10 Amazing Noughties Albums No One Ever Talks About

8. Nine Black Alps - Everything Is

The Nirvana comparisons attached themselves to this group from the very beginning, and perhaps that has led some people to dismiss Nine Black Alps as merely another rip off band. But if you look very closely, the only real similarity to Nirvana is that they look a bit miserable and use a lot of distortion... This is actually a very strong debut album. It's well balanced, angsty without being self-indulgent, roaringly loud yet accessible. It spawned the hits Shot Down and the brilliant, brooding Unsatisfied, both of which gained regular airplay on MTV. The album has its softer moments too, with the sweet acoustic melodies of Behind Your Eyes and the gentle, poignant Intermission. Everything Is was a moderate success, but it's possible that it just came out at the wrong time to achieve the popularity it deserved. In a period where arty, upbeat indie pop reigned, it's not surprising that Nine Black Alps, in all their grungy glory, were just a little out of place. The band released their fourth album, Sirens, earlier this year, and maintain a solid fanbase. Best Tracks: Everybody Is, Unsatisfied, Southern Cross