indie Rock List.
Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum
Right off the bat, we have Arctic Monkeys! The easiest and most popular band of choice of indie-rock enthusiasts. Taken from the Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not Album, Mardy Bum reiterates the distinct indie sound of The Arctic Monkeys with tender sentiments. With winking guitar melodies and warm basslines, Alex’s narrative baritones engagingly image the sweet and sour moments of love and relationships. Hearty and candid, the song’s energy and emotion builds sprout from its winning percussive design and intricate melodies.
Arcade Fire - The Lightning II
Next up we have the invigorating sound culture of Canadian indie-rock band, Arcade Fire. The Lightning II is chock full of visual sensibilities. With soaring riffs, napalm synths, and a dance tempo, it’s as if it is shot out of a sonic flare gun. A blast of color followed by euphoric hope. One of the WE album’s epitaphs for the happier moments of life, the song has an exhilarating propensity that can transform your day.
Modest Mouse - Gravity Rides Everything
Riding the acoustic breeze, we have Modest Mouse with Gravity Rides Everything. The dual luminescence of the riffs and vocals spray the canvas with a sunny disposition. Based on a cyclical rhythm, we roll through smooth valleys of indie folk drenched in nostalgia. Released as part of The Moon & Antarctica in 2000, the song is a floater, buoyant and weightless.
Franz Ferdinand - Walk Away
Blooming from an intense mesh of silver basslines and riffs, is Franz Ferdinand’s Walk Away. Inspired by the melancholic romance of the 90s, the track is brightened by its political imagery and its vintage tragedy. Its acoustics are layered with a wealth of electric melodies and harmonies that flesh out the percolating emotion. And tinged with a timeless melodrama, Walk Away exemplifies the wry wit and sophistication that Franz Ferdinand brought to indie rock.
The Strokes - Someday
Concluding this litany of indie-rock is Someday by The Strokes. Their signature melodic rock and classic style is clarified in this track. Its direct hooky sound is paired with brilliant riffs and angular basslines to form a jolly rhythm. The sharpness of the musicality is contrasted by the fuzzy vocals and soft emotions. Come fill your ears with the gooey goodness and drink from the cup of hope and optimism.