The Best Alternative Rock Bands Of 2019, Ranked

Coley Reed
Updated February 15, 2024 20.8K views
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3.6K votes
584 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite alt rockers in 2019.

Updated: check out our list of the top 10 alternative rock bands of 2020!

Whether you like infectious guitar riffs or wry lyrics, the best alternative rock bands of 2019 have it all. The 2019 class of alt-rockers includes veteran acts, newcomers, and everyone in between. Some of the best alternative rock bands of 2019 have massive tours on the calendar while others are releasing highly anticipated new albums.

Everyone from Cage the Elephant to Pixies to Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are making an epic splash in 2019. Living legends like Beck and Weezer are also leaving their marks on the year with tours in North America and beyond.

Why You So Crazy (The Dandy Warhols), Seeing Other People (Foxygen), and a new record from Sleater-Kinney are just a few examples of awesome new albums from alt-rockers. Which alt-rock band do you think will own 2019? Vote your favorite 2019 alternative rockers up to the top of this list and add any artists we may have missed.

Most divisive: alt-J
Over 500 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Alternative Rock Bands Of 2019, Ranked
  • Arctic Monkeys
    1
    Trip hop, Dance-punk, Garage rock
    162 votes
    Arctic Monkeys, an English rock band, was formed in Sheffield in 2002. The group initially consisted of four members: Alex Turner (lead vocals and guitar), Jamie Cook (guitar), Andy Nicholson (bass), and Matt Helders (drums). Nicholson left the band in 2006, and Nick O'Malley stepped in as the new bassist. Over the years, the band's music style evolved from garage rock and post-punk revival to incorporate new wave, hip-hop, and indie pop. The Arctic Monkeys gained significant recognition with their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, which was released in 2006. This album still stands as the fastest-selling debut album by a band in UK chart history. In the same year, they were awarded the Mercury Prize for this record-breaking album. Their subsequent albums Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007) and AM (2013) also received critical acclaim, each earning them Brit Awards for Best British Album. Throughout their career, the Arctic Monkeys have been praised for their lyricism, often characterized by a keen sense of observation and wit that set them apart in the music industry. Turner's lyrics, coupled with the band's evolving sound, have continuously kept listeners intrigued. From performing at local venues in Sheffield to headlining music festivals worldwide, the Arctic Monkeys have imprinted their mark in the music scene, resonating with fans across different generations. Their contribution to music has led to numerous awards and nominations, further establishing their reputation as one of the most influential bands of the 21st century.
  • Cage the Elephant
    2
    Punk blues, Garage rock, Garage punk
    164 votes
    Cage the Elephant is an American rock band from Bowling Green, Kentucky, that formed in 2006. The group currently consists of Matthew "Matt" Shultz, Brad "Dave" Shultz, Jared Champion, Daniel "Tich" Tichenor, Matthan Minster, and Nick Bockrath. Lincoln Parish served as the band's lead guitarist from their formation in 2006 until December 2013, when he left on good terms to pursue a career in producing. The band's first album, Cage the Elephant, was released in 2008 to much success, spawning several successful radio singles and gained the band a large following in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Cage the Elephant are known for energetic live performances and for possessing an electric sound. The band's first album is influenced by classic rock, funk, and blues music. However, the band's second album, Thank You, Happy Birthday, displayed heavy influence by punk rock and bands such as the Pixies and Nirvana, while Melophobia was a concerted effort by the band to find its own distinct musical identity, and earned them a Grammy Award nomination in 2015 for Best Alternative Music Album.
  • Muse
    3
    Alternative Rock, Electronica
    131 votes
    Muse, a renowned alternative rock band, hails from Teignmouth, Devon in the United Kingdom. Consisting of Matthew Bellamy as the lead vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter, Christopher Wolstenholme on bass and backing vocals, and Dominic Howard on drums, Muse was formed in 1994. The trio met at their school in Teignmouth, and their shared love for music led to the formation of the band. Their unique blend of rock, electronica, classical music, and progressive rock has garnered them international acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. The band's discography is impressive, with a total of eight studio albums released. Their debut album, Showbiz, was unveiled in 1999, but it was their second album, Origin of Symmetry in 2001, that truly put them on the map. Muse continued to evolve their sound with each successive album, experimenting with various musical styles and themes. Some of their most popular songs include "Uprising," "Starlight," and "Knights of Cydonia," which showcase their dynamic range and innovative musicality. Aside from their music, Muse is known for their energetic and extravagant live performances, often incorporating elaborate stage designs and light shows. They have performed at some of the world's biggest music festivals, like Glastonbury and Coachella. Their contribution to music has not gone unnoticed, as they have received numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album. Despite the many changes in the music industry over the years, Muse has remained a consistent force, continually pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a rock band in the 21st century.
  • Foo Fighters
    4
    Alternative rock, Post-grunge, Hard rock
    113 votes
    Foo Fighters are an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1994. The band was founded by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of Nirvana after the suicide of Kurt Cobain. The group took its name from foo fighter, a nickname coined by Allied aircraft pilots for UFOs and other aerial phenomena. Over the course of their career, Foo Fighters have won 12 Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album four times. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, their first year of eligibility. Prior to the release of Foo Fighters' 1995 debut album Foo Fighters, which featured Grohl as the only official member, Grohl recruited bassist Nate Mendel and drummer William Goldsmith, both formerly of Sunny Day Real Estate, as well as Nirvana touring guitarist Pat Smear. The band began with performances in Portland, Oregon. Goldsmith quit during the recording of their second album The Colour and the Shape (1997).
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers
    5
    Alternative Rock, Funk Metal
    135 votes
    The Red Hot Chili Peppers is a legendary rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California. The group was established in 1983 by Anthony Kiedis, Michael Balzary (also known as Flea), Hillel Slovak, and Jack Irons. Through their unique blend of funk, punk, and psychedelic rock, the band cemented its place in music history. Their dynamic sound and raw energy have earned them a global fan base, numerous awards, and commercial success. The band's journey was not without its hardships. In the late 1980s, they faced the tragic loss of guitarist Hillel Slovak due to drug overdose. The following years saw several lineup changes, with the entrance of John Frusciante and Chad Smith proving pivotal in shaping the band's signature sound. Together, they produced some of the Chili Peppers' most acclaimed work, including the quadruple platinum album Blood Sugar Sex Magik. This album featured hits like Under The Bridge and Give It Away, which have since become anthems of the 90s rock scene. Despite experiencing intermittent periods of hiatus and personal struggles, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have displayed remarkable resilience. They have released 11 studio albums, with their 2006 album Stadium Arcadium earning them five Grammy Awards. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, a testament to their significant contribution to the music industry. Their enduring influence continues to resonate within the realm of rock, inspiring countless musicians and captivating audiences worldwide.
  • The Black Keys
    6
    Garage rock, Blues rock, Punk blues
    96 votes
    The Black Keys, an American rock band, formed in the heart of Akron, Ohio, in 2001. The dynamic duo consists of Dan Auerbach on vocals and guitar and Patrick Carney on drums. Their journey began in a basement, recording a demo that would pave their path to success. The band's name is a tribute to a schizophrenic artist named Alfred McMoore, who often used the term "black keys" to describe people he disliked. The band's music, heavily influenced by blues, has a raw garage rock sound that sets them apart. Their debut album, The Big Come Up," was released in 2002, which marked the beginning of their musical journey. This album, recorded in Carney's basement, generated a buzz in the indie music scene. The band gained significant recognition with their breakthrough album, Brothers," released in 2010. It won three Grammy Awards and featured the hit single Tighten Up, which topped the Alternative Songs chart in the US. The Black Keys are known for their relentless work ethic, releasing nine studio albums in less than two decades. They have toured extensively across the globe, showcasing their unique blend of blues-infused rock. Despite their international stardom, they have remained true to their roots, often returning to Akron to record their music. Their passion for music and dedication to their craft has cemented their place in the annals of rock history.
  • Radiohead
    7
    Rock music, Electronic music, New Prog
    146 votes
    Radiohead, an English rock band formed in 1985, has consistently been at the forefront of the music scene for over three decades. The band's original lineup - Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar, piano), brothers Jonny (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments) and Colin Greenwood (bass), Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals), and Phil Selway (drums) - remained unchanged since its inception. This stability in membership is somewhat rare in the music industry and speaks volumes about the synergy of the group. The band made their breakthrough in 1992 with the hit single "Creep", which became a worldwide success and painted them as one of the most innovative bands of their generation. Radiohead's third album, OK Computer (1997), propelled them to international fame; noted for its complex production and themes of modern alienation, this album is often acclaimed as a landmark record of the 1990s. Their subsequent albums - Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) - marked a dramatic evolution in their style, incorporating influences from electronic music, classical music, jazz, and more. Despite the commercial risks of their experimental approach, Radiohead has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. They have sold over 30 million albums worldwide, and their work has influenced countless artists across a range of genres. From their early days as a grunge-inspired rock band to their later work exploring electronic textures, Radiohead has never stopped pushing boundaries, redefining what it means to be a rock band in the modern era. Their legacy is one of consistent innovation, artistic integrity, and a refusal to be pigeonholed by genre or expectation.
  • The Killers
    8
    Pop punk, Synthpop, New Wave
    114 votes
    The Killers are an American rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2001 by members Brandon Flowers (lead vocals, keyboards, bass) and Dave Keuning (lead guitar, backing vocals). Mark Stoermer (bass, rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion) completed the current lineup of the band in 2002. The band's name is derived from a logo on the bass drum of a fictitious band portrayed in the music video for the New Order song "Crystal".The band has released five consecutive chart-topping studio albums: Hot Fuss (2004), Sam's Town (2006), Day & Age (2008), Battle Born (2012) and Wonderful Wonderful (2017). They have also released a B-sides and rarities compilation, Sawdust (2007); a live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall (2009); a greatest-hits album, Direct Hits (2013); and a Christmas compilation, Don't Waste Your Wishes (2016). The Killers are one of the biggest rock bands of the 21st century, and the most successful act to ever emerge from Nevada. They achieved worldwide success as a live band, performing in over 50 countries and on six continents, headlining venues such as Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium and Glastonbury Festival (2007 and 2019).
  • Weezer
    9
    Alternative rock, Power pop, Pop rock
    95 votes
    Weezer, the iconic American rock band, was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1992. The founding members were Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, and Matt Sharp. Defined by its distinctive fusion of power pop and alternative rock, Weezer's stylistic innovation has made them a stand-out entity in the landscape of 90s music and beyond. Throughout their career, they've created multiple chart-topping hits and have developed a dedicated fanbase. The band's breakthrough came in 1994 with their debut self-titled album, often referred to as The Blue Album. This album, featuring now-classic tracks such as "Buddy Holly" and "Say It Ain't So" showcased the group's knack for catchy, emotionally poignant tunes. Following the success of The Blue Album, Weezer released their sophomore effort, Pinkerton, in 1996. Initially met with mixed reviews, Pinkerton has since been hailed as a seminal work in the emo genre, reflecting the band's ability to evolve and push the boundaries of alternative rock. Beyond their initial successes in the '90s, Weezer has consistently produced new material that continues to shape the rock genre. Their discography is punctuated by a series of self-titled albums, each known by a corresponding color, including the Green, Red, and White albums. Despite lineup changes over the years, the core elements of Weezer's sound have remained intact. Their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, marking Weezer as one of the most enduring and influential bands in modern rock history.
  • Tame Impala
    10
    Indie rock, Psychedelic pop
    119 votes
    Tame Impala is the psychedelic recording project of Kevin Parker, from Perth, Australia, and signed to Modular Recordings. The band rose to prominence in 2010 with the release of its debut album Innerspeaker and received critical acclaim for its 2012 album Lonerism. On April 5, 2015 the band announced that their third album, Currents, would be released later in 2015. The band name "Tame Impala" is a reference to the impala, a medium-sized antelope.
  • The Smashing Pumpkins
    11
    Shoegazing, Gothic rock, Alternative rock
    85 votes
    The Smashing Pumpkins, a renowned American alternative rock band, was formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1988. The initial line-up included Billy Corgan as the lead vocalist and guitarist, James Iha on guitar, D'arcy Wretzky on bass, and Jimmy Chamberlin on drums. Their music emerged as an amalgamation of gothic rock, heavy metal, dream pop, and psychedelic rock, which distinguished them from other bands of the era. Their career took off with their debut album Gish in 1991. However, it was their second album, Siamese Dream, that catapulted them to fame in 1993. The album, filled with angst-ridden lyrics and grungy guitar riffs, was a critical and commercial success. It established the band's unique sound and identity and became a defining record of its time. In 1995, they released the ambitious double-disc album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, which further set them apart from their contemporaries. This album spawned hits like "1979", "Bullet with Butterfly Wings", and "Tonight, Tonight", solidifying their place in the annals of rock history. Despite the band's phenomenal success, they were not immune to turbulence. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the band grappled with personal conflicts, drug addiction, and lineup changes. They announced their breakup in 2000, only to reunite in 2006. Since then, The Smashing Pumpkins continue to create music, albeit with different formations.
  • Panic! at the Disco
    12
    Pop rock, Pop, Baroque pop
    127 votes
    Panic! at the Disco is the solo project of American musician Brendon Urie. It was originally a pop rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2004 by childhood friends Urie, Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, and Brent Wilson. They recorded their first demos while they were in high school. Shortly after, the band recorded and released their debut studio album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (2005). Popularized by the second single, "I Write Sins Not Tragedies", the album was certified triple platinum in the US. In 2006, founding bassist Brent Wilson was fired from the band during an extensive world tour and subsequently replaced by Jon Walker. The band's second album, Pretty. Odd. (2008), was preceded by the single "Nine in the Afternoon". That album marked a significant departure from the sound of the band's debut. Ross and Walker, who favored the band's new direction, departed because Urie and Smith wanted to make further changes to the band's style.
  • Vampire Weekend
    13
    Indie rock, Baroque pop
    75 votes
    Vampire Weekend is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 2006. They are currently signed to XL Recordings. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Ezra Koenig, guitarist/keyboardist and backing vocalist Rostam Batmanglij, drummer and percussionist Chris Tomson and bassist and backing vocalist Chris Baio. The band released its first album Vampire Weekend in 2008, which included the singles "Mansard Roof", "A-Punk", "Oxford Comma", "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" and "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance". The band's second album, Contra, was released in 2010. Their third studio album, Modern Vampires of the City, was released on May 14, 2013, winning them a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2014.
  • Catfish and the Bottlemen
    14

    Catfish and the Bottlemen

    63 votes
  • Queens of the Stone Age
    15
    Rock music, Desert rock, Experimental rock
    76 votes
    Queens of the Stone Age, often abbreviated as QOTSA, is a globally recognized American rock band that was formed in 1996. The band's inception came about in Palm Desert, California, after the dissolution of the rock band Kyuss, by its former guitarist Josh Homme. With a fluid line-up that has seen various members come and go, including notable musicians like Mark Lanegan and Nick Oliveri, Homme has remained the only constant member, serving as the band's primary songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist. Drawing from a broad range of influences, Queens of the Stone Age are known for their eclectic style that fuses heavy rock with elements of punk, blues, and psychedelia. This unique musical blend has resulted in a distinct sound dubbed as "robot rock" by Homme, characterized by repetitive riffs, heavy drum beats, and Homme's signature falsetto vocals. The band's discography spans across multiple studio albums, with Songs for the Deaf (2002) and ...Like Clockwork (2013) being particularly instrumental in propelling them into worldwide fame. These releases have been praised for their innovative songwriting and production, earning the band multiple Grammy nominations. The impact of the Queens of the Stone Age goes beyond their music. They've notably contributed to the popularization of the stoner rock and desert rock genres, with their early performances at generator parties in the Palm Desert Scene gaining mythical status among fans. In addition, through Homme's side projects like Eagles of Death Metal and the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures, which included rock legends Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones, the influence of QOTSA has permeated the rock scene on a larger scale. Despite the changes in their lineup and the evolution of their sound over the years, Queens of the Stone Age have remained a staple of the international rock scene.
  • Imagine Dragons
    16
    Pop rock, Electropop, Pop
    162 votes
    Imagine Dragons are an American pop rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Imagine Dragons' lineup consists of lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne "Wing" Sermon, bassist Ben McKee and drummer Daniel Platzman. The band gained exposure following the release of their debut studio album, Night Visions and first single "It's Time". The band's second studio album Smoke and Mirrors reached number one on the Billboard 200, Canadian Albums Chart, and UK Albums Chart. Night Visions peaked at number two on the weekly Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart. According to Billboard, Imagine Dragons topped the year-end rock rankings for 2013; Billboard named them "The Breakthrough Band of 2013", and Rolling Stone named their single "Radioactive" "the biggest rock hit of the year". MTV called them "the year's biggest breakout band." Imagine Dragons won an American Music Award for Favorite Alternative Artist, a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance, five Billboard Music Awards, and a World Music Award.
  • Alice in Chains
    17
    Grunge Alternative metal, Heavy metal, Sludge metal
    71 votes
    Alice in Chains, one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s, emerged from the grunge scene in Seattle, Washington. The band was formed in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney, bassist Mike Starr, and lead vocalist Layne Staley. The group's distinctive sound, marked by Staley's haunting vocals and Cantrell's heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs, set them apart in a city already teeming with musical talent. The band's first album, Facelift, released in 1990, became a defining record for the grunge movement. It included the breakout single Man in the Box, which received substantial radio play and led to the band's first Grammy nomination. In 1992, they released their second album, Dirt, which was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, featuring iconic tracks like Rooster, Down in a Hole, and Would?. The band's exploration of dark themes such as depression, addiction, and death resonated with listeners, making them an integral part of the era's music landscape. Throughout the '90s, Alice in Chains faced several challenges, most notably Staley's struggles with drug addiction, which culminated in his untimely death in 2002. Despite this tragedy, the remaining members chose to continue making music. They recruited William DuVall as the new lead vocalist in 2006 and have since released more albums, each demonstrating the band's ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound. Their resilience and dedication to their craft solidify Alice in Chains's legacy as one of rock's most enduring acts.
  • Pixies
    18
    Experimental rock, Grunge, Noise
    62 votes
    The Pixies are an American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1986. The group currently consists of founders Black Francis, Joey Santiago, and David Lovering. Co-founder Kim Deal left in 2013 and was replaced by Kim Shattuck as live bass player for a few months, then by Paz Lenchantin for the band's 2014 tour. The Pixies achieved relatively modest popularity in their home country, but were significantly more successful in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe and Israel. The group disbanded in 1993 in acrimonious circumstances, but reunited in 2004. Despite limited commercial success, their jarring pop sound subsequently influenced bands such as Nirvana, Radiohead, The Strokes, Bush and Weezer. The band's style of music contains a range of elements, including psychedelia, noise pop, hard rock, surf pop, and surf rock. Black Francis is the Pixies' primary songwriter and singer. He has written about a number of offbeat subjects in the band's songs, such as extraterrestrials, surrealism, incest, and biblical violence. The group is credited with having an influence on the alternative rock boom of the 1990s.
  • Bastille
    19
    Synthpop, Alternative rock
    79 votes
    Bastille are an English indie rock band formed in 2010. They began as a solo project by singer-songwriter Dan Smith, who later decided to form a band. The four-piece is completed by Chris 'Woody' Wood, William Farquarson, and Kyle Simmons. The name of the band derives from Bastille Day ā€“ an event celebrated on Smith's birthday, 14 July. In December 2010, EMI Music announced that they had offered Bastille a record contract with Virgin Records. Their debut single, "Overjoyed" was subsequently released in April 2012. Their first studio album, titled Bad Blood, was released in March 2013 and debuted atop the UK Albums Chart. The band was nominated for four Brit Awards at the 2014 ceremony, including for British Breakthrough Act, British Group, British Single of the Year and British Album of the Year, winning for British Breakthrough Act. As of November 2014, Bastille have sold over 5 million records in the US and 2.5 million records in the UK alone.
  • The Cranberries
    20
    Jangle pop, New Wave, Rock music
    61 votes
    The Cranberries were an Irish rock band formed in Limerick, Ireland in 1989 by lead singer Niall Quinn, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan, and drummer Fergal Lawler. Quinn was replaced as lead singer by Dolores O'Riordan in 1990. The band officially classify themselves as an alternative rock group, but incorporate aspects of indie pop, post-punk, Irish folk, and pop rock into their sound.The Cranberries rose to international fame in the 1990s with their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, which became a commercial success. The band has sold over 40 million records worldwide (and over 14 million in the US), achieved five top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 chart (Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?; No Need to Argue, To the Faithful Departed, Bury the Hatchet, and Stars: The Best of 1992-2002) as well as having eight top 20 singles on the Modern Rock Tracks chart ("Linger", "Dreams", "Zombie", "Ode to My Family", "Ridiculous Thoughts", "Salvation", "Free to Decide", and "Promises").In early 2009, after a six-year hiatus, the Cranberries reunited and began a North American tour followed by shows in Latin America and Europe. The band recorded their sixth album Roses in May 2011, and released it in February 2012. Something Else, an album covering many of the band's most popular songs along with new orchestral accompaniments provided by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, was released in April 2017. The album also included three new songs: "The Glory", "Rupture" and "Why?" On 15 January 2018, lead singer Dolores O'Riordan was found dead of drowning in a London hotel room. She had recently arrived in London for a recording session. The Cranberries confirmed in September 2018 that they would not be continuing as a band, releasing their final album In the End in April 2019 and disbanding afterward. Noel Hogan stated: ā€œthe Cranberries was the four of us. We donā€™t want to do this without Dolores. So weā€™re going to leave it after this.ā€
  • Silversun Pickups
    21
    Indie pop, Noise rock, Shoegazing
    43 votes
    Silversun Pickups is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles that was formed in 2000. The band is composed of Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester. The band released their debut EP, Pikul, in July 2005, and their debut album, Carnavas, on July 26, 2006. Their second album, Swoon, was released on April 14, 2009. Neck of the Woods, the band's third album, came out on May 8, 2012. They issued their fourth album, Better Nature, on September 25, 2015. Their fifth album, Widow's Weeds, came out on June 7, 2019.
  • Arcade Fire
    22
    Indie rock, Art rock
    54 votes
    Arcade Fire, a Canadian indie rock band, was formed in 2001, comprising of several multi-talented musicians including the husband-and-wife duo Win Butler and RĆ©gine Chassagne, along with Richard Reed Parry, William Butler, Tim Kingsbury, and Jeremy Gara. The band is known for their captivating performances, signature anthems, and instrumental versatility. Notably, members are proficient in a plethora of instruments - an attribute that has significantly contributed to the unique symphony of sounds that defines Arcade Fire's music. The band's debut album, Funeral, released in 2004, often receives reference as a landmark indie rock album of the 2000s. This universally acclaimed work solidified Arcade Fire's place in the music industry with its emotive lyricism and grandiose, layered soundscapes. Following this triumph, they released several more successful albums. Their third studio album, The Suburbs (2010), achieved remarkable acclaim by bagging the prestigious Grammy Award for Album of the Year, a Juno Award for Album of the Year, and a BRIT Award for Best International Album. Arcade Fire's music, characterized by its eclectic fusion of different musical styles and introspective narratives, has always challenged conventional genre boundaries. Their innovative approach to music-making can be seen in projects like their interactive music video for "Neon Bible" and their film score for Spike Jonze's movie Her. These ventures display their creative dexterity and willingness to experiment beyond the realm of traditional music-making. Over the years, Arcade Fire's dramatic artistry and profound lyrics have not only carved a distinctive niche in the global music scene but also inspired a generation of indie rock enthusiasts.
  • The Raconteurs
    23
    Blues-rock, Rock music, Garage rock
    57 votes
    The Raconteurs, also known as The Saboteurs in Australia, are an American rock supergroup that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence, and Patrick Keeler.
  • Garbage
    24
    Alternative rock, Electronic rock, Trip hop
    42 votes
    Garbage are an American rock band formed in 1993 in Madison, Wisconsin. The band's lineupā€”consisting of Scottish singer Shirley Manson (vocals) and American musicians Duke Erikson (guitar, bass, keyboards), Steve Marker (guitar, keyboards), and Butch Vig (drums, production)ā€”has remained unchanged since its inception. All four members are involved in the songwriting and production process. Garbage have sold over 17 million albums worldwide. The band's eponymous debut album was critically acclaimed upon its release, selling over four million copies and achieving double platinum certification in the United Kingdom, United States and in Australia. It was accompanied by a string of increasingly successful singles from 1995 to 1996, including "Stupid Girl" and "Only Happy When It Rains." Follow-up Version 2.0, released in 1998 after a year in production, was equally successful, topping the UK Albums Chart and receiving two Grammy Award nominations.
  • The Wombats
    25
    Pop punk, Indie pop, New Wave
    40 votes
    The Wombats are an English indie rock band formed in Liverpool. The band comprises native Liverpudlians Matthew Murphy, Daniel Haggis and Norwegian-born Tord Ƙverland Knudsen. The band is signed to 14th Floor Records in the United Kingdom and Bright Antenna in the United States.
  • Beck
    26
    Alternative hip hop, Anti-folk, Country rap
    55 votes
    Beck Hansen, known mononymously as Beck, is an internationally acclaimed musician and record producer. Born on July 8, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, he rose to fame in the early 1990s with his experimental and lo-fi style. He is recognized for creating musical collages of a wide range of styles, including folk, funk, soul, hip hop, electronic, alternative rock, country, and psychedelia. His breakthrough came in 1994 when he released "Loser," a single that became a worldwide hit, earning him a reputation as a novelty. Beck's career took an interesting turn with his 1996 album, Odelay, which featured a groundbreaking mix of styles and won critical acclaim. The album spawned several successful singles and went on to win two Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album, solidifying Beck's reputation as a leading figure in the alternative music scene. His subsequent albums, such as Mutations (1998), Midnite Vultures (1999), and Sea Change (2002), continued to demonstrate his diverse musical talent, each exploring different genres and sonic landscapes. In addition to his musical prowess, Beck is also known for his innovative approach to album packaging and design. For his album The Information (2006), he provided blank covers and stickers so fans could create their own custom album artwork. This creative flair has helped him maintain a distinctive presence in the music industry over the years. Despite a career spanning over three decades, Beck continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in music, making him one of the most exciting and enduring artists of his generation.
  • alt-J
    27
    Indie rock, Indie pop, Art rock
    64 votes
    alt-J are an English pop indie rock band formed in 2007 in Leeds, by Joe Newman (guitar/lead vocals), Thom Sonny Green (drums), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboards/vocals) and Gwilym Sainsbury (guitar/bass). Their debut album An Awesome Wave was released in May 2012 in Europe, and in September 2012 in the United States, and won the 2012 British Mercury Prize. Sainsbury left the band in early 2014. Their second album, This Is All Yours, was released on September 22, 2014 and went straight to number one in the United Kingdom. In February 2022 the band released their fourth studio album The Dream and are currently playing as a trio.
  • Bring Me The Horizon
    28
    Deathcore, Metalcore, Heavy metal
    47 votes
    Bring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire. Formed in 2003, the group currently consists of lead vocalist Oliver Sykes, lead guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Matt Nicholls and keyboardist Jordan Fish. They are currently signed to RCA Records globally and Epitaph Records exclusively in the US. The style of their early work has primarily been described as deathcore, but they started to adopt a more eclectic style of metalcore on later releases. Furthermore, their latest singles marked a shift in their sound to less aggressive rock music styles. Bring Me the Horizon released their debut album Count Your Blessings in 2006. Upon release, the album was met with great polarisation amongst the public and critical disdain. The band began to break away from their controversial sound with Suicide Season, which proved to be a creative, critical and commercial turning point for the band. Bring Me the Horizon then released their third album There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret. in 2010, propelling them to greater international fame, whilst incorporating influences from classical, electronica and pop.
  • The Dandy Warhols
    29
    Rock music, Garage rock, Neo-psychedelia
    33 votes
    The Dandy Warhols are an American rock band, formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1994 by singer-guitarist Courtney Taylor-Taylor and guitarist Peter Holmstrƶm, who were joined by keyboardist Zia McCabe and drummer Eric Hedford. Hedford left in 1998 and was replaced by Taylor-Taylor's cousin Brent DeBoer. The band's name is a play on the name of American pop artist Andy Warhol. The band gained recognition after they were signed to Capitol Records and released their major label album debut, ...The Dandy Warhols Come Down, in 1997. In 2001, the band rose to new levels of fame after their song "Bohemian Like You" enjoyed extensive exposure thanks to its being featured in a Vodafone advertisement. The Dandy Warhols have released eight studio albums to date.
  • Wolf Alice
    30
    Folk rock, Alternative rock, Indie rock
    36 votes
    Wolf Alice are a four-piece alternative rock band from North London, consisting of Ellie Rowsell, Joel Amey, Joff Oddie and Theo Ellis. They released their debut single "Fluffy" in February 2013, the "Bros" single followed this in May. In October 2013, they released their debut EP Blush. Their second EP Creature Songs was released in May 2014 on Dirty Hit Records. On February 24th 2015 they released the lead single "Giant Peach" from their debut album My Love Is Cool, scheduled for release on 22 June 2015.