Don't Judge A Band By Its Name!

     Ever come across a band name that just freaks you out and so you decide not to listen to them? I know I have, especially bands with names like “I Killed The Prom Queen” or maybe something a bit more frank like “Hail Satan”. You’d think twice before jumping into their fandom, but actually there are a handful of bands that just might surprise you with their music; even if their name is a bit scary. So here are some bands that you should listen to before you jump into conclusions: 

The Killers

     If you’re one of the few people who has no idea who this band is, they’re not gonna kill anyone, so you should totally listen to them. Their ever-famous hit “Mr. Brightside” is worth listening to on a late night drive with your friends, and I’m sure this song will be stuck in your head for days. The Killers have been around for such a long time and they’re still one of the best alternative rock bands out there. 

Death Cab for Cutie

     This band is one of my all-time favorites. Their name might be misleading, but they’re as harmless as a marshmallow. Death Cab for Cutie is one of the bands you have to listen to. Rolling Stones once reviewed their album Transatlanticism and said that their songs were “melodic, melancholy songs about feeling both smart and confused, hopelessly romantic but wary of love." If Death Cab doesn’t make you want to cry while looking outside a window, then there might be something wrong with you.

The Horrors

     I personally describe this band as “psychedelic grunge with a hint of awesome." Their songs ‘Death at the Chapel’ and ‘Jack the Ripper’ might sound morbid based on their names alone, but their music is just plain fun rock and roll. I recommend you to listen to their album Primary Colors to get a good feel of their music!

Vampire Weekend

     At first, I thought this band would sound really gothic and depressing, but they’re the complete opposite of that. In fact, their songs make me want to dance around and throw confetti and glitters everywhere. Seriously, if you’re down in the dumps, listen to all of their albums and I guarantee that you will feel better. I can’t even completely explain how fun [and a tad weird] their music is, watch their Diane Young music video and you might just understand me.

The Vaccines

     Do you hate going to the doctor to get your shots? Well, The Vaccines will pump you up (corny, I know)! Both of their albums, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? and Come of Age will surely make you run around and start a moshpit with people. The band has been said to resemble The Ramones and so if you’re into these types of bands, then you’ll love The Vaccines!

The Strokes

     Now this band has been around since I was one. Is it bad that the ‘Strokes’ in their name makes me think of the medical condition and not the other meaning? I got to tell you, it took a long time for me to get into their music, but I guess now that I’ve got a good listen to their songs, I can now say that I’m a fan. The Strokes have received tons of praise through the years and with their latest album, Comedown Machine, they’re still that cool and hip band from 1998. 

Drowners

     This NYC-based foursome is also one of my favorites and is one of the latest bands to enter the indie-rock music scene. No, they’re not going to suffocate you, but they will drown you...in all of their cool songs! These guys might be newbies, but I’m pretty sure they’re going to rule the charts with their self-titled album coming out on January 2014. 


     The list doesn’t just end there! Also check out these bands: The Midnight Beast, Arcade Fire, The Burning Hotels, La Dispute, Imperial Mammoth, The Pretty Reckless, The Temper Trap, We Shot the Moon, Smashing Pumpkins, The Sex Pistols and Paradise Fears! 

- Reign Gonzales
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