Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands

StyleFoster The People

Foster The People – Style (Official Audio)

Foster the People is an indie pop band formed in Los Angeles in 2009.

Their 2010 release “Pumped Up Kicks” became a hot topic for its strong message: despite its catchy, poppy sound, the lyrics are dark, seemingly depicting the struggles faced by today’s teenagers.

In their track “Style,” the fuzz is cranked up to the max, but that too can be seen as a hallmark of American indie pop.

The vocalist Mark Foster is also a jingle composer, so crafting melodies that stick in your head seems to be second nature to him!

MagazineHajk

Hajk – Magazine (Official Video)

It leaves a great impression with that unique atmosphere you can only get from Scandinavian bands.

And this band, “Hajk.” I wasn’t sure how to pronounce it, but it seems many people say “Haiku.” A laid-back rhythm and pleasing harmonies.

Yet you can sense a funkiness in places, and suddenly an experimental guitar phrase appears.

Still, all of it ties directly into the song’s quality, and there’s nothing else to call it but outstanding.

Step onHappy Mondays

Happy Mondays – Step On

Amid the Manchester boom sparked by The Stone Roses, the next most popular band was the Happy Mondays.

And I don’t think there’s ever been another band that partied as hard and raised such a ruckus.

Musically, they’re right on the edge, but that’s exactly why you should give them a listen now.

VioletHippo Campus

Hippo Campus – Violet

Hippo Campus is one of the US indie bands that’s really been getting a lot of buzz lately.

They’re a four-piece formed by high school classmates, and maybe that’s why—within their stylish sound and excellent melodic sense, you can distinctly feel a sparkling, youthful vibe.

Their music videos are simple yet very stylish as well.

They’re a fantastic band.

BelieverImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – Believer (Official Music Video)

Imagine Dragons is an American alternative rock band formed in 2008.

Their 2012 release “It’s Time” served as their breakthrough, and their albums Night Visions (2012), Smoke + Mirrors (2015), Evolve (2017), and Origins (2018) were all major hits.

Although they’re a basic four-piece of vocals, guitar, bass, and drums, their sound is less about a raw, live band feel and more akin to track-based production, which likely resonates with younger listeners.

They’re one of the bands whose future success is highly anticipated.

Only HumanJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – Only Human (Official Video)

A pop-rock band of three brothers formed in the United States.

The members are the eldest, Kevin, the middle brother, Joe, and the youngest, Nick.

They signed with labels such as Columbia Records and Hollywood Records.

Since debuting in 2005, they made their name known to the public with their second album, “Jonas Brothers.” You might expect a sibling band to get along, but in reality their clashes didn’t stop, and they ceased activities in 2013.

Although they were effectively forced to break up, they made a comeback in 2019.

You’ll Never Find MeKorn

Korn – You’ll Never Find Me (Official Video)

Korn is an American heavy rock band, and when written in English, the “R” in Korn is sometimes capitalized as a reversed capital “R.” They debuted in 1994 and have continued to tour and produce albums energetically to this day.

Their sound is characterized first and foremost by its thoroughly deep low end.

The two guitarists use seven-string guitars, which add an extra lower string compared to standard guitars, allowing them to cover a range that would typically be handled by the bass.

The bassist also uses a five-string bass capable of producing lower tones than usual, at times locking in completely with the kick drum.

By layering rap-and-shout vocals over this massive low-frequency foundation, they opened up a new frontier in the world of heavy rock.