Unrealized investment potential: 5 Alternative Rock Bands from the 1990s that fell short of expected success.
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Unrealized Investment Potential: 5 Alternative Rock Bands from the 1990s that fell short of expected success
The ’90s – a pivotal era for rock music. Grunge, alternative, and indie rock were breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and redefining the genre. Amidst the chaos, some bands found success, while others flew under the radar, despite their talent and potential. In this article, we’ll revisit five ’90s alternative rock bands that, in our opinion, should’ve been a lot bigger.
1. Failure
Failure, formed in 1990, was a critically acclaimed band from Los Angeles. Their music was a perfect blend of heavy riffs, brooding vocals, and melodic harmonies. The band released two studio albums, “Comfort” (1996) and “Fantastic Planet” (1997), both of which received praise from fans and critics alike. Their music was reminiscent of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots, but with a distinct, atmospheric sound. Despite their unique style and dedicated fan base, Failure never quite achieved mainstream success.
Failure’s Demise
In 1999, Failure disbanded due to creative differences and personal struggles. The band’s lead vocalist, Ken Andrews, went on to form the successful indie rock band, Yearbook. Although Failure never released new music, their albums remain a staple among ’90s alt-rock enthusiasts, and their influence can be heard in many contemporary rock bands.
2. Chino Moreno’s Deftones Offshoot, Cypress Hill
Before Deftunes’ rise to fame, lead vocalist Chino Moreno formed a band called Cypress Hill with bassist Shaun Lopez. Their self-titled debut album, “Cypress Hill” (1995), showcased the band’s unique blend of heavy, atmospheric soundscapes and melodic vocals. Although they gained a loyal following, they struggled to break into the mainstream.
Chino’s Creative Pursuits
Chino Moreno went on to focus on Deftones, releasing their critically acclaimed album, “Around the Fur” (1995). Cypress Hill’s music, however, had a lasting impact on the ’90s alt-rock scene, influencing bands like A Perfect Circle and Tool.
3. The Toadies
Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, The Toadies were a post-punk band that formed in 1989. Their major-label debut album, “Rubberneck” (1994), featured the hit single “Possum Kingdom” and received significant airplay on alternative radio stations. Despite this, the band never achieved widespread success.
The Toadies’ Legacy
Although they never broke into the mainstream, The Toadies’ music left a lasting impression on the ’90s alt-rock scene. Their unique blend of catchy hooks, distorted guitars, and haunting lyrics inspired bands like Foo Fighters and Weezer. The Toadies’ music also found new life in the 2010s, as their fan base grew, and their albums were reevaluated by critics.
4. Bush
Formed in 1992 in London, Bush was an alt-rock band that gained popularity in the mid-to-late ’90s with their debut album “Sixteen Stone” (1994). The album featured hit singles like “Come Down” and “Glycerin,” but despite their chart-topping success, the band’s subsequent albums failed to match the same level of commercial success.
Bush’s Evolution
Bush went on to release several more albums, experimenting with different sounds and styles. Although they never regained their early success, their music continued to attract a dedicated fan base. Lead vocalist Gavin Rossdale’s soaring vocals and the band’s heavy, distorted guitars made them a staple of ’90s alt-rock.
5. Fuel
Fuel, formed in 1994, was an alt-rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1998, featured catchy singles like “Shimmer” and “Innocent.” Although they gained popularity, especially among the pop-punk crowd, Fuel struggled to maintain their momentum.
Fuel’s Musical Versatility
Fuel’s music showcased the band’s versatility, blending elements of post-grunge, alternative, and pop-punk. Their sound was reminiscent of bands like Nickelback and Matchbox Twenty, but with a more experimental approach. Despite their dedicated fan base, Fuel never quite achieved the same level of success as some of their contemporaries.