Art Indie Rock
tagStarted 1998Peak 2004-2013Last big hit still active
Located in 2 routes
Ambitious, conceptual indie that treats the album as art statement. Unusual song structures, orchestral or electronic textures, odd time signatures, layered arrangements and intellectual, often theatrical themes. Draws on art-rock and prog ambition without the virtuoso solos, favoring grandeur, experimentation and emotional sweep, from chamber-pop swells to glitchy electronics and baroque maximalism.
History
Grew in the early 2000s as indie bands embraced scope and concept, with Radiohead's electronic turn ('Kid A,' 2000) a guiding light. Arcade Fire's grand 'Funeral' (2004), plus Sufjan Stevens, Grizzly Bear and St. Vincent, pushed indie toward orchestration, art-school ambition and critical prestige, dominating late-2000s year-end lists.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_rock
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/indie-rock-ma0000004453
- https://pitchfork.com/reviews/best/albums/
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/