The rocking music, the unique lyrics and lilting rhythm. This is all the more enhanced by the bass and the drums and the other instruments. This is what I think defines an indie band. A band which is more inclined towards originality and sticks to what it stands for rather than going out and out commercial while releasing their music. Indie bands represent what is explained as a means of production and distribution of independent and original underground music. But which are the top Indie bands amongst the umpteen of this type? Join me as I try to find out the top 10 best Indie bands.
Top Indie Rock Bands
The Decemberists
Colin Meloy and co. have been there for quite some time coming up with beautiful and light ballads. This band has a female singer, who sings alongside Colin Meloy, Jenee Conlee. A very creditable and perhaps worth a praise thing about this band is that in spite of getting offers from big labels, they stuck with an independent label. The Engine Driver and We Both Go Down Together both from their 2005 release “Picaresque” are worth a mention here. This is one of those really good best rocks bands playing alternative rock music.
The White Stripes
The band released its last CD in 2007 and it is one of those bands which sounds unique. According to a few of the indie rock and pop connoisseurs, the White Stripes has the potential to be touted as one of the top indie bands of the decade. The female vocalist Meg White is fantastic with her retro vocals backing Jack White, whose voice goes the screechy echo way. What gives the band a very different dimension is Meg White’s skills with drums. Fell In Love With a Girl, Seven Nation Army and Blue Orchid are the better known compositions of this band.
Black Rabbits
Enter the new age musicians and indie music. Black rabbit is contemporary and is one of the latest and top indie pop bands to have come up recently. This band if you listen to it for the first time seems as if it has taken a time machine from the turbulent times of British invasion to the contemporary world. Influenced by legendary bands like Beatles and Ramones, solid and simple harmonies is a hallmark of this new age British band. It has all the potential to become one of the best British rock bands.
Metric
Metric is a band which might not be very well known but it is doing a great job when it comes to lyrics and music. It is one of those really few indie bands which have been able to combine fabulous music as well as lyrics. The social messages are given without sounding to be preachy, thanks to Emily Haines, who writes most of the lyrics for Metric songs. Singles like Dead Disco, Combat Baby, Monster Hospital and Help I’m Alive have to be mentioned here. All this makes it a must have in top indie bands list!
The Hold Steady
Ever heard of a lead singer who does not sing, instead talks and yells at times? Craig Finn, the lead singer for this band, makes it seems as if that is what is the best for that band. Raucous, rebellious and loud, this band has captured attention of every household. Precisely these things make it a must include in top 10 best Indie bands.
Arctic Monkeys
Any list of top indie bands and top indie bands of all time cannot be complete without this awesome British band. This band was formed in 2002 and has Alex Turner (lead vocals, guitar), Jamie Cook (guitar), Nick O’Malley (bass guitar, backing vocals), Matt Helders (drums, backing vocals) and John Ashton as a touring member (keyboard, guitar, backing vocals) as the musicians. Humorous lyrics and a satire on the social scenario with great music is what Arctic Monkeys is all about. The songs from this band which are a must listen are I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, Brian storm and Fluorescent Adolescent.
Franz Ferdinand
Well, the name seems strange but it is a great band. It would be even more amusing to know that so far they have just released 3 CDs. Do You Want To, I’m Your Villianand No You Girls are the best compositions of the band. Amongst the alternative rock bands, this one is worth a mention.
Along with these there are these very popular bands which have to be included in top indie bands. These are Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Spoon, Tegan and Sara and many more!
The list of best Indie bands is quite long and as such I think I will stop composing words lest I run out of them. But you surely go and listen to these amazing top 10 best indie bands! Have a rocking time!
By Medha Godbole