17 underrated bands that deserve your attention
[Photos by: Moral Support/Dave Lisowski, Party Nails/Facebook]
The third Friday in December is set to celebrate the unsung heroes of the world, with National Underdog Day. To celebrate the underrated and sometimes overlooked, we've compiled a list of 17 bands that are more than deserving of your attention. Check out this incredible list of talent you do not want to overlook.
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1. Chil
A cohesive blend of punk, alternative, indie, rock and a dash of EDM create a unique sound that Chil have come to call their own. Hard work and determination have the band heading to England at the end of the month to record at Motor Museum in Liverpool. There, they'll be partnering with producer Al Groves, best known for his work on Bring Me The Horizon's That's The Spirit, to create a new EP we're sure everyone will want to get their hands on.
2. Villain Of The Story
Metalcore monsters Villain Of The Story are taking the genre and making it their own. Their killer album, Wrapped In Vines, Covered In Thornes dropped March 3 and is easily one of the most underrated metalcore albums to drop this year. VOTS are the perfect blend of clean and gritty vocals backed by insane instrumentals that set them apart from other cookie-cutter bands in their genre.
3. Nekokat
The Summer Set's Jess Bowen and the Ready Set's Jordan Witzigreuter and Cameron Walker combine to form Nekokat, a supergroup no one should be sleeping on. From their catchy lyrics to their incredible vibes on stage, Nekokat are capable of producing perfect bops and tear-jerking ballads to give you all the right feels in all the best ways.
4. Moral Support
Having shared the stage with incredible acts such as the Color Morale, Emarosa, Picturesque and more, it's easy to say Moral Support have quickly become the total package. Their high energy and meticulously crafted lyrics put them on a whole new level in the world of post-hardcore. The band recently dropped their EP Nowheresville on Dec. 8, and it already has us begging for a full-length album.
5. FRND
Remember iconic pop-punk band the Friday Night Boys? Vocalist and now badass producer Andrew Goldstein has kept himself busy working with artists such as All Time Low, blackbear, Selena Gomez and more, all while creating his side project, FRND (pronounced “friend”). Goldstein has already dropped a very impressive EP, appeared on blackbear's cybersex with his track “anxiety” and collaborated with Said The Sky on a ridiculously catchy track titled “Faded.” Is there anything Goldstein can't do?
6. Famous Last Words
Detailed stories told through catchy hooks and intricate lyrics make Famous Last Words an iconic art project in the form of a post-hardcore/metal band. Every track this band releases holds incredible depth with lyrics involving hope, death, love and life. If you're looking for a band that continually raises the bar, then Famous Last Words is right up your alley.
7. Alteras
One of the best kept secrets of metal and hard rock, Alteras produce amazing tracks while using their platform to provide a positive example for their fans, striving to prove that no matter the obstacle you are faced with, you can overcome and learn to love again. Alteras are an incredible inspiration to bands and fans alike, both on and off the stage.
8. Ghost Atlas
Melodic phenomenon Ghost Atlas is the alt-rock persona of none other than Jesse Cash from ERRA, who invested thousands of dollars of his own money to independently drop All Is In Sync, And There Is Nothing Left To Sing About just last month. It's a huge and impressive album that everyone needs to get their hands on.
9. Vesta Collide
Stay Sick Recordings' Vesta Collide came out swinging with their debut album, New Obsession, and have been pushing themselves forward ever since. Their sound is unparalleled to other bands within their genre, setting them apart and giving them the edge they need to push boundaries. If you're into gnarly riffs and aggressive vocals, then make Vesta Collide your new obsession.
10. Afterlife
Badass nü-metal vibes with an alt-rock twist all come packaged in a band called Afterlife. Having toured with Oceans Ate Alaska, Dayseeker and more, it's obvious this band knows exactly what they're doing. Afterlife asked fans to #JoinTheCycle after they dropped their album, Vicious Cycle.
11. Best Ex
Formerly known as Candy Hearts, indie-punk band Best Ex are here to inspire and empower through catchy hooks and synth-pop vibes. Songs based on true stories make the band easy to relate to while vocalist Mariel Loveland continues to be a positive role model in the scene. If Paramore's Hayley Williams is a fan, then you should be, too.
12. High Wire
If you've watched Sleep On It's “Fireworks” music video, then you've already caught a glimpse at this pop-punk quartet. High Wire already have a very dedicated fanbase and have shared the stage with Real Friends, Sleep On It and more. Their new EP, Different Places, tells of personal growth and the journey from who you were to who you aspire to be, and even features an incredible track with Sleep On It's Zech Pluister.
13. You Vs Yesterday
Some incredible bands including Beartooth, Hawthorne Heights and even vocalist Telle Smith of the Word Alive have come out of Ohio, and You Vs Yesterday are determined to be the next one. Their latest EP, How's This For Honesty, dropped Nov. 10 and has already exceeded 300,000 Spotify streams. No strangers to the stage, they've played alongside Hawthorne Heights, Palisades, Jetty Bones, Marina City and more.
14. Glass Houses
It's hard to stick out in the sea of metalcore bands, but Glass Houses do just that. Signed to InVogue Records, the band bring an originality to the genre that sets them apart from the rest. Solid instrumentals and a killer combination of vocals make Glass Houses a hidden gem among the genre.
15. Diet Cig
Whether you refer to them as garage punk, slop-pop or indie rock, Diet Cig prove they are a force to be reckoned with. Their high-energy performances and powerful lyrics are quickly skyrocketing them to the forefront of the music scene where they continue to use their platform to make a positive impact.
16. Party Nails
If you saw PVRIS on their recent North America tour then you most likely saw the alt-pop sensation Party Nails open the show with sensational talent. Lovers of '80s style jams and catchy pop hooks will immediately fall in love with Party Nails' music, while her charismatic and emotionally-charged performances will have you falling in love with her as an artist.
17. Eat Your Heart Out
Fearless Records newcomers, EYHO, bring a fresh and energetic take to alt-rock with their recent Mind Games EP release, which just so happens to feature Movements' Patrick Miranda. Hailing from Newcastle, Australia, their hypnotic and gritty sound delivered with impressive quality put them at the forefront of up-and-coming bands.
