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ALEXSUCKS
What They Sound Like:
ALEXSUCKS channels the garage-rock intensity that first put The Strokes on the map, but with a distinctly West Coast spin. Their music leans on jangly guitar lines and unvarnished lyrics, offering a blend of self-deprecating humor and outright confidence.
Recent Highlights:
- Tour with Ekkstacy (Last Year): Their time on the road with Ekkstacy introduced them to a wider audience, and their onstage energy left a lasting impression.
- “Whatever I Want” Discovery: We first stumbled upon them when they dropped “Whatever I Want” last year, and we’ve been hooked ever since.
- Dropping Banger After Banger: Tracks like “Worm in the Sun” have reinforced that initial spark, proving they’re more than a one-hit wonder.
- Artists to Watch 2025: We included ALEXSUCKS in our annual list, and they’re living up to the hype—definitely a band to keep on your radar.
Why It Works for Strokes Fans:
Their punchy guitar work, brash vocals, and solid hooks echo the energy that made early Strokes records so addictive.
Inhaler
What They Sound Like:
Hailing from Dublin, Inhaler infuses their brand of alternative rock with a sleek sense of melody. They’ve caught attention for merging post-punk revival elements with arena-ready hooks, landing them a place in the modern indie spotlight.
Recent Highlights:
- New Album, “Open Wide” (Feb 7, 2025): Produced by Kid Harpoon, it reached #2 on the UK Albums Chart and took the top spot in Ireland. The record leans into big choruses and sharp guitars while retaining a sense of rawness.
- Expansive UK Tour: Their largest tour to date included notable stops like Glasgow’s O2 Academy, where they drew significant crowds and enthusiastic reviews.
Why It Works for Strokes Fans:
If you appreciate The Strokes’ knack for crisp guitar lines and anthemic songwriting, Inhaler delivers a modern take that bridges classic indie-rock sensibilities with a pop-friendly sheen.
Wunderhorse
What They Sound Like:
Wunderhorse balances a polished studio approach with a live edge that keeps things engaging. Their sound can be lush, but they never lose that restless undercurrent. Think driving drums, layered guitar tones, and vocals that float between introspection and urgency.
Recent Highlights:
- Second Album, “Midas” (Aug 30, 2024): Produced by Craig Silvey, it charted at #6 in the UK.
- North American Headlining Tour: Kicking off in January 2025, they showcased tracks like “Rain” on Jimmy Kimmel Live, demonstrating a knack for both sonic impact and nuanced performance.
Why It Works for Strokes Fans:
They share The Strokes’ ability to blend clarity and grit—each riff and lyric is deliberate without sounding overworked, recalling that sweet spot between indie ambition and rock urgency.
Closing Thoughts
For fans of The Strokes looking to branch out, ALEXSUCKS, Inhaler, and Wunderhorse each offer a unique spin on the melodic yet hard-hitting indie-rock formula. Whether you’re craving guitar-heavy hooks, thoughtful lyricism, or a new band to see live, these three outfits are poised to satisfy your post-punk revival tastes.
