Noise rock is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by its abrasive, dissonant sound and experimental approach. The genre is known for its use of atonality, distortion, feedback, and unconventional song structures. It often features shouted or screamed vocals, and an emphasis on texture and rhythm over melody.
Some of the most popular noise rock bands include Sonic Youth, The Jesus Lizard, Big Black, and Swans. Sonic Youth, formed in 1981, were pioneers of the genre, and their experimental sound and unconventional approach to songwriting heavily influenced the development of noise rock.
Other notable noise rock bands include Butthole Surfers, Scratch Acid, and Flipper. In the 1990s, noise rock began to merge with other genres such as grunge and post-rock, leading to the emergence of new bands like Shellac and Unwound.
There are several radio stations that cater to fans of noise rock, including WFMU's Freeform Radio, KEXP in Seattle, and Radio Valencia in San Francisco. These stations play a mix of noise rock classics and newer artists, and offer a great way to discover new music within the genre. Additionally, many college and independent radio stations feature noise rock programming, as it is a genre that is often championed by music enthusiasts and tastemakers.
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