10 New Bands That Prove Rock Isn't Dead
Proof, as if it were needed.
Many modern popstars owe their successes to social media, namely YouTube. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, it is slowly becoming the norm, ask the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen, The Janoskians, Poppy, and yes, even Bieber.
Hip-hop on the other hand has a much more wholesome system for new talent, with the old guard personally bringing up youngsters, starting with Dr. Dre bringing up Eminem and continuing with Lil' Wayne and Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross and Meek Mill, Kanye West and Kid Cudi, etc.
Our brothers of the guitar rarely have such a blessing, though. Instead, deluded old codgers like John Mellencamp, Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist Flea, The Who frontman Roger Daltrey, and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, spend their time berating rock music, saying that it has no future (although Simmons' opinions should be taken with a pinch of salt considering his attempt of reviving rock music was Lil' Chris). Rockers must rely on the tried-and-trusted method of meticulously refining their art and working their way up live bills.
With that said, here are ten acts across rock and metal all with just one full-length album to prove that the scene is as strong as its ever been. Honourable mentions go to While She Sleeps, Black Peaks, Frank Carter, Code Orange, The Interrupters and so many more.
10. Radkey
Diversity in rock music has been something of an issue in the past, but thanks to artists such as Phil Lynott, Jimi Hendrix, Bad Brains, and Living Colour, POC are now becoming a mainstay of alternative culture. Those before have laid the groundwork for artists such as Howard Jones, William DuVall, Benji Webbe and then more recently, Tosin Abasi, Unlocking the Truth and Radkey.
The Missouri-based punk rockers are cementing their place in history with their brand of psychedelic-infused garage punk, reminiscent of Danzig-era Misfits covering garage stalwarts The Hives. The fresh-faced trio have already got the miles under their belt, performing at SXSW, Riot Fest, Afropunk, Download Festival and Coachella.
A family-driven affair, consisting of three brothers and managed by their father, Radkey released their debut album Dark Black Makeup in 2015 following the releases of the Cat & Mouse EP and the well-received Devil Fruit EP both from 2013.
Dark Black Makeup was then rereleased in 2016 as Delicious Rock Noise complete with two new bonus tracks including a cover of the Teen Titans theme song which is definitely in need of your attention.