Best Bands You've Never Heard Of

I'm not as plugged into the underground bands as I was in college, but occasionally I discover a band while watching late night tv or from digging deeper on iTunes.  I believe that we need to support artists so they can continue to make entertaining music for our listening pleasure.  Hopefully you find at least one of these suggestions to your liking.


Do you like Saves the Day, Blink-182, Nada Surf or Death Cab For Cutie?
Try SEAWAY.  They're from Canada and they have three albums and three EPs filled with catchy emo-powerpop songs.

Also try MOOSEBLOOD. They're from the UK and they write quality melodies with more up-tempo songs than a lot of emo bands.  Plus, any band that has a song about Kelly Kapowski is cool with me.

Do you like your alternative rock with a hint of garage rock?
Try SLOTHRUST.  They're from Massachusetts. They're a trio with a female lead singer, but she has kind of a deep tenor sounding voice which is very smooth and has a unique flavor.  They're indie cool, with jazz chops and a touch of badass.

Do you like rock that doesn't take itself too seriously?
The DARKNESS has put out a lot of good music since you heard "I Believe in a Thing Called Love."
Another similar catchy, fun, up-tempo group is NAKED.  They're from Finland, but they have elements of Southern rock and glam rock with riffs and earworms for days. I found their album Double Down by accident and I quite enjoy it.

Do you like your blues rock, but want it brought to life in the 21st century?
Try RED SUN RISING. They're from Ohio and try not to be pinned down by genre labels.  They had some radio success with single "Otherside" but they have a lot more than just that one song to offer.  Plus, when I saw them open for Seether and Tremonti in 2015, they were the coolest friggin guys.

Me with Red Sun Rising 5/2/15

Do you like modern hard rock like Pop Evil or  Sick Puppies?
Try OTHERWISE. They're from Las Vegas and have a polished presentation without sounding overproduced or generic.  Straight forward hard rock to tap your foot to.

Want something with a little more dark undertones?
Try EMPERORS and ELEPHANTS.  Guitarist Randy Cooper from Texas Hippie Coalition plays in this band that had a great album Devil in the Lake in 2014.  When some thought they were done, they came back with Moth in 2017.

Like it heavy?
Check out Japanese post-hardcore metal band COLDRAIN.  Fantastic clean vocals supported by occasional screams and some sick guitar work in the American metalcore style.