10 bands from the 2000s who have stayed true to their sound
The further we get into our scene “phases,” the more we understand the concept of “love and loss” as it pertains to music. Over the years, we’ve lost a number of our favorite bands to breakups and significant genre changes. Fortunately, though, there are still a number who have stayed active and alternative. While it’s easy to […]
The further we get into our scene“phases,” the more we understand the concept of “love and loss” as it pertains to music. Over the years, we’ve lost a number of our favorite bands to breakups and significant genre changes. Fortunately, though, there are still a number who have stayed active and alternative.
While it’s easy to point to radio favorites such as All Time Lowand blink-182, they’re not necessarily representative of the broader scene. More often, our favorite artists carry on with their passion and direction without topping charts—and still kill it.
Here are 10 alternative bands that you probably loved a decade ago and will definitely love now.
Anarbor
Anarbor hit the scene running in 2009 with their debut EP, Free Your Mind. Fortunately for everybody who vibed with “You And I,” they haven’t slowed down since. And now that they’re releasing their music independently, it’s as experimental and fun as ever. The band put out a series of great tunes, “Find A Way,” “Tangerine” and “Tasty,” just last year.
The Get Up Kidswere a notablestaple of the pop-punk scene throughout the ’90sand 2000s. Unfortunately, their more recent releases haven’t garnered nearly as much attention as they deserve. Their latest album, Problems, is markedly demonstrative of their sonic progression and maturation. Boasting a distinctly modern and polished sound, it’s one of those albums that feels nothing but smooth all the way through.
We all know Never Shout Neverfor bringing sunshine into the scene. Don’t think that Christofer Drew and the band peaked with “Trouble,” though. They’ve compiled a highly diverse and interesting discography since dropping their breakout series of EPs in 2009. Coming down from their notably pop-leaning album Black Cat, Drew dropped a new record, Unborn Spark, in 2020 that showcases seriously somber substance. The folk-laced, acoustic tracks are a must-listen for any emo adult.
OK, we all love “All Over You” and “All Hail The Heartbreaker.” That said, don’t let two tracks overshadow everything the Spill Canvashave done post-2007. Despite a considerable hiatus in the 2010s, the band have come back swinging. Their new single “Firestorm” is an emo anthem that could easily hold its own against their entire 2000s catalog.
Can you think of a better time than when you could turn on the radio and hear “Tonight Tonight“? Fortunately, while we miss the mainstream alternative wave considerably, we’re not left missing Hot Chelle Rae. The band had a pretty active 2020, dropping a five-track EP as well as two singles. If you want a good taste of their modern pop sound, be sure to check out “Come My Way.”
The Fall Of Troy
Unlike a number of post-hardcorebands, the Fall Of Troy have maintained quite the grip on their roots. Their 2020 album, Mukiltearth, is a showcase of 2000s screamo nostalgia. And yet, it still feels right at home in the modern alternative scene. It’s an incredible feat, especially considering that it was the band’s first release since 2016. You can read their breakdown of the tracks here.
It’s pretty disappointing that Meg & Diaaren’t more widely regarded as icons of the scene. “Monster” alone is enough to sell us on their legacy. While the duo’s split in 2012 was a hard hit, they’ve more than made up for it since their 2019 reunion. Their return album, happysad, shows off their signature indie-leaning, pop-rock sound in a modern way that we didn’t know we needed.
Which bands have you maintained a love for over the years? Let us know in the comments!