10 Most Underrated Indie Rock Albums Of All Time
5. 12 Rods - Split Personalities
A band that was fleetingly tipped for the big time but now rarely gets much of a mention, 12 Rods’ 1990s output remains some of the most evocative alternative rock of the decade. Replete with hooks, wrought vocals (which will likely turn some listeners straight off), and stretched out tunes that know exactly how long to go on for, they’re more than worthy of major rediscovery.
Their second album, 1998’s Split Personalities, is the best example of their variety and ambition. The opening title track is a stomping organ-drenched rocker complete with gnomic lyrics and a bevy of musical variety packed into three minutes and change. Another highlight, "The Stupidest Boy", switches from a sneering verse to a blissful coda with math rock-esque guitar work.
They also re-record two cuts from their seminal EP Gay?, “Red” and “Make Out Music”, both of which employ sludgy riffs to better contrast the sudden moments of energy and beauty. This would be the apex of a career for a band that dwindled soon after, but Split Personalities and the preceding EP are must-listens.