Exploring the Earliest Post-Grunge Bands
The term post-grunge came into existence as a musical genre that emerged in the mid-1990s, marking a significant evolution from the raw and emotionally charged sound of grunge. Post-grunge bands like Bush, Live, and Nickelback brought a more polished and accessible sound to the mainstream music scene, while still maintaining the emotional intensity that defined the grunge era.
Early Pioneers of Post-Grunge: Bush
One of the earliest and most prominent post-grunge bands is Bush. Formed in 1992 in England, Bush quickly gained recognition with their debut album Sixteen Stone, released in 1994. The album featured hits such as "Comedown," which showcased the band's ability to blend mainstream rock sensibilities with the deeper emotions of grunge music. Bush's sound resonated with listeners, and they eventually became synonymous with the post-grunge genre.
Other Notable Early Post-Grunge Bands
Although Bush is frequently mentioned as a pioneering post-grunge band, there were other artists who were equally significant in the genre's evolution. For instance, Live gained notable commercial success with their album Throwing Copper, released in 1994. This album, which featured hits like "Lightning Crashes," helped Live carve out a niche for themselves in the post-grunge scene. Similarly, Nickelback rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, blending melodic rock with harder-edged guitar work, further solidifying the post-grunge sound.
The Evolution of Post-Grunge
The genre post-grunge encompasses a broad array of artists and styles that evolved from the grunge movement. It's important to note that not all bands that began making music after the heyday of grunge can be classified as post-grunge. For example, STP (Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, and Pearl Jam) straddled the line between fitting into the realm of grunge respectability in the long-term and being from outside the Seattle scene. Some critics and fans consider STP to be more grunge than post-grunge due to their raw and aggressive sound.
Furthermore, bands like Pixies and Sonic Youth had a profound influence on the 'Seattle Sound.' These bands contributed to the development of the grunge genre through their distinctive use of heavy distorted guitars, DIY/punk ethic, and the overall sound dynamic of loud and quiet. Their music laid the groundwork for the post-grunge era, influencing many artists who followed.
Notable Albums and Impact
The evolution of post-grunge can be traced back to significant musical records. For instance, the EP Come On Down by Green River, released in October 1985, is considered the first grunge record. This was followed by the compilation album Deep Six, released a few months later, which included contributions from Green River, Soundgarden, Melvins, and Skin Yard. These records are seminal in the creation of grunge and post-grunge.