The Indie & Alternative Recommendation Thread

[DriveYourCarDownToTheSea]

After listening to some new stuff for the first time in ages starting in June, thanks to a tip from Surrel about Animal Collective, I've sort-of developed my own short list of Best Bands in this category.

First, by a big margin, is Animal Collective. However, I've also learned they tend to be a pretty divisive band - you either think they're great, or you think they're awful. Haven't found many people in the middle ground, though I'm sure they exist.

Second is Grizzly Bear. They're almost the opposite of AnCo. Whereas AnCo usually tries to cram every millisecond with as much sound as they think they can get away with, Grizzly Bear's songs are usually pretty sparsely arranged. Even the louder songs often sound a bit "minimalist" (for lack of a better word).

Third is Tame Impala. Main reason they're third at this point, however, is because they've only done 2 albums so far. But also because, I suppose, their sound is highly derivative, moreso than most other bands around these days. That said, they do a superb job of deriving.

I'll put Atlas Sound at a distant 4th. The guy who does Atlas Sound also has a band Deerhunter, but I prefer his solo stuff better. Haven't really been able to get into Deerhunter. In fact I gave away their latest album to someone after trying to listen to it a few times.

Other than those, the only band that has caught my attention so far is Deerhoof. Deerhoof is definitely ... gee I dunno ... creative? Definitely an entertaining listen but I'm not sure I'd actually want to buy one of their albums.

[Taxman]

Hey Animal Collective is great.
And everyone who loves Beatlesque pop should listen to Suftan Stevens.
Arcade Fire is good too. And also more well known bands like Wilco and Belle And Sebastian are great.

[Johnny Sandler]

I'm a huge fan of the dutch band De Staat and I recently found another band from Scotland with a similar vibe called 'The Tide Inside', they're a bit more mellow and ambient, check them out on facebook and youtube.

Does anybody have any suggestions for other european bands I should check out in a similar vein?

[Hellix]

Here's great band but with only 2 released singles so far: Alice Airbuzz
Love the melodies and guitar sound.
Check out in Youtube or Spotify.

I'm definately looking for more from them!

[chris_mills]

I like Indie/Alternative.
Favourite bands:
The 1975
Arctic Monkeys
Kings of Leon
The Killers
Coldplay (old stuff)
Imagine Dragons
Two Door Cinema Club
The Black Keys
The Vaccines
Anyone got any recommendations of bands similar to these?

[Zero_Hedge]

Originally Posted by chris_mills

I like Indie/Alternative.
Favourite bands:
The 1975
Arctic Monkeys
Kings of Leon
The Killers
Coldplay (old stuff)
Imagine Dragons
Two Door Cinema Club
The Black Keys
The Vaccines
Anyone got any recommendations of bands similar to these?

Teenage wristband by The Twilight Singers, Powder Burns by The Twilight Singers, What New York Used To Be by The Kills.

[mountgomerie]

Originally Posted by chris_mills

I like Indie/Alternative.
Favourite bands:
The 1975
Arctic Monkeys
Kings of Leon
The Killers
Coldplay (old stuff)
Imagine Dragons
Two Door Cinema Club
The Black Keys
The Vaccines
Anyone got any recommendations of bands similar to these?

Ooh my specialty is indie rock. Portugal. The Man is really one to add to your collection, especially their latest album. If you're looking for more indie stuff, you might like Grizfolk, Bear Hands, Alt-J, or Atlas Genius. Hope that helps!

[Katia]

I heard a band called Velcro Hooks, really energetic

[The Beard]

If it is an energetic band you want check out White Denim, five albums in and they keep getting better and better. Their albums D, and Last Day of Summer are the ones I would start with.

[DriveYourCarDownToTheSea]

Originally Posted by The Beard

If it is an energetic band you want check out White Denim, five albums in and they keep getting better and better. Their albums D, and Last Day of Summer are the ones I would start with.

I was just reading about this band after reading an article about them opening for Tame Impala in Colorado. Listening to Last Day of Summer right now - really interesting stuff! If you like Tame Impala you'll like this band.