You might be cooler than us. It’s possible. We can admit it. Anyone who still actually owns a Hanson t-shirt sort of has to. While we would recommend checking out some of Hanson’s newer music, specifically their Motown-inspired stuff, we’re not going to make this article all about them. Been there, tried that. Instead we’re going to let you in on some of the best largely unknown bands that are definitely worth a listen.
We Were Evergreen
French. Alternative. Indie. Electro-pop. Have we hit enough squares on your band buzzword bingo? This trio started out in Paris, settled in London, and have been churning out toe-tappers on the down-low since 2008. Lest you think they’ve toiled in complete obscurity, we should tell you that We Were Evergreen have performed at Glastonbury, among other major festivals. While Baby Blue is arguably the band’s best-known tune, if you’re only going to give one song a shot, make it Daughters from their latest EP Towards.
Antemasque
Considering this band counts Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Cedric and Omar from the Mars Volta and At the Drive-In as members, these guys aren’t exactly struggling. But if you can stop being all about the indie artists long enough to enjoy some tight and truly angry punk music, then Antemasque need to be on your playlist. Try out 4 AM or Hangin in the Lurch. With a handful of famous members who have shown no shyness about founding and dropping bands, you may only have a year or two to appreciate this line-up so best get to it.
FIDLAR
Look, if you want to ignore this band based on their name, we understand. But consider what your musical life would be without Kajagoogoo, or Chumbawumba. Then maybe give FIDLAR a chance anyway. After all, FIDLAR does stand for something. We’re not going to tell you what, but it does stand for something. If Nirvana had been a hippy-dippy surf band, they probably would’ve sounded a lot like FIDLAR. No Waves is one of their stand-out songs.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Unknown Mortal Orchestra has already appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s late night talk show, so time is running out if you’re going to claim you liked them before they were cool. UMO is signed to the same label as Bon Iver, and you can expect psychedelic rock from this band, like a slightly modernized David Bowie. With an American and New Zealand pedigree, UMO boasts guitarist and songwriter Ruban Neilson, who was formerly with The Mint Chicks. Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) is a good intro song to what you can expect from UMO.
