6 Iconic Indie Rock Albums From the 1990s That You Might Have Forgotten About

One could argue that indie rock’s true heyday was in the early 2000s. Others might say that the 1990s were the best years for indie rock music. Regardless of what you might think, a ton of super underrated music in the indie rock genre came out in the 90s, much of which has been forgotten. Let’s revisit a few iconic indie rock albums from the 1990s that you might not remember (but definitely should)!

1. ‘The Rebels Not In’ by The Halo Benders

The majority of the albums on our list of underrated indie rock albums from the 1990s came from the bustling artistic hub of the Pacific Northwest. The 1998 album The Rebels Not In by The Halo Benders is one particularly underrated favorite. This supergroup composed of Calvin Johnson and Doug Martsch really delivered on the promise that many supergroups make but fail to really do. It’s an optimistic, stoic, and at times groovy indie surf-rock record.

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2. ‘These Are Not Fall Colors’ by Lync

Olympia-based trio Lync released this excellent piece of work in 1994. Calvin Johnson was also involved in this project, as it was produced by him and released on his record label. This indie rock album has excellent instrumentation, complete with fuzzy bass and spiraling melodies. But it’s the poetic lyricism that really makes this record shine.

3. ‘Such Friends Are Dangerous’ by Excuse 17

Such Friends Are Dangerous was released in 1995 by indie punk band Excuse 17. It was their final album, and some would argue it rivaled their debut. There are so many elements of the PNW’s particular strain of 90s indie rock sleaze on this album, and it makes sense why. Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein was a member, as well as Becca Albee and CJ Phillips.

4. ‘It’s Love’ by The Softies

This album by The Softies is a fascinating one, particularly because it sounds both underground and mainstream all at once. The 1995 release is packed with the soft pop-leaning sound that The Softies are known for, as well as an unusual level of quiet and gentleness. In an era when indie rock was aggressive and pissed off, It’s Love was a unique and sleepy little gem.

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5. ‘Arches And Aisles’ by The Spinanes

This 1998 album was released after drummer Scott Plouf left the band, so many consider it to be a sort of Rebecca Gates solo record. It’s an understandable thought, considering it was the last time the name “Spinanes” was used and Gates went on to deliver a few solo records afterward. Regardless, Arches And Aisles is an underrated indie pop-rock record from the 1990s with a surprising amount of funk to it.

6. ‘Frosting On The Beater’ by The Posies

This sophomore album by The Posies came about when grunge was no longer a localized sound and had become an almost mainstream expectation from indie rock bands. The Posies had no qualms with poking fun at how silly they saw the bandwagon at the time, and Frosting On The Beater is a cheeky response to it. It’s a testy, heavy, almost psychedelic-flavored version of power pop and alt-rock.

Photo by Ron Wevers via The Posies’ Official X Account

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