Tag: Alternative Rock

September 27, 2019

August 20, 2019

Song of the Day: Kosmos Express - Just Say It

The year was 1997. The heyday of Christian alternative rock was starting to wane, as mainstream sounds were drifting into new territory. Dance pop (in the form of boy bands and girl bands) was starting to make another attempt at dominating the airwaves. Electronica and house were exploding in creativity and splintering into new subgenres every day. Outside of punk and hardcore, the most exciting thing happening in rock was a revival of traditional British sounds in a new format cleverly dubbed “Britpop.” While not a new genre per se, its popularity had boomed with no small thanks to bands like Oasis, Blur, James and literally dozens of others across the pond.… Continued →

July 26, 2019

Song of the Day: Altar Boys - You Are Loved

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this is one of the greatest songs our scene has ever produced! It gets straight to the heart of what it’s all about: “Hey I’m talkin’ to you/Yeah, I’m trying to get through/God cares about you more than think . . . You are loved! You are loved!” It was the first song I ever heard from the Altar Boys, in the late 80s. Ironically, it was on a metal compilation where I first heard them. Though the song is nowhere near metal, it has that late 80s post-punk/power pop sound from SoCal that has loads of energy.… Continued →

January 29, 2019

October 25, 2018

Mellowdramatic Wallflowers make all releases available

90s quirky alternative band Mellowdramatic Wallflowers have recently made all their releases available for free download here. The Oklahoma-based band remained independent throughout their existence, but released four full-length albums during their time. The band reluctantly changed their name to Admiral Twin (inspired by a historic Tulsa movie theater) to avoid confusion when the similarly-named mainstream rock band The Wallflowers gained in popularity. The Mellowdramatic Wallflowers might appeal to fans of They Might Be Giants, The Ass Ponys, Hokus Pick and other quirky bands.… Continued →

October 18, 2018

REVIEW : Lo Tom - Lo Tom

This is a fun record, that’s really easy to listen to. It’s not really ground-breaking, just straight-forward indie rock with really warm guitar tones. While there’s not a lot of distinction between the guitar and bass, for some reason that’s not a bad thing, it just adds to the simplicity. Most readers probably already realize Lo Tom is basically an indie rock supergroup, featuring: David Bazan (Pedro the Lion, Headphones, solo), TW Walsh (Pedro the Lion, The Soft Drugs, solo), Trey Many (Velour 100, His Name is Alive, Liquorice, TW Walsh), and Jason Martin (Starflyer 59, Bon Voyage, Dance House Children, White Lighter).… Continued →

October 12, 2018

September 21, 2018

September 20, 2018

Remedy Drive - Warlike (Official Music Video)

So this video was released back in January of this year along with their new album “The North Star” and I must say that it is a heavy hitter. I can’t believe I overlooked this release and didn’t give it proper promotion right here on IVM. Remedy Drive have created music that is deep and rich in content, overflowing with complex symbolism and a certain sense of urgency. You don’t come across music like this in Christian music scene all that often and I really enjoy this track as well as the album.… Continued →

September 7, 2018

August 11, 2018

August 4, 2018

Samuel Powers - Nashville

Maryland based indie-punk rock band, Samuel Powers, are celebrating the one year anniversary of their last full length “Wonder” by releasing a brand new song inspired by the hit show of the same name – “Nashville”. This band is unique in the fact that their songs are all centered around and inspired by classic tv shows like Wonder Years, Saved by The Bell, Boy Meets World, and now Nashville. Band member Brody B. was actually a writer here at IVM for many years and typed up some now classic reviews.… Continued →

July 29, 2018

The Choir Release New Album "Bloodshot"

Longest running alternative rock band in the Christian music scene – The Choir – are at again, dropping a super catchy and ear pleasing new full length record titled “Bloodshot”. It is truly amazing that after all these years this band can continue to churn the hits and songs most people haven’t yet discovered. A band of this talent bubbling just beneath the surface is unheard of but guess what, us fans have these legends to cherish all to ourselves. Am I right? Please go support these wonderful independent musicians by picking up merch in their store here or by purchasing in your digital store of choice.… Continued →

July 23, 2018

The Upside - New World (New Song)

This new band deserves a proper introduction. They are called “The Upside” and they play a furious blend of pop-punk, alternative rock, and even a bit of easy-core for a unique sound all their own. The band just released their first song today titled “New World” which you can listen to below. I’ve heard 3 of the new songs from their upcoming ep due out this fall and let me tell you, you’re in for a real treat. Punk rock meets ministry meets rock n’ roll.… Continued →

July 2, 2018

June 17, 2018

June 16, 2018

The Prayer Chain Practices and Prepares for Their Upcoming Shows This Summer

In case you were living under a rock, classic alternative rock band (man, it feels weird to say that) – The Prayer Chain, have reunited and are making preparations for their upcoming 25th anniversary shows for their album “Shawl”. There are still some tickets available for the House of Blues Anaheim show so click here to get yours. Check out some practice preview video clips below.… Continued →

March 18, 2018

REVIEW : Stavesacre - MCMXCV

First things first. Have you heard there’s a new Stavesacre album out? Yeah? I bet you’re wondering who played on it? This is the classic 5-member line-up: Mark Salomon – vocals Sam West – drums Dirk Lemmenes- Bass Ryan Dennee – guitar Jeff Bellew – guitar Besides the Against the Silence EP in 2009, this line-up hasn’t made a record together since Speakeasy. Of course, what most readers will be wondering is, “can they still bring it?” Does this album hit as hard as Speakeasy did?… Continued →

February 21, 2018

Indie Flashback: Blood and Water

A little known independent band by the name of Blood and Water from Nor Cal splashed onto the scene towards the end of the last decade with a few indie releases (one of which can be found here) before signing with upstart new label Eden Records and releasing their label debut “In Character” in 2010. This critically acclaimed and fan adored full length has come to be accepted as one of the finer independent releases of the past decade. It’s incredible how much connects people and this band did just that.… Continued →

February 13, 2018

REVIEW : Blank Books - EP1

The Sprinkle brothers are back! If you don’t know who that is, then stop reading. Go and find Poor Old Lu, The World Inside, Aaron Sprinkle, Paloma, Fair . . . I could go on but I’m using up valuable reviewing space (and I didn’t even mention the production credits)! Considering who is involved in this project, you might think you already know what it’s going to sound like. And sure, you might be in the right ballpark—alternative/indie rock with a capital Rock. But you haven’t heard this.… Continued →

November 3, 2017

September 8, 2017

Introducing: Rusty Shipp

I’d like to introduce our readers to the self proclaimed “Nautical Rock n’ Roll” band Rusty Shipp. Check out the band’s new music video for the track “Devil Jonah” and also a lyric video for the other single “Tip of My Tongue”. Fans of Silverchair, Incubus, Dinosaur Jr., and even Foo Fighters, will find something to appreciate about this band’s old school rock influences. The band’s new album “Mortal Ghost” is now available.… Continued →

August 23, 2017

August 18, 2017

Introducing: Shake It Up

I am introducing you readers to a new ep from Shake It Up. A few of you long time readers may recognize this project because we had posted about various singles in the past. Well Daniel Nothe and his band Shake It Up are back with their debut Ep titled “Everything That Makes You Wonder”. It is a spacey, garage rock type project that would please fans of 90’s bands especially those on Tooth & Nail back in the day. The production is surprisingly on point for an independent group and I am completely captivated by every song start to finish.… Continued →

January 13, 2014

This Is All We Know album cover

REVIEW : Number One Gun - This Is All We Know

Number One Gun more than delivers in the return to their original lineup. Complex and intricate instrumentation back Jeff Schneeweis's signature vocals over eleven tracks that range from all-out rock anthems to electronic-laced ballads. Any fan of the band's catalog will find something to love on this solid album.

June 12, 2013

March 7, 2013

REVIEW : Rest. - Slaves EP

Rest. was recently on tour with Spoken for their "Illusion" album release tour. In honor of that, here is our review of their 2012 release "Slaves EP."

May 3, 2012

February 29, 2012