Recommended Western alternative rock bands that connect to the modern rock scene

Mile endPulp

Pulp – Mile end

Pulp, the British band fronted by Jarvis Cocker.

This song, which features bright, upbeat sounds paired with quintessentially British, irony-laced lyrics, was also included on the soundtrack to the film Trainspotting.

The raucous feel of the outro strikes me as carefree, almost recklessly spontaneous—like it’s portraying aimless, happy-go-lucky youth.

Movin’ On UpPrimal Scream

Primal Scream – Movin on Up (Lyrics)

This is the opening track of the smash-hit 90s album, Screamadelica.

Beginning with acoustic guitar strums, the song weaves together soul music, reggae, and dub, evoking a bright, sun-drenched summertime vibe.

Swallow My PrideGreen River

Swallow My Pride

If you trace the origins of the grunge movement, you inevitably arrive at a band that truly deserves to be called its “ancestor”: Green River, formed in Seattle, USA, in 1984.

They debuted the following year with a sound that combined the aggression of punk with the heaviness of heavy metal.

While they had no commercial hit singles, the EP “Dry As a Bone” and the album “Rehab Doll” are recognized as historic works that heralded the dawn of the scene.

They never won major awards, yet their breakup over musical differences later led to the formation of Pearl Jam and Mudhoney—a story that feels almost cinematic.

For those who want to experience the raw, unpolished impulse of rock or delve deeply into the roots of grunge, this is a must-hear band.

Honey BucketMelvins

Honey Bucket

Often regarded as the unsung heroes of the grunge scene, Melvins are a band that began in Washington State in 1983.

Known for their heavy, dragging guitar riffs and experimental song structures, they’re also recognized as pioneers of sludge metal and doom metal.

They made their debut with the 1987 album Gluey Porch Treatments, and in 1993 released the acclaimed major-label album Houdini.

That record drew significant attention in part because Kurt Cobain of Nirvana was deeply involved in its production.

The band exerted a massive influence on numerous grunge acts, including Cobain’s own band and Soundgarden.

If you want to experience a sound that defies convention—relentlessly heavy and utterly original—Melvins are the perfect choice.

Second SkinThe Gits

The Gits – Second Skin (2024 Remaster) [Official Live Video]

The Gits are an American band whose bluesy, impassioned vocals shake the soul.

The members were vocalist Mia Zapata, guitarist Andy Kessler, bassist Matt Dresdner, and drummer Steve Moriarty.

They moved to Seattle in 1989 and drew attention from the underground scene with their 1992 album, Frenching the Bully.

Mia’s voice has been compared to Janis Joplin’s, and the fusion of her soulful cries with the band’s ferocious sound was said to create a truly singular presence.

However, in July 1993, the band met a tragic end when Mia was murdered at the age of 27.

They’re a band that will resonate with anyone seeking raw, visceral rock that feels carved from the soul.

I Wanna Be Your DogThe Stooges

I Wanna Be Your Dog

An indispensable presence when discussing the origins of grunge is the American band The Stooges.

Formed in Michigan in 1967, their sound—often classified as proto-punk and garage rock—is said to have provided the blueprint for later punk and grunge.

The vocalist, Iggy Pop, became famous for his extreme performances, including stage-diving into the audience.

Their 1969 debut album, The Stooges, didn’t fare well commercially at the time, but its primal energy captivated even David Bowie.

In 2010, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—perhaps proof that the times finally caught up with them.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the raw yet pure early impulse of rock that bands like Nirvana loved.

Outdoor MinerWire

Wire: Outdoor Miner

Here’s a track from Wire, the London band known for the famous line “Anything but rock.” This one’s from their second album, and as you can tell from the presence of piano, it shows how much they’d grown from their debut, where they were practically amateurs.

I love the section in the latter half where the vocals intertwine—it somehow always brings me to the verge of tears.