90s-alt-rock
These are the best 90s-alt-rock artists featured on Release Wave.
Leaving Time
Formed in Jacksonville, FL in 2020 while members Joel Cedeno, Nick Dilts, Jarod Whalen, and Reed Cothren previously & simultaneously played in bands True Form, Method of Doubt, and more—Leaving Time sonically stands out from the aforementioned. Taking inspiration from the notable '90s alternative-rock and shoegaze sound, Leaving Time adds much of their own to the sound. Subtle nuances like the whirling guitar leads and hardcore-inspired drums give each song a driving punch, taking the singular "shoegaze" descriptor out of the picture. On EP II, the band again connected with Gainesville producer, John Howard to write some of their best songs to date. Pushing the sound heard on their S/T, EP II finds the band coming to form. The band is signed to Sunday Drive Records and is gearing up to release their debut LP in November of 2024.
Julie
Julie is a band from Los Angeles signed to Atlantic Records. Their sound is reminiscent of artists in shoegaze, grunge, and 90's rock.
Slumped
Slumped are an alternative rock band from Oakland, Ca with similarities to bands like Weezer, The Rentals, and newer bands like Webbed Wing. About the band, California’s Slumped is an alternative rock band formed in 2017 as part of the burgeoning indie scene of the east Bay Area. With a throw back sound to 90s fuzzed out power pop, alt-rock, and grunge-pop, and informed as much by the tone and engaging songwriting of bands like Weezer, The Rentals, Third Eye Blind and Everclear as they are by more contemporary acts like Superheaven, Webbed Wing and Tony Molina, Slumped plays loud fuzzed out catchy rock music - full stop. Driven by screaming refrigerator guitar amps and distortion pedals, thundering drums, and roaring bass, the band’s “heavy pop songs” sound like they’re 100 stories tall, both on and off record. Existing somewhere between Weezer’s Pinkerton and Thin Lizzy’s Black Rose, Slumped is the perfect soundtrack for driving very fast into the sunset while bawling your eyes out.
The Jesus Lizard
The Jesus Lizard, one of the original noise rock bands with a history starting from the late 80s in Austin, Texas and ultimately moving to Chicago, evolved to become a legendary and impactful act with a distinctive sound. Known for their intense performances and powerful music filled with scathing guitar-driven pseudo industrial noise, the band has released multiple albums that showcase their raw energy and unique style. Their upcoming seventh album, "Rack," and first in over 25 years set to be released by Ipecac Recordings, continues their legacy of ferocious and captivating music.
Cold Gawd
Cold Gawd is a post-hardcore/shoegaze outfit from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Inspired by early aughts nu-gaze and R&B melodies, Cold Gawd presents a refined, modernized take on the genre.
Fake Eyes
The alternative rock band Fake Eyes, from North Carolina, combines shoegaze, grunge, brit pop, and emo influences in their music. Fans of Trauma Ray, Narrow Head, and Broken Head will enjoy their sound, as the band pulls from similar 90s influences like Hum, Sunny Day Real Estate and The Smashing Pumpkins. They have an EP out on New Morality Zine and plan to release their debut LP on Sunday Drive Records in fall 2024.
Nada Surf
Nada Surf is an American alternative rock band formed in New York City in 1992, consisting of Matthew Caws (guitar, vocals), Ira Elliot (drums), and Daniel Lorca (bass, backing vocals). After initially operating under the name Helicopter, Caws and Lorca switched to Nada Surf. In 1995, Ira Elliot joined on drums, and they met Ric Ocasek, former frontman of the Cars, who produced their debut album, High/Low, in 1996. Despite experiencing significant success with their single "Popular" and touring extensively, their follow-up album, The Proximity Effect, was not well received by their record label, Elektra, resulting in the band being dropped, and they self-released the album. Throughout the early 2000s, members worked regular day jobs while continuing to create music, leading to the release of the critically acclaimed album Let Go, in 2002. Their subsequent albums included The Weight Is a Gift (2005), Lucky (2008), the covers album If I Had a Hi-Fi (2010), and The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy (2012). They issued their eighth studio album, You Know Who You Are, in 2016, and followed it with Never Not Together in 2020. Their tenth studio album, Moon Mirror, will be released in September 2024.
Webbed Wing
Webbed Wing is a grungy power-pop / alt-rock band from Philadelphia led by guitarist and singer Taylor Madison. Their sound is reminiscent of bands like Superheaven, with drummer Jake Clarke and bassist Mike Paulshock rounding out the lineup.
Fig Dish
Family Dinner
Photocopy
Oklahoma City’s Photocopy play the kind of buzzing feedback-laden alternative rock sound that fit right in with the whole 90s shoegaze /emo / alt-rock genre blending revival. Their debut LP is coming out in October 2024.
Jr. Juggernaut
LA power trio Jr. Juggernaut is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, CA and currently signed to Mindpower Records. The band currently consists of singer/guitarist Mike Williamson, drummer Wal Rashidi, and bassist Noah Green (of L.A.'s The Pretty Flowers). The bands sound is a fresh take on the warm and fuzzy sounds of '90s style alt-rock with big melodies and hooks. Were MTV’s original incarnation of “120 Minutes” still on the air, Jr. Juggernaut's recent material would all be contenders for Buzz Bin video status. The band is heavily influenced by the guitar heavy 90s alt rock, punk and power pop in bands like The Replacements, Sugar, Hukser Du, early Goo Goo Dolls, and more current bands like The Gaslight Anthem, The Hold Steady, Beach Slang and the like.
Poppy Wizard
Poppy Wizard, a new alt-rock band emerging from Germany, blends 90s grunge and 2010s alternative rock influences in their upcoming debut EP "Holy Spirit Gang," set for release on August 23, 2024. Their music is described as massive, melodic, and danceable, capturing the intricacies of life with addictive tunes. Fans of Title Fight, Superheaven, and Narrow Head may appreciate their electrifying, guitar heavy, and melodic sound.
Footballhead
FOOTBALLHEAD, led by Ryan Nolen and Adam Siska, is a project capturing the poppier essence of 90s radio rock similar to Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, and blink-182. Their debut LP, set for spring 2024, promises a fresh take on the nostalgia-soaked energy of alternative pop music from the 90s and early 2000s.
Enumclaw
American indie rock band Enumclaw from Tacoma, Washington blends indie pop, alt rock, grunge, and slacker rock. They released their debut album "Save The Baby" in 2022 under Luminelle Recordings and will release their upcoming record "Home In Another Life" with Run for Cover Records in August 2024. Their music should appeal to fans of bands like Hotline TNT, Milly, and Pavement.