The Best Indie/Alternative Rock Music Videos of 2018

A look at the best indie/alternative rock music videos of 2018. These are the videos that captured our attention and definitely worth a watch.

The National- “You Had Your Soul With You”

“You Had Your Soul With You” is one of the best songs off of The National’s newest album, I Am Easy to Find. The accompanying music video is a powerful and moving visual representation of the song’s lyrics, which deal with themes of addiction and lost love.

The video follows the stories of three different couples as they deal with the turmoil and pain of addiction. We see them at their lowest points, struggling to make it through another day. But we also see the hope that still exists between them, even in the midst of all their problems.

It’s a heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful video, made all the more powerful by The National’s stunning song. If you’re looking for an indie/alternative rock music video that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it, look no further than “You Had Your Soul With You.”

The 1975- “Love It If We Made It”

The 1975’s “Love It If We Made It” is a cynical but hopeful ode to our current political and social climate, and the visual accompaniment is just as arresting. The video, directed by Adam Powell, opens with a montage of Donald Trump, police brutality, and climate change before cutting to frontman Matt Healy holding a bloodied microphone. As the song builds to its anthemic chorus, we see more quick cuts of Trump, Kanye West, the #MeToo movement, and school shootings. But instead of wallowing in despair, Healy and company choose to focus on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It’s a powerful message conveyed through one of the year’s best songs.

IDLES- “Danny Nedelko”

“Danny Nedelko” is a song by British rock band IDLES, released as the second single from their second studio album Joy as an Act of Resistance on 6 July 2018.

The song, which features guest vocals from Ukrainian singer-songwriter Gopak, is about immigration and xenophobia, and was inspired by the real-life story of Nedelko, a Ukrainian immigrant who has made Bristol his home.

The music video for “Danny Nedelko” was directed by Mathieu Schreyer and was released on the same day as the single. The video features footage of IDLES performing live, intercut with footage of various immigrants living in the UK.

Interpol- “The Rover”

Interpol’s “The Rover” has been called one of the best music videos of 2018 by multiple outlets. The simplicity of the video, combined with the perfect visual accompaniment to the song, makes for a truly captivating experience.

Arctic Monkeys- “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”

This year’s best music videos spanned a wide range of genres, sounds, and styles. But one thing was clear: the Arctic Monkeys know how to make a killer music video. The band’s “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” video is a perfect visual companion to their hazy, lo-fi new album of the same name.

Directed by Ben Chappell and Aaron Brown, the “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” video is a trippy, disorienting journey through the Arctic Monkeys’ strange new world. We see the band members as they travel through space and time, performing in front of colorful backdrops and bizarre landscapes. There are also some clever visual nods to classic sci-fi films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Solaris.

The “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” video is just one of many great indie/alternative rock music videos that were released this year. Others include Arcade Fire’s “Everything Now” video, which was directed by Terry Gilliam, and Wolf Alice’s “Don’t Delete the Kisses” video, which was shot entirely on an iPhone.

Modest Mouse- “Poison the Well”

Modest Mouse’s “Poison the Well” might just be the best music video of 2018. Released in May, the clip was directed by Brock Gunnoe and stars charismatic lead singer Isaac Brock as a cowboy in the Old West.

Gunnoe expertly weaves together a number of genres, including western, horror, and comedy, to create a truly unique visual experience. The result is a hilarious and eerie music video that perfectly captures the dark humor of Modest Mouse’s music.

Vampire Weekend- “Harmony Hall”

official music video for “Harmony Hall” by Vampire Weekend. The song is the lead single from their upcoming album, Father of the Bride.

The video was directed by Jonah Hill and features the band members performing in a variety of colorful costumes and sets. It was released on January 29, 2019 and has since been viewed over 4 million times on YouTube.

Beach House- “Lemon Glow”

Beach House debuted the video for their track “Lemon Glow” last February, and it’s a gorgeous, minimalist work that matches the ethereal quality of the song. The entire video is shot in black and white, with occasional pops of color, and features lead singer Victoria Legrand standing very still in various locations while the world swirls around her. It’s a simple concept, but it’s executed with such beauty and precision that it’s impossible to look away.

Death Cab For Cutie- “Gold Rush”

Death Cab For Cutie’s “Gold Rush” is a song about the city of Seattle and how it’s changed over time. The music video for “Gold Rush” was shot entirely on an iPhone and directed by band member Ben Gibbard. The video features shots of the cityscape, people walking around, and scenes from the movie “Singles.”

CHVRCHES- “Get Out”

CHVRCHES’ video for “Get Out” is a perfect example of a music video that is both artful and entertaining. The band members are placed in a black and white world that is constantly shifting and changing around them, and their performance is terrific. The end result is a visually stunning video that perfectly compliments the song.