Forget diamonds, indie-rock music is a girl’s best friend. As a diehard music lover, discovering new artists is one of my biggest passions, and I can’t wait to recommend my favorites to you. Here are seven incredible indie-rock bands that could make your messy 2000s garage-band party dreams come true.
Ax and the Hatchetmen
The Chicago-based seven-piece band Ax and the Hatchetmen is one of my new top favorite indie bands. Formed in 2018, the band is made up of lead singer and guitarist Axel Ellis, vocalist and guitarist Kenny Olzewski, guitarist Sal Defilippis, bassist Hunter Olshefke, drummer Nick Deputy, Phil Pistone on trumpet and Quinn Dolan on saxophone.
Up until a few months ago, they were only releasing singles and EPs every so often. This October they finally released their debut album titled “So Much To Tell You.” Filled with earthy rhythms and whiny vocals, the track list has absolutely zero skips.
If you like catchy indie rock music that is sure to get you up on your feet dancing, Ax and the Hatchetmen is the band for you.
Notable tracks on “So Much To Tell You,” “Oasis,” “Blurry Lights,” “7×9” and “Hotel Room.”
Click here to listen to Ax and the Hatchetmen.
The Runarounds
Who doesn’t love a fictional TV band that’s actually a real band? The Runarounds are a band featured on one of Amazon Prime’s newest hit shows, “The Runarounds.” The show follows a band trying everything possible to get signed by a major record label during the summer after their high school graduation.
The band is made up of vocalists and guitarists William Lipton and Axel Ellis, guitarist Jeremy Yun, bassist Jesse Golliher and drummer Zendé Murdock. Formed in 2020, the members met after answering a casting call for Netflix’s hit show “Outer Banks.”
The 17-song soundtrack released alongside the show is filled with punchy drums, muddy guitar riffs, a grounding bass and yearning vocals, displaying the band’s clear talent for expressing original indie-rock spirit.
Notable tracks: “Ghost,” “Shoelaces,” “Senior Year,” “Arrhythmia (I Hope You Stay),” “Funny How The Universe Works” and honestly just the entire album. Give it a listen!
Click here to listen to The Runarounds.
Benches
Four-piece indie-rock band Benches comes all the way from Southern California. Known for blending 2000s rock with a bit of ’90s Britpop, the band released their latest EP, “Kill The Lights,” this past April. The band is composed of vocalist and guitarist Anson Kelley, lead guitarist Evan Ojeda, bassist Charlie Baird and drummer Ethan Bowers.
“Kill The Lights” takes a look inward at the turbulence that comes along with facing the world and its effects. The EP consists of grungy guitar, powerful drums and introspective lyrics sung in almost lazy, drawn-out vocals. If you’re looking for an indie band with a bit more edge and gritty emotions, this is the band for you.
Notable tracks on “Kill The Lights”: “Kill The Lights,” “Orchid” and “Naive.”
Click here to listen to Benches.
Quarters
Adding a post-punk edge to modern indie sounds, the NYC-based band Quarters (also known as Quarters of Change) offers listeners a raw manifestation of emotion through crunchy soundscapes. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Ben Roter, guitarist Jasper Harris and drummer Attila Anrather.
Their latest album release, “Portraits,” is full of earworm guitar riffs, catchy hooks and punchy vocals. Recently, they’ve been teasing a new era on their Instagram. With new music sure to be on the way, they are certainly something to look out for.
Notable tracks: “Ms. Dramatic,” “Heaven Bound,” “Dead” and “Do or Die.”
Click here to listen to Quarters.
The moss
Salt Lake City-based indie-rock band The Moss was born on the shores of Oahu, Hawaii. The band is made up of vocalist and guitarist Tyke James, guitarist Tyler Harris and drummer Willie Fowler. The spirit of The Moss’ music is deeply rooted in sun-soaked sentiment, ’60s blues influence and free-flowing melodies that lead unpredictably through the journeys that their songs are.
Their latest release is an EP titled “Free Ride.” The project centers around themes of connection and emotional honesty through organically shaped instrumentals and sincere lyrics. With the main body of their work consisting of high-energy tracks that create a natural and joyful atmosphere, The Moss is the perfect band for either a road trip or a dance party.
Notable Tracks: “Insomnia,” “Blink,” “Alive,” “Willie’s Song” and “Grand Hoodoo.”
Click here to listen to The Moss.
Dogpark
Classic mixtape indie-rock band Dogpark is the perfect example of ’90s influence expressed in indie music. The band is made up of lead vocalist Eamon Moore, lead guitarist Declan Harris, guitarist Billy Apostolou and drummer Christian Conte.
If I had to describe Dogpark in two words, I’d say restless rock. Their music has a boundless (and endless) type of energy attached to it. Loaded with the highest of highs, the lowest of lows are nowhere to be found throughout their music. While Dogpark’s tracks are perfectly polished, there’s an enticing edge of controlled recklessness fighting to burst out.
Notable tracks: “Dive Bar Named Nirvana,” “Now It’s Over,” “Breaking in Brooklyn” and “Washington Square Park.”
Click here to listen to Dogpark.
Arcy Drive
Arcy Drive is a New York-based indie-rock band composed of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Nick Mateyunas, lead guitarist Austin Jones, bassist Patrick Helrigel and drummer Brooke Tuozzo. With raw, aching vocals and messy with polished technique, Arcy Drive is filled with a strong heart and unwavering spirit.
They released their debut album this year, a 12-track long project titled “The Pit.” The album is a vibrant, youthful expression jam-packed with introspective lyrics that bring on an unprecedented feeling of nostalgia for something that never actually happened.
Notable tracks: “Thrift Store,” “Roll My Stone,” “They Don’t Dance” and “The Itch.”
Click here to listen to Arcy Drive.
No matter what your normal music habits may look like, I promise you’ll find at least one song from one band on this list that resonates with you.