Is there a grunge revival?
The return of the '90s...
For my second Substack collaboration, I’d been searching for another music geek to create some magic with. I’m super happy I stumbled upon Gabbie’s site, New Bands for Old Heads (https://substack.com/@meandtimory). Gabbie has her finger on the pulse — she’s a music critic turned curator, always turning her followers on to new things. This begged the question: What should we collaborate on?
I know a lot about music, but I’ll admit there’s no way to know everything going on. When Gabbie suggested we explore the new grunge revival or compile a list of the Top 5 new grunge-ish bands, I wasn’t super aware of it. I’m somewhat familiar with the shoegaze subgenre, and having played off and on with Courtney Love in Hole, as well as with her solo band, I think I’m well-equipped to comment on the subject.
Nothing would make me happier than finding this generation’s Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Hole, Pearl Jam, and more. Yes, it probably contributed to the demise of the genre I’m most fond of (see ‘80s hair metal), but there were some incredible bands, singers, and songs coming out of that era.
I would argue that Nirvana is still the most important band to emerge in the last 30 years, and their impact can still be felt in a huge way today.
So we compiled a list of new-ish bands — Gabbie’s Top 5 and mine — with a playlist to follow. First, her commentary and playlist, and then mine. Hope you enjoy, and let us know if you think there’s a new grunge revival!
Gabbie’s Picks
Bully - "Hard to Love”
The last few years have been stuffed to the gills with Veruca Salt soundalikes, but Bully is the best of them all. With a voice that lands somewhere between Courtney Love and Melissa Etheridge, and a knack for churning out fiery grunge numbers as catchy as pop songs, she gives Olivia Rodrigo a run for her money.
Teenage Wrist - "Digital Self”
This LA band has had their finger on the pulse of ‘90s alt-rock nostalgia for about a decade now. Though they’re most often likened to the Smashing Pumpkins and have an obvious shoegaze vein running through all their work, on this track alone, you can hear traces of old favorites like Silverchair and Candlebox. Also check out last year’s "Still Love" with Softcult, another great shoegaze/grunge revival band.
Oceanator - "Drift Away”
Elise Okusami's deep love of ‘90s alternative is palpable in all her songwriting, which leans heavily into the guitar riffs everyone claims are missing from music these days. "Drift Away" harkens back to a darker grunge sound, reminiscent of Toadies or Filter.
Hello Mary - "Special Treat”
Admittedly, Hello Mary has moved a little further away from their pure grunge influence since last year's self-titled sophomore release, but oh, what an homage it was! "Special Treat" recalls Nirvana and Poe in equal measure.
Slow Pulp - “Cramps"
Slow Pulp's songs are a little more mass-market friendly than grunge should allow, but let’s not pretend we weren’t listening to some incredibly catchy grunge back in the day. This infectious blend of Garbage and Third Eye Blind would make the perfect addition to any coming-of-age movie soundtrack (and it already references Heathers!).
Yeah, I know, neither are grunge bands... just listen to the damn song.
My Picks
Been Stellar - "Pumpkin"
According to NME, "Instead of regurgitating 2000's New York City rock, Been Stellar has meshed shoegaze and post-punk sounds to create their own signature sound.” We had them perform at the Marvin magazine party during NYFW, and they not only look cool but have a Pumpkins-esque, Tom Yorke, shoegaze vibe. Definitely one to watch!Highly Suspect - "Suicide Machine"
Formed by brothers in 2009, this band has been around for a bit. They have a new record out that rocks. I met Matt Pinfield through their manager, Michael Lurato. It might be their time. Check out the great new album!Badflower - "Ghost"
Originally signed to my friend John Varvatos' label, this LA band has been around for about 10 years, getting their start at SXSW. Check out their hit “Animal” as well.Crobot - "Golden"
Not many bands come from Pennsylvania, but these guys are riff masters and deserve the hype. "Golden" is a great track that can make you believe in the return of grunge!Small Town Titans - "The Devil Choir"
Believe it or not, another Pennsylvania band, drawing influences from bands like Deep Purple and the almighty Soundgarden. Lots of promise here.
Honorable Mentions:
Two more bands and tracks you should explore:
Joyous Wolf - "Mississippi Queen" (cover) Listen here
Lowlives - "Freaking Out" Listen here
Enjoy the playlist!
Let us know what you think.
Listen to and watch Lipps Service on the app.
 | A guest post by
|
My footnote, Scott! My footnote! 😂
Thanks for doing this with me, I had a great time pulling it together.
There wasn’t a track here that I didn’t like, but the tracks by Badflower, Crobot and Small Town Titans all really stood out for me.
I think I’d heard of the Oceanator release but certainly haven’t listened to it until now. It’s fantastic!
I guess my question is how does one define grunge or grunge-adjacent music? So much of the music of the last few years is reflective of bits and pieces of music from the last 30+ years. It all feels derivative in some way. Reddit is littered with threads about “what is grunge” but I’ve never really had a satisfactory answer.