A while back, I tried making a descriptor for a common "sound" for alternative. I know it seems in vain, but here me out.

1. Genres get big in the media because people like the sound.
2. Alternative is huge in the mainstream radio.
3. But alternative doesn't have a sound?

That confused me, so after long deliberation and excessive studying, I think I have something. I don't think it'll be perfect, but I hope it's a step forward in finding a common ground for alternative bands. It's too long to post here, so I ask you to check this essayt I wrote and leave commentary here on MB.

https://rateyourmusic.com/list/JGuy/...scribe-genres/

So is this pretty good?

The issue with what you're saying is that it immediately discounts forms of alternative like folk punk. That said I get your point. But i always thought of it more like this, Alternative is the name slapped onto any band that's influenced by punk rock or any of its inherent subgenres.

I wouldn't say that as much. The only thing early alternative and punk share to me are the "fuzz" factor, as early alternative and punk are like parents to noise rock.

Actually, what other genres did I discount? I never considered folk punk as a form of alternative since it came out at the same time as alternative. Plus, subgenres took influence from various genres, leading to the wide acceptance alternative is known for. I think folk punk is more like cowpunk in the sense they are just the combinations of genres their titles advertise. I wouldn't put Hallowed Ground in alternative, but I would do so with their first one.