Indie rock has been a popular genre for decades, providing a platform for artists who want to break away from the mainstream and create their own unique sound.
While there are many well-known indie rock bands, there are also those that have flown under the radar and remain underrated to this day. In this article, we will explore some of the most underrated indie rock bands of all time.
Top 13 Underrated Indie Rock Bands
13. The Housemartins
The Housemartins were a British indie rock band formed in Hull in 1983. They were known for their jangly guitar sound and socially conscious lyrics.
Despite their influence on the indie rock scene, they are often overlooked in favor of other more well-known British bands like The Smiths and The Stone Roses. However, two of the members would go on to form the hugely successful The Beautiful South.
12. Mission of Burma
Mission of Burma is an American indie rock band formed in Boston in 1979. They were active throughout the early 80s, releasing several highly regarded albums.
Their sound is a mix of post-punk and experimental rock, with a strong emphasis on guitar-driven melodies. However, they were often overshadowed by the likes of The Pixies and Sonic Youth.
11. The Jazz Butcher
The Jazz Butcher is a British indie rock band formed in Oxford in 1982. They were known for their eclectic sound, which drew influences from jazz, punk, and psychedelia. While underrated, they are still going strong, having released an album in 2022.
10. Superchunk
Superchunk is an American indie rock band formed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1989. They have released over a dozen albums and have been praised for their high-energy live performances. Their sound is a mix of punk and pop, with catchy hooks and powerful guitar riffs. They’ve always deserved a lot more love than they got.
9. The Go-Betweens
The Go-Betweens were an Australian indie rock band that formed in Brisbane in 1977. They were active throughout the 80s and early 90s, releasing several critically acclaimed albums.
They never achieved mainstream success and are often overlooked when discussing the history of indie rock. Their sound is a mix of jangly guitars, melodic hooks, and thoughtful lyrics. If that’s your thing, be sure to check them out.
8. Built to Spill
Built to Spill is an American indie rock band formed in Boise, Idaho in 1992. They have released several highly regarded albums, including “Perfect From Now On” and “Keep It Like a Secret”.
They have a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, they are often overlooked in discussions of indie rock. Their sound is a mix of intricate guitar work, melodic vocals, and a strong sense of songcraft.
7. The Clean
The Clean are a New Zealand indie rock band formed in Dunedin in 1978. They are often credited with helping to create the “Dunedin Sound”, which is characterized by jangly guitars and a lo-fi aesthetic.
If you like other more well-known New Zealand bands like The Chills and The Bats, then make sure you don’t miss The Clean.
6. Sebadoh
Sebadoh is an American indie rock band formed in Westfield, Massachusetts in 1986. They are known for their lo-fi aesthetic and DIY approach to recording. Here your reference points are Sonic Youth and Pavement. Their sound is a mix of punk and pop, with a strong emphasis on introspective lyrics.
5. Archers of Loaf
Archers of Loaf is an American indie rock band formed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1990. They were active throughout the 90s, releasing several highly regarded albums.
Their sound is a mix of punk and pop, with a raw, energetic edge and you’re sure to like them if you also like Guided by Voices and Dinosaur Jr.
4. The Wedding Present
The Wedding Present are a British indie rock band formed in Leeds in 1985. Similar to The Housemartins above. they are known for their jangly guitars and catchy hooks, and have released several highly regarded albums throughout their career.
3. Unwound
Unwound was an American indie rock band formed in Olympia, Washington in 1991. They were known for their intense, experimental sound, which drew influences from punk, post-punk, and noise rock.
Despite their influence on the indie rock scene, they are often overlooked in favor of other more well-known bands like Fugazi and Sonic Youth.
2. The Feelies
The Feelies are an American indie rock band formed in Haledon, New Jersey in 1976. They are known for their jangly guitar sound and unique rhythm section, which has been described as “hypnotic”. Similar artists with a much greater reputation would be R.E.M. and The Velvet Underground.
1. The Soft Boys
The Soft Boys are a British indie rock band formed in Cambridge in 1976. They were active throughout the late 70s and early 80s, releasing several highly regarded albums.
They are often overlooked in favor of other more well-known British bands like The Cure and The Smiths. Their sound is a mix of psychedelic and punk, with a strong emphasis on catchy hooks and quirky lyrics.
Underrated Indie Rock Bands – Final Thoughts
While indie rock has produced many iconic bands over the years, there are still many underrated gems waiting to be discovered.
The bands listed above have all made significant contributions to the genre and have influenced countless artists, yet they are often overlooked in discussions of indie rock history. It’s time to give these underrated indie rock bands the recognition they deserve!
“Warped and Broken Housemartins” by Jacob Whittaker is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.