Tag: Alternative Rock

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All Time Low – Tell Me I’m Alive

All Time Low - Tell Me I'm Alive

Artist: All Time Low

Song: Tell Me I’m Alive

Genres: #punkrock

Location: Maryland, United States

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: All Time Low was one of the first bands featured on T.A.M., and almost three years later (time flies!), they have returned with their eponymous single: Tell Me I’m Alive. This is also the title of the band’s ninth studio album, their first release since the pandemic. The first three quarters of the track showcase a more mature sound for the band, with pop elements infused into their punk style and even the addition of a piano to back the vocals. It is not until the bridge that All Time Low switch gears up with classic punk drum lines and high energy levels. I’m not a fan of songs that rely too heavily on this drumming style, but when used sparingly as is the case here, they can be a brilliant addition.

All Time Low was formed in 2003 in Baltimore, Maryland. The band members, consisting of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alex Gaskarth, lead guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist Zack Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson, gained popularity with their pop punk sound and catchy lyrics. Throughout their career, All Time Low has toured extensively and earned a dedicated fan base, selling over 2 million records worldwide. With their continued success and loyal fan base, All Time Low has cemented themselves as one of the most prominent bands in the pop punk and rock music scene.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Punk-rock

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Lizzie Esau – Jellyfish

Lizzie Esau - Jellyfish

Artist: Lizzie Esau

Song: Jellyfish

Genres: #altrock #singersongwriter

Location: Newcastle, United Kingdom

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: Lizzie Esau is just 23 but she must have grown up listening to alt-rock records from the 90s. If you listen to any of her singles (for example, “Bleak Sublime”), you will see what I mean. That said, the Newcastle-based singer-songwriter adds her own experimental touches to her music, making her stand out in the crowded music scene. “Jellyfish” is her exciting new single and it showcases her creativity with a fuzzy guitar riff and spoken-word vocals that lead into a soaring chorus. That chorus is everything! and along with the tempo variations and clever lyrics, they make “Jellyfish” truly a must-listen track.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Still Talk – Headcheck

Still Talk - Headcheck

Artist: Still Talk

Song: Headcheck

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Influences: Avril Lavigne, Smash Mouth, The Hotelier

Location: Cologne, Germany

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: If you’re into alternative rock with a pop-punk twist and catchy hooks, you’ve got to check out Still Talk‘s single “Headcheck”, which will be part of the band’s upcoming debut album, appropriately called “St. Banger”. I love that this 5-piece band, fronted by Tanja Kührer, manages to balance different styles while keeping things fresh and energetic. “Headcheck” is a fun, upbeat song that celebrates the friendships within the band. The track is great from the get-go, but that stripped-down ending with the jangling guitar deserves a chef’s kiss.

If you’re in Germany, be sure to catch their live shows this year – I bet they’ll be a blast!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Punk Rock

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Dottie Andersson – Heavy Objects

Dottie Andersson - Heavy Objects
Photo Credit: Nic Schoppet

Artist: Dottie Andersson

Song: Heavy Objects

Genres: #indiepop

Influences: Bon Iver, Caroline Polachek, Phoebe Bridgers

Location: Småland, Sweden

Release date: February, 2023

Comment: Dottie Andersson is a unique artist from Sweden with a sound that is both authentic and refreshing. “Heavy Objects”, her promising debut single, skillfully blends electronic and indie elements to create a sound that is both atmospheric and catchy. The cherry on top are Dottie’s vocals, which are just perfect for this type of music.

The song’s lyrics speak to the theme of letting go of emotions and situations that weigh us down, and the accompanying video, filmed as a spontaneous one-take by photographer Nic Schoppet, perfectly captures this sentiment. Without a doubt, Dottie Andersson is an artist to watch in the coming months and years.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop

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Wesson – Made Me Happy

Made Me Happy

Artist: WESSON

Song: Made Me Happy

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Location: Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: British alt/rock band WESSON, led by #singersongwriter Chris Wesson, is formed by four musicians coming from different backgrounds, resulting in a delightful blend of pop, punk rock and indie rock. “Made Me Happy” is just their fifth single, but given how fun and catchy it is, I think it’s safe to say that this band is going places.

The lyrics express the emotions of a person who was hurt by someone’s actions in the past. The song reveals that the person has come to the realization that they might have acted similarly if they were in the same situation, and is finally finding peace in understanding their own and others’ behaviors. Between how relatable the lyrics are and the extremely catchy chorus, “Made Me Happy” is the type of tune that gets stuck in your head. Listen to it at your own peril.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Punk-Rock

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Verra Cruz – The World Is Crashing In

Verra Cruz - The World Is Crashing In

Artist: Verra Cruz

Song: The World Is Crashing In

Genres: #alternativerock

Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Nirvana

Location: St. Albans, United Kingdom

Release date: November, 2022

Comment: Verra Cruz, a British alt-rock infused trio, has recently released their newest single, “The World Is Crashing In”, a powerful, emotional track that speaks to love, loss, and the rawness of emotion. I particularly like that lovely guitar line in the intro and the anthemic chorus.

Verra Cruz got formed in 2003 and currently consists of Marc James (guitar/lap steel/vocals), Henry Cross (bass) & Jimmy Cooke (drums). However, after being featured by Kerrang! as an ‘Incoming Band’ in 2008 and supporting acts such as Biffy Clyro and Switchfoot across the world stage since then, the band’s career has not taken off yet in the way you could have expected. More people should be aware of Verra Cruz and perhaps “The World Is Crashing In” is the song that will give them the final push to accomplish that.


Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Måneskin – THE LONELIEST

Måneskin - THE LONELIEST

Artist: Måneskin

Song: THE LONELIEST

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Rome, Italy

Release date: October, 2022

Comment: If you are a fan of classic rock ballads from the 80s and have been missing that sound in today’s music scene, you should definitely check out “THE LONELIEST” by Italian band Måneskin. As someone who was not particularly interested in the band before and did not enjoy their Eurovision-winning song (Zitti E Buoni), I must admit that this track caught my attention from the moment I first heard it on Eclectic Music Lover‘s weekly top 30 post, and has since become one of my favorites.

“The LONELIEST” is a poignant mix of a love letter and a will, written during a difficult time when the songwriter was away from home and loved ones. It is a testament to Måneskin‘s versatility and musical talent, as it showcases a different side of the band that people may not have seen before. Trust me, this song is definitely worth a listen.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Linebeck – Waste My Time

Linebeck

Artist: Linebeck

Song: Waste My Time

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Hamilton, Canada

Release date: November, 2022

Comment: Linebeck’s “Waste My Time” is a fantastic indie track that packs a punch with its raw energy and heartfelt lyrics. This four-piece band from Hamilton, Ontario has crafted a powerful song that speaks to the realities of modern dating in the digital age. Lead vocalist Chrys and guitarist Momo’s transition from an acoustic ukulele-guitar duo to a full band has clearly paid off in the production value of this track.

The lyrics in “Waste My Time” are relatable and thought-provoking, touching on the vulnerability and uncertainty that often comes with the early stages of a relationship. Chrys delivers the vocals with a passion and intensity that captures the emotion of the song perfectly. It’s a sweet and memorable track that is sure to get stuck in your head.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Frankie Bird – Campfire

Artist: Frankie Bird

Song: Campfire

Genres: #altrock #singersongwriter

Location: London, United Kingdom

Influences: Oasis, The Beatles

Release date: August, 2022

Comment: “Campfire” sounds like a hit song Alanis or Hole could have released in the 90s, but it was actually written by a talented 22-year-old indie/pop artist from Reading, UK. Not only that, it is just the second single ever released by Frankie Bird. To say that she has a promising future would be a massive understatement.

It is no wonder then that when Frankie moved to London in late 2021 and became a regular on the open mic circuit, she proved to be a success all around the city. “Campfire”, in particular, is a little hidden gem that deserves to be found.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Augustana – Boston

Augustana - Boston

Artist: Augustana

Song: Boston

Genres: #alternativerock #americana

Location: California, United States

Release date: September, 2005

Comment: I haven’t done a #throwbackthursday post in a while, but after discovering recently that Augustana was not as well-known as I thought, I decided to feature that musical project today. My intention was to use my favorite Augustana song: “On The Other Side”, from their self-titled album (2011), but for some reason that whole album is not available on any streaming platform. For that reason, I had to settle for my second favorite song, Boston, which also happens to be their biggest hit. If there’s one Augustana song you probably have heard before (even if unknowingly), it would surely be this one.

Augustana has always been led by Daniel Layus, but these days he’s the only member of Augustana left. Boston was part of the band’s debut album and peaked at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006, pretty good for an alternative rock band at the time. With regards to the meaning of the song, Layus once explained this: “You know, growing up, I had extended family on the outskirts of Boston, and we’d fly out there for the holidays fairly often, and I always loved it out there, in my mind it always seemed like the farthest point away from California that you could go”.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative