Top 10 Best Indie Rock Bands

The term indie rock can encompass a wide array of sounds and styles, from the garage rock revival of The Strokes to the experimental electronica of Radiohead. But what these bands all share is a commitment to artistic integrity and a willingness to take risks. They exist outside the mainstream, carving their own path in the music industry.

The bands on this list represent the very best of what the genre has to offer. They are the bands that have made a lasting impact on music, the bands that have inspired countless others. They are the bands that continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in music.

1. Arctic Monkeys

   

   The Arctic Monkeys, also known by the pseudonym Death Ramps, are a British indie rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield, England. The lineup includes Alex Turner (lead vocalist, songwriter, electric and rhythm guitarist), Jamie Cook (electric and rhythm guitarist, songwriter), Matt Helders (drummer, backing... read more

   Arctic Monkeys might have at first seemed like just another landfill indie group during the 2000s, but three main things set them apart from the rest: their everyman image, Matt Helders's excellent drumming, and Alex Turner's outstanding songwriting.

   Firstly, the Monkeys were in their teens when they started the band, and this is reflected in their early (and by far best) albums. They didn't sound like rock stars. They sounded just like some slightly nerdy British kids who had got together in a garage and started playing songs - except they were really, really good at it. This adds a homegrown charm to their music and makes it very relatable to the younger generation.

   Secondly, the Monkeys' Matt Helders is one of the best drummers in rock music today. Even on the first few songs, when the other band members could barely wield their guitars, Helders was always there in the background, pounding out complicated yet visceral drumlines as though he had been doing it since the day he was born. Over time, he's gotten even better, and he's very tasteful in his playing. Just like Ringo Starr before him, he gives the song just what it needs, even if that means drumming out mind-numbingly simple lines - although he is adept at playing more complicated pieces as well.

   Thirdly, and most importantly, Alex Turner is perhaps the finest songwriter of the 2000s. He's not that great a singer, but he knows how to write hooks like no one else and has a great understanding of how to use the different instruments in his compositions. But what really sets him apart are his lyrics. Not counting the disappointingly awful lyrics of the completely terrible album AM, Turner uses imagery in his songs to convey his messages. And his songs are actually about things - boredom, love, lust, and just being a teenager. And even when they're not about something, Turner's weird sense of poetry allows him to create vivid, fantastic images in your mind.... read more

2. The Strokes

   

   The Strokes are an American rock band formed in New York City in 1998. The band consists of Julian Casablancas (lead vocalist), Nick Valensi (guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist), Albert Hammond Jr. (rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist), Nikolai Fraiture (bassist), and Fabrizio Moretti... read more

   The Strokes are brilliant. I love their music more than anything, but I also love how real they are. After falling in love with their music, I wanted to know who was behind it, so I watched one of their interviews.

   They said that fame wasn't what they cared about. It was all in the music. That's what I just love in a band. In the interview, Julian Casablancas talked about how bands are portrayed through false articles on the internet and in magazines, and how all the bull ruins their image. It's solely about the music to them, and I couldn't ask for more.

   In short, they are like a Pepsi. I'm not always in the mood for them, but every single time I do feel like listening, I take a serious injection of energy and ecstasy from it.

   Their music has power, originality, and, most importantly, longevity. I'd definitely have a blast jamming to one of The Strokes' albums and chilling out 20 years from now.

   In all honesty, I can only listen to a bunch of Arctic Monkeys songs. As great of a band as they are, they're certainly not a Coca-Cola.

3. Radiohead

   

   Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Phil Selway, and Ed O'Brien.

   Known for their experimentation and sonic evolution, they rose to international prominence with OK Computer and continued... read more

   My personal favorite indie band. I can definitely understand why groups like The Strokes or The Killers are higher up on this list, as their music is much more accessible and radio-friendly than a lot of Radiohead's music, but when it comes to being the most innovative and bringing the most to the table, Radiohead blows the rest of these groups out of the water.

   Quite possibly my favorite band ever! I don't think that they are really indie, though... The clear winners of this list are The Strokes and Arcade Fire, but what is Imagine Dragons doing here? The fact that they are above practically all these bands just shows it really is a bit of a popularity contest in the end!

4. The Killers

   

   The Killers are an American pop rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2001 by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. The band gained international fame with their debut album Hot Fuss (2004), which included hit singles like Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me. They've since released multiple albums and... read more

   The Killers are my favorite band! I have so much respect for them, and their music inspires me more than anything else in my life at the moment. I respect the fact that Brandon is not afraid to sing about his religious views and his beliefs.

   Although I am not a Mormon, I can relate so much to them. The Killers are my idea of perfection, and when Ronnie announced they are currently writing new music, my heart lifted! They may be number 8 on this website, but to me, they will always be number 1!

   The Killers are one of my favorite bands! Or maybe my favorite after Sixpence None The Richer. They're absolutely amazing! I love all their albums. Each one has something magical and catchy, plus the lyrics you can dive into.

   My dream is to be at one of their concerts. Go Killers, go!

5. Modest Mouse

   

   Modest Mouse is an American rock band formed in 1992 in Issaquah, Washington, and currently based in Portland, Oregon. The band is known for its eclectic style and introspective lyrics. Their breakthrough came with the 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, which included the hit single Float... read more

   Considering more than half of what's on top is not indie rock, it isn't surprising. It's filled with overrated "famous" alternative bands. I was surprised to see the Hoosiers up there, though. I think they're a great band, but I didn't know they were considered in such high regard.

   Really, up in the top ten, Arctic Monkeys shouldn't be close to where they are. Oasis isn't indie. The Killers aren't indie. Kings of Leon, for me, The Strokes are awesome, but they aren't really indie. All good bands (maybe except for Kings of Leon), but not indie.

   I can't believe that Blur or The Script is even on this list. Also, why isn't Pavement higher? Why isn't Built to Spill on this list? There are plenty of indie bands that need to be on this list, that's for sure, but a lot of the best ones aren't in the higher spots they deserve, like Modest Mouse here.

6. Arcade Fire

   

   Arcade Fire is a Canadian indie rock band based in Montreal, Quebec, consisting of husband and wife Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, along with Win's younger brother Will Butler, Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury, and Jeremy Gara. The band is known for its eclectic musical style and grandiose live performances... read more

   Currently, my favorite band has been for the past 9 months. The album "The Suburbs" is a pure masterpiece, describing his childhood and evoking quite an emotional response.

   "Reflektor" is much more upbeat but still conveys very important messages. In any album, the words flowing from Win Butler's lips are very poetic and meaningful.

   There are few bands that I truly love. Aside from Modest Mouse, Radiohead, and Fleet Foxes, Arcade Fire holds a special place in my heart.

   Unlike most bands on this list, Arcade Fire is composed of artists in the truest sense of the word.

7. Vampire Weekend

   

   Vampire Weekend is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 2006. The band is known for its eclectic musical style that blends indie rock, baroque pop, and world music influences. They have released several critically acclaimed albums, including Contra, Modern Vampires of the City, and Father... read more

   The first time I heard Step, I fell in love with them. They are unique. So I decided to purchase their latest album at the local disc shop, listened to it, and absolutely loved it. I found out they were touring the next month, begged my family to buy me tickets to the concert, and heard so many of their other songs and loved them even more. Now I own all their albums! In a span of 1 and a half months from hearing that one song on the radio.

   Their third album, "Modern Vampires of the City," is probably one of the greatest albums of the 21st century. I'm not saying that they should be #1, but as good as Two Door Cinema Club, The Killers, The Strokes, etc., are, it really has to be between VW, Modest Mouse, and perhaps Arctic Monkeys.

   I'm not sure if Radiohead qualifies as "indie." If they do, then there is no debating that they are #1. Forget indie. They are THE greatest band since the '90s and right up there in the debate for best ever.

8. Two Door Cinema Club

   

   They are so energetic. Their songs are so vibrant and are all masterpieces. A LEGENDARY band like this that is so consistent, where no songs are fillers in the album, deserves to be at the top.

   I love this band as well. I have not heard very many of their songs, but What You Know is one of their songs that I have heard, and I could not stop putting that song on replay.

   The guys are just amazing. Their creative use of the guitar separates them from everyone else.

   Sun, I Can Talk, and What You Know are must-listen-to songs.

9. The Smiths

   

   The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. The band consisted of vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, and drummer Mike Joyce. They became one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, known for their distinct blend of jangly guitar pop and introspective... read more

   The obvious choice. Morrissey's lyrics have also exposed me to lots of brilliant art, such as Oscar Wilde's writing and films such as A Taste of Honey. In addition to that, the band introduced me to Modest Mouse, a band I always knew about but never delved into until I found out about Marr's work on We Were Dead.

   I think opening my argument on why The Smiths are the definitive indie band with the obvious choice is probably the most token Smiths-fan thing I'll ever do, but I digress.

   Brilliant artists! Joyce and Rourke are also vital to The Smiths, despite what Moz and Marr will try to tell you.

   The quintessential indie rock band.

   By far one of the most influential British bands ever, let alone within the genre of indie rock.

   The perfect combination of Morrissey's lyrical genius (though he became a bit of a rabble-rouser in his later solo career) coupled with Johnny Marr's smooth and effervescent guitar style, which inspired many of the artists mentioned above.

10. Imagine Dragons

    

    Imagine Dragons is an American pop rock band from Provo, Utah, now based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band's lineup includes lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and touring drummer Andrew Tolman.... read more

    Imagine Dragons has risen to fame, and rightly so. Their music easily connects to everyone listening. Take Demons, for example, just listen to the lyrics and watch their Demons music video.

    I'm pretty sure Demons was a song influenced by their lead vocalist, Dan Reynolds, who went through depression before and during his musical career. This band will continue to rise, and unlike other artists, they don't objectify women, have sexual references, or use vulgar words in their music to attract fans. Imagine Dragons are one of the few bright spots in today's music industry.

    The greatest band ever, honestly. Their songs are so relatable on a personal level. Songs like "It's Time" and "Demons" are their deepest and most soul-searching tracks. Then they have "Radioactive" and "Shots," which are so energetic yet also have a deep meaning.

    Night Visions and Smoke + Mirrors are amazing albums that are unparalleled. Also, this band can perform live better than anyone else.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    The Arcana

    

    The Arcana are a British rock band formed in 2016 in London, England. The band consists of Peter Lennodo on vocals, guitars, and keyboards, Jack Aquiziac on vocals, bass guitar, and keyboards, and Joey Silverheel on drums and percussion.... read more

    One of the amazing things about The Arcana is that they can never be said to conform to a single style of music. For me, this band can create great music in any style.

    Yet it's easy to tell immediately if a song belongs to them, as they have their own definitive style. I'm not going to say they're the greatest band of all time - that would be stupid. However, they are among the greatest bands of any time.

    A really wonderful band that doesn't seem to have had much exposure. Check out Tomorrow is Yesterday for a fantastic trip.

12. ?

    Hippo Campus

    A band out of the Twin Cities... amazing! If you've never given them a listen, check out "Little Grace," "Sophie So," "Vacation," "Violet," "Buttercup," and "Travelers" (just to name a few).

    Fantastic band that doesn't get the recognition they deserve!

    One of my favorites. The style is new and refreshing compared to some other indie bands.

    I saw them in concert, and it was amazing.

The Contenders

13. The Black Keys

    

    The Black Keys is an American indie rock and blues rock duo formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001 by Dan Auerbach (vocals, guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums).

    The band has often been compared to The White Stripes, as both are garage rock duos known for a stripped-down sound and use of low-fidelity recording... read more

    My goodness, this band is just pure drugs for your ears. You can't go wrong with just about any song of The Black Keys. They're blues-rock heaven.

    Dan Auerbach's vocals are nothing short of perfect, and the lyrics and instrumentals are addictive. Such a great band, with underrated albums. Look them up and listen to the well-known and underrated songs. If you don't like them, you'll at least respect their evident talent.

    How this band is ranked so low, I don't understand. Their music consists of insane guitar solos, beautiful lyrics, and melodies. Every album is something different, and their newest album, in my opinion, is the best one yet.

    Just listen to Weight of Love off their new album, and let Dan and Patrick blow you away.

14. Pixies

    

    The Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. The group disbanded in 1993 but reunited in 2004. The current lineup includes founding members Black Francis, Joey Santiago, and David Lovering, with Paz Lenchantin joining as bassist in 2014.

    Heck, the Pixies are an incredible band. Their music is weird, imaginative, and often rude, I know, but it's groundbreaking as well. The Pixies are a major influence on so many of the really famous bands everyone knows, yet their contribution is shamefully overlooked. These guys deserve to be No. 1. They're way better than all those listed above (and I am a fan of some, too), especially better than the Arctic Monkeys. Just... yeah. Incredible.

    This is one of the most important bands in rock history. Most bands on this list owe a lot to the Pixies, and somehow they are at 50.

    The Pixies may not be the best band in the genre, but they still deserve to be WAY higher.

15. Foster the People

    

    Foster the People is an American indie pop band that originated in Los Angeles, California, in 2009. The current members include lead vocalist Mark Foster, lead guitarist Sean Cimino, keyboardist Isom Innis, and drummer Mark Pontius. They rose to fame with their hit single Pumped Up Kicks and have since... read more

    I think Foster the People should be #1 because of their innovative music. Their "Torches" album displays creativity in vocals and rhythms. Their new album "Supermodel" expands on that creativity in a variety of moods not found on the first album.

    Watch this band's fan base grow.

    I find this interesting because their first single, Pumped Up Kicks, hit the mainstream and hit it hard. However, by all means, their work afterwards is still indie. I've just always been unsure when it comes to including these guys on a best indie rock list.

16. Neutral Milk Hotel

    

    Neutral Milk Hotel was an American indie rock band formed in 1989 by musician Jeff Mangum in Ruston, Louisiana. The band released two studio albums, On Avery Island in 1996 and In the Aeroplane Over the Sea in 1998, the latter of which gained critical acclaim and a strong cult following. Although the... read more

    NMK has an overwhelmingly unique sound and style. Their stylistic influences expand far beyond those of the bands that were previously mentioned. Jeff Mangum's voice is unique and is capable of striking a chord in your heart.

    Listen to In the Aeroplane Over the Sea if you don't believe me. These guys are truly the definition of alternative and are unfortunately underrated. Their two albums have left an unarguable mark on the indie scene. Their contribution to music is so important, so please, please vote for them.

    Neutral Milk Hotel always did their own thing, which is the true meaning of an "independent" band. They released only two albums, but that was enough, and they continue to tour because they love their music. They don't release album after album of tired, boring, and forced material. "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" is one of the best albums ever made, and it is impossible to argue otherwise.

17. Death Cab for Cutie

    

    Death Cab for Cutie is an American alternative rock band formed in Bellingham, Washington, in 1997. The band includes Ben Gibbard, Nick Harmer, Dave Depper, Zac Rae, and Jason McGerr. Known for their emotionally introspective lyrics and melodic style, the band has received multiple Grammy nominations... read more

    Death Cab for Cutie has been a favorite for years. Looking at the name, it might seem like an emo band, but once you listen, you'll see the beauty of it. The chilling piano intros, the deep lyrics, and the imagery paired with amazing guitar work and Ben's amazing voice will surely make you love the band. The topics of the songs are relatable, which makes it even better. The drum beats are nice too, and the bass on "I Will Possess Your Heart" is amazing.

    I've grown up listening to these guys, and they will always have a special place in my heart. I've been to several concerts, and they are unlike any other. Transatlanticism is easily one of the best indie albums because of its consistent theme and coffee shop feel. I really love these guys. They should be #1 in my personal opinion!

18. Oasis

    

    Oasis is an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. The original lineup consisted of Liam Gallagher (lead vocals), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass guitar), and Tony McCarroll (drums). A few months later, Liam invited his older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar, vocals) to join the... read more

    Just listen to "Around The World" from their 1997 album "Be Here Now." It's one of the most epic songs I've ever listened to. It is a lengthy track, but that is one of the reasons it's epic.

    The band broke up because the singer and the guitarist fought? FOR REAL? They are awesome, and they broke up because of a fight? They could have replaced one of the members.

    I am literally in love with their music. Wonderwall makes me cry every time I hear those words. I love it so much. VOTE FOR OASIS!

19. Coldplay

    

    Coldplay is a British rock band formed in 1996. The group includes Chris Martin (lead vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), and Will Champion (drums, backing vocals). Their manager, Phil Harvey, is often referred to as the unofficial fifth member.... read more

    This band has truly changed the indie/alternative rock genre. When you look at today's indie rock bands, 80% of them are influenced by Coldplay. Melodically, lyrically, instrumentally, and emotionally, their music is just transcendent and matchless.

    Coldplay is my favorite band, and I think it always will be. My "obsession" started in 2008 when I heard their song "Viva la Vida" playing on the radio. I later bought the CD "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends." I became hooked and now own every one of their CDs.

    This is why I love Coldplay!

20. Florence and the Machine

    

    Florence and the Machine are an English indie rock band that formed in London in 2007. The band consists of lead singer Florence Welch, keyboardist Isabella Summers, and a collaboration of other musicians. Their debut album, Lungs, received critical acclaim and commercial success.

    Way underrecognized on American radio, I don't know about their status in the UK, but they're way underrated in the US. I mean, it's so much more than Florence Welch. The band itself (the Machine) is some of the finest music I've heard from the 21st century.

    I especially love the way they incorporate the harp in their music. So rarely do you hear a harp in popular music anymore. My favorite song is "What the Water Gave Me," but I also really like "Shake it Out," "Seven Devils," and their covers of "You've Got the Love" and "Addicted to Love." An extremely talented and unique band. I'm waiting anxiously for new music from them.

    Why are they so low on the list? They are the best and very underrated, which kind of makes me angry. They are so good and talented, yet so underappreciated.

    Their songs like Dog Days Are Over and Shake It Out should've gotten more radio recognition because they are so great. Even though those songs are the most popular, they didn't get a chance to top the charts. All three of their albums are amazing, but Lungs has to be the best.

21. MGMT

    

    MGMT is an American rock band formed in 2002 by Benjamin Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden. After the release of their debut album, additional members Matthew Asti, James Richardson, and Will Berman joined the band for live performances and later contributed in the studio. The group gained widespread... read more

    MGMT is one of my favorite bands of ALL TIME! They should be number 1 on this list. The first song I listened to by them was When You Die (from a hack on a Roblox game), and then I started listening to more.

    I love the songs I listened to, but When You Die will be my all-time favorite by them. I think their best album is Little Dark Age. My favorites are When You Die, Little Dark Age, and Me and Michael. I think Little Dark Age is better than Oracular Spectacular, in my opinion.

    They are my other half. They changed the way I feel about music forever. I love Andrew VanWyngarden's voice and the way it flows beautifully with their psychedelic music style. They are one of my everyday obsessions. I won't even date people unless they like MGMT. It was love at first listen when I heard the song Electric Feel on the album Oracular Spectacular.

22. The Kooks

    

    The Kooks are an English rock band formed in 2004 in Brighton. The band currently consists of Luke Pritchard, Hugh Harris, Alexis Nunez, and Peter Denton. Max Rafferty was the original bassist, and Paul Garred was the founding drummer.

    Bands like the Kooks should be higher up this list rather than these bands that aren't actually indie rock. The ones that should be at the top are ones like Built to Spill, Death Cab for Cutie, and the Kooks. Some of the ones above are fine, but others don't even deserve a spot on this list.

    Their music brings a light, accessible, effortlessly cool vibe.

    Even though Arctic Monkeys are my favorite band, the Kooks bring a needed balance to that darker-tinged sound.

    The Kooks' acoustics and brightness are perfect for the morning, while the other bands are for the night.

23. Franz Ferdinand

    

    Franz Ferdinand is a Scottish rock band based in Glasgow. The group was formed in 2002 and became known for its energetic style and post-punk revival sound. The original lineup included Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy, Bob Hardy, and Paul Thomson.

    This band is completely amazing. (Listening to No You Girls right now.) Their music is always fresh and new! I never get tired of Franz Ferdinand. Their songs are the best.

    Honestly, they should be up there with The White Stripes. They are completely amazing, my favorite band hands down.

    Amazing band. How they are able to create such interesting music is beyond me. "Ulysses" is by far one of my favorite songs ever, so deliciously dark.

    All their songs have something special about them - definitely worth checking out.

24. Mumford & Sons

    

    Mumford & Sons is a British indie folk band formed in London in 2007. The band includes Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane. They rose to prominence with their debut album Sigh No More and became known for their energetic live performances and folk-influenced sound.

    They are the best band ever, and I cannot believe people have really put such rubbish before them. However, many are total critics of this band's folk sound, but that just makes them more EPIC!

    Only 24!? That makes me want to scream. They make such quality music, and all the members are so down to earth. I love the folk sound and Winston's banjo. Amazing band, best I've heard in a long time.

    Mumford and Sons, from my point of view, are totally underrated. They should be at least within the 10 best, not in a mediocre 20th place!

25. Muse

    

    Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, lead guitar, piano, keyboards), Dom Howard (drums, percussion), and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They have won numerous awards, including five MTV Europe Music Awards... read more

    Muse were indie, but they became commercial after Black Holes and Revelations. Anyway, you can always find some of their good songs on the internet.

    Happy search, and long live Muse.

    Um, why is Muse down here and not in first? Some would say that they aren't in this genre, but Muse is so good that they should be at the top of lists for folk, country, classical, rock, heavy metal, and pop.

    Why are they not higher up on this list? Maybe they're a bit more alternative and electro than indie, but still, they are one of the best bands. I'm shocked.

26. The Shins

    First of all, I'm listening to Gone for Good as I write this. Second of all: 24!?!?!?! REALLY!? They should easily be top 5, along with DCFC.

    The song just switched to Sleeping Lessons. Their songs and lyrics are amazing. I've found myself singing Girl Inform Me and It's Only Life more than any song in my 98-song playlist. If you haven't heard of them, go check them out. Now.

    The Shins are amazing and unique, and the songwriter James Mercer is definitely one of my favorite songwriters of all time. Some of their songs are like pure poetry, and then when you add in the unique and beautiful music, it makes them even that much more incredible. The Shins are pure art.

27. The 1975

    

    The 1975 are an English pop rock band originating from Manchester. The group consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matthew "Matty" Healy, lead guitarist Adam Hann, bassist Ross MacDonald, and drummer George Daniel. They are known for their eclectic style, which incorporates elements of pop,... read more

    I'm no newcomer to indie, for the record here.

    The 1975 are on an independent label, therefore them being designated as indie isn't some scheme to make quirky teenage girls listen to them for the style. I'd say that The 1975 are undoubtedly one of the smartest bands in recent years. Notice how nearly all negative reviews on this post are from people who admit to only knowing their big songs. This is because The 1975 shine on their albums. Please listen to their sophomore album, which is their opus in my opinion, in its entirety before you form your opinion on the band as a whole. This band has been around for over a decade and, even though I don't think they're the greatest indie band of all time, I do believe wholeheartedly that they're the best to make a splash in recent years. I'm seeing them live tomorrow, after being a fan for a good while. I wasn't sold on them in the beginning either. In fact, I hated them too in the beginning, and for the same weak reasons as many of you. Cheers.