5 Alternative Pop-Rock Bands You Need to Know
If you’re a fan of alternative pop-rock music, then you need to check out these five bands. They’re all making waves in the music scene and are sure to become your new favorites.
The 1975
The 1975 is a four-piece alternative pop band from Manchester, England. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matthew Healy, lead guitarist Adam Hann, bassist Ross MacDonald, and drummer George Daniel. The band’s debut album, titled The 1975, was released on 2 September 2013 through Dirty Hit Records and Polydor Records. The album was preceded by the release of three singles: “Sex”, “Chocolate”, and “Robbers”. “Sex” peaked at number 44 on the UK Singles Chart, while “Chocolate” and “Robbers” both reached the top 30. The 1975 received positive reviews from music critics upon its release. NME gave the album a perfect score of five out of five stars, writing that it is “an enthralling listen from start to finish.” Alternative Press also awarded the album five out of five stars, calling it a “fantastic debut”. AllMusic gave the album four-and-a-half out of five stars.
The Paper Kites
From Australia, The Paper Kites are an indie pop-rock band that has been around since 2012. The band is made up of Sam Bentley, Kirsty Tickle, Christina Lacy, Josh Bentley, and David Powys. They have released three albums so far, with the most recent one coming out in 2016. If you’re a fan of bands like The 1975 or Imagine Dragons, then you’ll definitely enjoy The Paper Kites.
The Hunts
If you’re a fan of alternative pop-rock bands with catchy tunes and interesting lyrics, then you need to check out The Hunts. This five-piece band from Virginia has been making waves in the music industry with their unique sound and wide appeal.
The Hunts’ music has been featured on popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Suits, and their debut album, Those Younger Days, was met with critical acclaim. With a sound that blends elements of alternative rock, pop, and folk, The Hunts are sure to appeal to a wide range of listeners.
If you’re looking for a new band to add to your musical repertoire, be sure to give The Hunts a listen – you won’t be disappointed!
The Staves
The Staves are an English folk rock trio from Watford, Hertfordshire, consisting of sisters Jessica (born 16 October 1986), Emily (born 19 April 1988), and Camilla Staveley-Taylor (born 11 July 1990). They perform vocals, guitar, piano, and percussion.
The Staves first played live in Watford in 2008. By January 2011 they had completed three UK tours supporting various artists including Ben Howard, Jon Gomm and Citizens!, as well as numerous headline dates. They toured the US for the first time in the summer of 2011. In 2012 The Staves supported Willy Mason on his UK tour, and played at both Glastonbury Festival and The Great Escape Festival. In November 2012 they were announced as part of the BBC’s Sound of 2013 poll.
The trio’s debut album Dead & Born & Grown was recorded in Wisconsin with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and was released in the UK on 30 October 2012. The album was nominated for a 2013 Ivor Novello Award for Best Album. The band’s second album If I Was was recorded with Ethan Johns and released on 23 February 2015.
The Districts
Hailing from the small town of Lititz, Pennsylvania, The Districts pack a punch far beyond their years. The group formed in 2009 when high school friends Rob Grote (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Jacobus (bass), and Braden Lawrence (drums) decided to start writing and playing music together. With Grote’s boyish good looks and raspy voice leading the way, the band quickly began to turn heads with their catchy brand of guitar-driven pop-rock.
After releasing a pair of well-received EPs, The Districts caught the attention of Frenchkiss Records, who signed the band and released their debut album TelephoneBooth in 2012. The following year, the group toured heavily in support of the album, including a stint opening for fellow Pa. natives Dr. Dog.
The Districts returned to the studio in 2014 to begin work on their sophomore effort, Popular Manipulations, which was released to critical acclaim in 2016. The album found the band perfecting their signature sound – catchy melodies balanced by thoughtful lyrics and driven by propulsive guitars and drums. With Popular Manipulations, The Districts cemented their place as one of the most promising young bands around.
The group has spent the past few years touring relentlessly in support of their albums, including stops at festivals like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. They’ve also shared the stage with some of alternative rock’s biggest names, including Arcade Fire, Beck, Vampire Weekend, and Spoon.
The Districts are currently working on new material for their next album – we can’t wait to hear what these talented young musicians come up with next!
