Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons | Rock band Greta Van Fleet performs in their signature Led Zeppelin rock style.

By Cooper Parson ’20

THE ROUNDUP

With pop music being dominated by mostly synth heavy rap tracks, the rise in rock music is surprising to say the least. 

Rock music never really left the scope of popular music.

Contrary to popular opinion, anyone who is a fan of alternative music would hear rock-esque tracks quite often.

Alternative music is very informed by rock music and the musical backing on tracks from artists like Paramore, The Strokes, Weezer, and Green Day will sound very similar to something made at the height of rock music.

But now, newer alt-pop artists like Rex Orange County and Roy Blair are using rock and roll techniques in their unique music styles. 

So while rock is making a comeback, it doesn’t look the same as it did when it was revived in the 90’s and early 00’s.

Instead of the grungy and dark rock of that time, now rock sounds almost dream like and distorted. 

With heavy use of pedals and distortion backed by R&B drum beats, the sound is unique and unlike other music in the alt genre.

A new genre of rock and R&B fusion is being formed and gaining traction from the younger and older generations that can both find something in the music.

Of course 70’s style “hard rock” is also seeing some newfound popularity in bands like Greta Van Fleet.

Some criticise Greta Van Fleet for stealing the sound of Led Zeppelin, but even if you aren’t a fan of their sound, they’re unarguably bringing 70’s style rock back into the limelight.

The band played at Coachella last year, which is now a more hip-hop and R&B dominated festival.

When a band that strictly plays rock plays at Coachella it’s hard to ignore the idea that rock is making a comeback.

Weather you’re a fan of the more dream like psychedelic esque rock of indie artists or the 70’s revival rock you can find something you love.