Alternative Rock

Boston was there for the beginning of American alternative music back in the 1980s, which later exploded thanks to two things: college students and Nirvana. Today, bands in Boston (and Massachusetts in general) continue to experiment with the boundaries of rock music, garnering critical and fan acclaim as they do so.Artists Representative of the Scene:

  • Dresden Dolls (2001-08, 2010-pres.): A powerful musical duo that incorporates cabaret into their music and appearance.
  • Guster (1991-pres.): A hallmark of the 1990s rock scene known for its soulful blend of acoustic guitars and unique percussion.
  • Pixies (1986-93, 2004-pres.): One of Kurt Cobain’s favorite groups, Pixies blended clever lyrics with punk and indie rock influence.
  • Treat Her Right (1984-91, 1995-98, 2009-pres.): One of the earliest alternative groups to acknowledge its debt to blues, spawning a whole genre known as “cowpunk”.
  • Tribe (1985-94): This popular local group never hit it big while together, but their goth-tinged rock earned them a track on the 2007 game Rock Band.

Comments are closed