Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Founded in: 1999
Hailing from the heart of Tennessee, Kings of Leon emerged in 1999, a family affair featuring brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill alongside their cousin Matthew. Their early sound was a potent cocktail of Southern rock grit, garage rock energy, and bluesy swagger. But Kings of Leon weren't content to stay in one lane. As their career progressed, they embraced a more diverse musical palette, venturing into alternative rock territory while still retaining their signature raw energy.
The band's initial breakout came in the UK, where they racked up nine top 40 singles and two BRIT Awards in 2008, solidifying their status as international rock royalty. Their first three albums stormed the UK charts, with Because of the Times claiming the coveted No. 1 spot.
Then came the monumental Only by the Night in 2008, catapulting Kings of Leon into the stratosphere of American music. The album's anthemic singles, "Sex on Fire," "Use Somebody," and "Notion," dominated the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart, reaching the pinnacle of rock radio airplay. Only by the Night achieved platinum status in the US, cementing their position as a global force and becoming the best-selling album of 2008 in Australia, achieving a staggering nine-times platinum certification.
Kings of Leon continued their winning streak with their fifth album, Come Around Sundown, released in October 2010, proving their staying power and solidifying their legacy as one of the most important and enduring rock bands of the 21st century.
Founded in: 2017
Hailing from the legendary music scene of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Latewaves are a rock band bursting with raw energy. Their self-titled debut album is a thrilling journey through a sonic landscape defined by potent riffs and anthemic choruses that demand singalongs. Expect catchy hooks, intricate guitar work, and soaring three-part harmonies that will leave you breathless. This record launches into orbit from the very first note, propelling you through a rollercoaster of emotion. Latewaves' self-titled album is a testament to the power of rock, weaving together gut-wrenching vulnerability and infectious optimism in lyrics that resonate with anyone who cherishes self-discovery and growth.
Founded in: 1997
Luan Tan, a renowned Taiwanese band, adopted "Luan Tan" from the traditional Taiwanese Northern Opera style "Luan Tan Xi" as their band name. Their live performances are energetic, vibrant, and incredibly passionate. In 1997, they released their debut album "Hope," fusing Taiwanese folk music with rock and roll to create an avant-garde style that drew attention from all sectors and earned them numerous awards and recognition.
After releasing their second album "Lantern" in 2000, the band ceased performing. They participated in the Super Slipper Party 3 concert in 2012.
== Members == Luan Tan is a four-piece male band. The members first met at the Fuxing Vocational High School in Yilan (currently known as Lanyang Technical College). During a time when rock music was not widely accepted, they tirelessly pursued their passion for rock music together. They experienced a period where they had nothing but music.
Founded in: 2012
MIXER (English: Mixer) is a Taiwanese band consisting of five members: vocalist Wu Shenghao, acoustic guitarist Lin Zhean (formerly known as Lin Zian), electric guitarist Xiao B Yu Boxi, bassist Zhang Yinuo, and drummer Lu Yifan. MIXER's exhilarating music style, paired with poetic and psychedelic lyrics, combined with the vocalist's unique voice and powerful stage presence, has quickly gained attention. The band first received a nomination for Best Band at the 25th Golden Melody Awards for their album "Circus Movement," and ultimately won the award.
Several members of MIXER started playing music together in school. They formed different bands and participated in school music competitions across Taiwan, winning numerous awards. Zhean and Shenghao were then scouted by a record company and released their first EP as a duo, "Zian Shenghao" in 2011. To enrich their performance styles, they later recruited Yinuo and Xiao B to join their live performances. Finally, they added drummer Yifan in October 2012 and officially formed the band, adopting the name "MIXER." In June 2013, they released their debut album "Circus Movement." In 2016, their album "Nameless Humans" was nominated for Best Band at the 27th Golden Melody Awards. In October of the same year, they released their third album "Wild." In 2016, they were named the fourth-best independent band in Taiwan by the website "Network Thermometer." On December 29, 2018, they held their first large-scale ticketed concert at the National Taiwan University Gymnasium. On October 8, 2020, they released their fourth album "Animal of Love," and held a nationwide tour at the end of the year.
On October 17, 2023 (their debut anniversary), MIXER released their fifth digital album "It's All Romance's Fault" and followed with a physical release in November. They also embarked on a multi-city tour. The album was nominated for Best Band at the 35th Golden Melody Awards.
Founded in: 1983
My Bloody Valentine, often stylized in all lowercase or abbreviated as MBV, are a legendary alternative rock band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Formed in 1983, the band has remained a core unit since 1987, consisting of founding members Kevin Shields (vocals, guitar, sampler) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drums, sampler), joined by Bilinda Butcher (vocals, guitar) and Debbie Googe (bass).
Widely recognized as pioneers of the shoegaze genre, My Bloody Valentine's signature sound is characterized by ethereal and hypnotic textures, achieved through dissonant guitar layers, subdued and androgynous vocals, and innovative production techniques that blurred the lines between instrument and effect.
Their journey to sonic prominence began with a series of early releases and lineup changes. After signing with Creation Records in 1988, they released a string of successful EPs and two landmark albums, Isn't Anything (1988) and Loveless (1991). The latter, considered their magnum opus and a cornerstone of alternative rock history, achieved critical acclaim but also marked a turning point for the band.
The album's extensive production costs, pushing the boundaries of sonic experimentation, led to their parting with Creation Records. In 1992, they signed with Island Records, accumulating a wealth of unreleased material, but largely retreated from the public eye.
By 1995, Googe and Ó Cíosóig left the band, followed by Butcher in 1997. The weight of following up Loveless proved too much for Shields, who, in his own words, "went crazy" in the years after.
A long-awaited reunion in 2007 saw them embark on a global tour, reintroducing their music to a new generation of fans. In 2012, they released the compilation EP 1988-1991, showcasing the evolution of their sound through their early years.
My Bloody Valentine's impact on alternative music is undeniable. Their sonic explorations, particularly on Loveless, continue to inspire and influence musicians across genres. They stand as a testament to the power of experimentation and the enduring impact of a sound that redefined the boundaries of rock music.
Founded in: 2017
We are Nerv, a 4-piece genre-bending rock band residing in California. The band's members are originally from all over the US with vocalist Dillon Jones (Sacramento, CA), guitarists Jordan Grokett and Scott Buchanan (Dallas, TX) and drummer Tyler Clark (Atlanta, GA). Nerv burst onto the scene in November 2017 with their heavy hitting debut single ‘Enough’. Then in Spring 2018 the band released their highly successful debut EP 'Bad Habits’, working with producer Erik Ron (I Prevail, Godsmack, Hollywood Undead). In October of 2022, Nerv released their long-awaited debut full length album, 'We're All Patients Here'.
Founded in: 2012
No Party For Cao Dong (草東沒有派對), a Taiwanese indie rock band known for their raw energy and emotional depth, has emerged as a formidable force in the Asian music scene.
From Schoolyard Jams to Underground Icons:
The band's roots lie in the familiar story of friendship and shared passion. Guitarists and vocalists Wood Lin and Judy Chan, who met in high school and remained close throughout their time at Taipei National University of the Arts, were driven by a shared love for music. Their journey began in 2012 as "Party at Cao Dong Street," a name inspired by the bustling street in Taipei's Shilin District, a place where they often found themselves, whether it was Lin skateboarding or Chan running alongside him.
Their early sound, infused with the electronic rock influences of Two Door Cinema Club, resonated on campus and beyond. However, a series of lineup changes, including the departures of their original bassist and drummer, led them to rebrand as "No Party For Cao Dong" in 2014. The band found new collaborators in FUBAR frontman Sam Cheng on bass and Leo Liu on drums, injecting fresh energy into their sound.
A Year of Silence, a New Beginning:
The band’s trajectory took an unexpected turn when Cheng was called up for military service, forcing them into a year-long hiatus. This period of reflection proved crucial for No Party For Cao Dong, as they began to approach their music with a newfound seriousness. They sought to craft something more meaningful, a sound that truly reflected their evolving selves.
Upon Cheng's return, the band decided to embrace a different direction, choosing to re-establish a solid foundation. They welcomed Sam Yang, another graduate of Taipei National University of the Arts, to fill the bass position. This lineup change, combined with their renewed focus, marked a significant turning point for No Party For Cao Dong.
The Beginning of a Legacy:
Their early tracks, "Old Zhang," "Grisly Me," and "Fifty," uploaded online, showcased their raw talent and their ability to translate personal experiences into powerful musical expressions. These tracks, imbued with a gritty, emotional intensity, became a harbinger of the band's future success, solidifying their place as a vital force in the world of Taiwanese indie rock.
Founded in: 1989
Pavement, the legendary indie rock band, emerged from the fertile underground scene of Stockton, California in 1989. Formed by the enigmatic Stephen Malkmus (vocals, guitar) and the equally brilliant Scott Kannberg (guitar, vocals), the group quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, their sound a unique blend of slacker apathy, melodic hooks, and a distinctly "lo-fi" aesthetic.
Initially conceived as a recording project, Pavement eschewed mainstream media and live performances, opting to build a loyal following through their raw, independent releases. Their early work captured the zeitgeist of the era, resonating with a generation disillusioned with the polished gloss of mainstream rock.
As their career progressed, Pavement gradually evolved into a more polished, yet still undeniably unique band. Over a decade, they released five studio albums and ten EPs, solidifying their place as a cornerstone of the indie rock movement. Their influence extended far beyond the underground, reaching a wide range of musicians and spawning a legion of imitators.
While they never quite achieved mainstream superstardom, Pavement's impact on the music scene was undeniable. Their refusal to compromise their artistic vision and their commitment to independent music made them icons for a generation. They were also praised by influential critics like Robert Christgau and Stephen Thomas Erlewine, who hailed them as the best band of the '90s.
After a somewhat acrimonious split in 1999, Pavement reunited in 2010 for a highly successful tour, further solidifying their legacy and demonstrating their enduring influence. They returned to the stage in 2022-24 for another international tour, proving that even after all these years, their music still resonated with fans across the globe.
Pavement's music continues to be celebrated for its originality, its undeniable hooks, and its lasting impact on the world of indie rock. They remain one of the most influential and enduring bands to emerge from the American underground, forever leaving their mark on the '90s and beyond.
Founded in: 1986
The Pixies, hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, are a band that needs no introduction to anyone who considers themselves a true rock aficionado. They formed in 1986, birthed from the raw energy of Black Francis (vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriting), Joey Santiago's blistering lead guitar, Kim Deal's bass prowess and vocal harmonies, and the rhythmic backbone provided by David Lovering on drums.
They're more than just a band; they're a sonic force that left an indelible mark on the landscape of alternative rock. The Pixies are credited with influencing countless artists including Nirvana, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, and Weezer, just to name a few. Their unique blend of punk rock aggression, surf rock melodies, and a penchant for pushing musical boundaries propelled them to the forefront of the 90s alternative rock boom.
What makes their music so captivating, It's the dynamic shifts, the explosive "loud-quiet-loud" interplay, the intricate song structures that keep you on the edge of your seat. Francis, the mastermind behind their music, weaves surreal and often dark lyrics that touch on themes of extraterrestrials, forbidden love, and biblical violence.
While they enjoyed moderate success in the US, the Pixies found a dedicated following in Europe, cementing their status as international cult heroes. Even after their break-up, their influence grew, leading to a highly anticipated reunion in 2004 that saw sold-out tours across the globe.
The band continued to evolve, with Kim Deal's departure in 2013 and the subsequent additions of Kim Shattuck and Paz Lenchantin, who officially joined the fold in 2016. With Lenchantin, the Pixies have released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Indie Cindy" (2014), "Head Carrier" (2016), "Beneath the Eyrie" (2019), and "Doggerel" (2022), demonstrating their enduring power and artistic evolution.
The Pixies are more than just a band; they're a sonic force that continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans alike. They are a testament to the power of raw creativity, pushing boundaries, and delivering unforgettable music that transcends generations.
Founded in: 2010
PUP, a name that stands for "Pathetic Use of Potential," is a Canadian punk rock band hailing from Toronto, Ontario. Formed in 2010 under the name Topanga, PUP has become a force to be reckoned with in the punk scene.
Their debut album, simply titled "PUP," dropped on October 8, 2013, under the banner of Royal Mountain Records. The band's raw energy and infectious hooks caught the attention of SideOneDummy Records, who signed them in December 2013 and re-released the album in the US on April 8, 2014.
PUP's relentless work ethic saw them back in the studio in late 2015, recording their sophomore album, "The Dream Is Over." Released on May 27, 2016, via SideOneDummy, the album solidified their status as a major player in the punk world.
The band's third album, "Morbid Stuff," arrived on April 5, 2019, showcasing their continued evolution and maturity. They followed this with a six-track EP titled "This Place Sucks Ass" on October 27, 2020, further demonstrating their versatility.
PUP's fourth album, "The Unraveling of PUPTheBand," dropped on April 1, 2022, cementing their place as one of the most exciting and dynamic punk bands of their generation.
Origins and Formation (2010)
The band's foundation is built on a strong friendship. Guitarist Steve Sladkowski, bassist Nestor Chumak, and drummer Zack Mykula share a history as childhood friends who attended school together in Toronto. Their bond grew over the years, leading them to collaborate on numerous bands throughout their youth. This shared passion for music would ultimately lead to the formation of PUP, setting the stage for a career filled with powerful music and unwavering camaraderie.