10 Catchiest Indie Rock Songs

In a lot of heavy metal music, guitarists ‘shred’. For any person it’s an impressive feat, seeing a guitarist play hundreds of notes in the space of a few seconds is most certainly mind-boggling. However, as those of a more melodically inclined manner will be quick to point out, how is that meant to get stuck in your head? Shredding is a feat of sport, not music – it’s a show of physical dexterity and ability, not artistic vision. What we really want to see is some creative mind take, say… four notes? And make that the single most catchy indie song in history.

Albert Hammond, Jr., please take to the stage. The quiet, enigmatic lead guitarist of The Strokes perfected the craft of minimalist riffing in the early 2000s, and ‘Reptilia’ is his crowning glory. Following one pedalled note on bass from Nikolai Fraiture, backed by Fab Moretti’s simple kick-snare pattern, rhythm guitarist Nick Valensi allows his guitar to feed back, turning a single faded-in chord into a high -pitched squeal. That should’ve been enough warning. You should’ve turned the song off. It’s too late now. You’re doomed to have Hammond’s sharp, hammered riff on the tip of your tongue every time you go to sing, whistle or hum, for the rest of time. You’re even more doomed if you let it go for a few more seconds, and allow Julian Casablancas’ trademark drawl to wash over your eardrums. And that’s just the verse.

The chorus is trailed by a huge build of tension, and a release when everything drops out, with the exception of Valensi’s rhythm guitar, which outlines the shell chords on which the chorus is based. The layers are built back up, and within seconds you find yourself roaring along with Casablancas, be it in your bedroom, your car, the pub, or in the middle of your office. It’s most definitely worth the strange looks from your co-workers, though, as this indie tune is definitely the most annoyingly catchy of all time.