If you haven’t watched 10 Things I Hate About You, this is your cue to signup for a Disney Plus free trial and devour this 90s classic coming of age movie, based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. The only thing more iconic than 10 Things is its protagonist Kat Stratford, an opinionated, independent, stylish, and slightly grunge feminist who likes “Thai food, feminist prose, and angry girl music of the indie rock persuasion.”
From Pale Waves to Yonaka, Kat would certainly be a fan of the indie rock artists below. Do her proud and sprinkle some of their hits into your summer playlist. From up and coming popular bands, to those who are just starting out, I explore some of the most pensive and powerful artists in the indie rock genre.
Pale Waves
Last Friday, Pale Waves released their third album, Unwanted, and it is both bold and strikingly raw. This Noughties style rock album hugely contrasts their first album, which takes a more 80s synth style. Along with the rest of the Pale Waves discography, it is incredible. From queer anthem ‘She is my Religion’ to reflections on mental health in ‘The Hard Way’, Pale Waves combine sharp lyrics with catchy riffs, perfected with lead singer Heather Baron Gracie’s beautifully unique vocals. Pale Waves are possibly my favourite band, and I really want to get my hands on a pair of the knee high red leather platform boots Heather wears in the ‘Clean’ music video.
Spyres
Spyres are a criminally underrated band from Glasgow. Last Friday they released their first EP, entitled ‘Dear Diary’, and it is filled with catchy harmonies, no skips. Spyres will be performing on the tent stages at lots of festivals across the U.K. this summer. See them at the barrier while you can, as I expect they will be huge in a couple of years.
Bloxx
Put simply, Bloxx are cool. Cool songs, cool lyrics, cool style, cool stage presence. While their energetic hits ‘5000 Miles’ and ‘Pop Culture Radio’ have earned them a following, I also appreciate their softer songs, especially ‘What You Needed’.
Yonaka
One of the heavier artists on this list, Yonaka have some powerful and empowering anthems; their song ‘Anthem’ Is in fact one of my favourites. The energetic choreography and passion lead singer Theresa Jarvis brings to the stage when she performs is unmatched.
Letters to Cleo
Straight from the 10 Things I Hate About You soundtrack, Letters to Cleo have some dynamic indie rock hits which illustrate the film perfectly. ‘I Want You To Want Me’ is my favourite.