By Alex Stanley ’12
THE ROUNDUP

The headline explains it all.

Here are five underrated bands that are just as good, if not better, than many of the big bands well known today.

Strata

The first bit of Strata I heard was their last album “The End of the World.”

I instantly fell in love with the mastered modern rock sound and well composed lyrics.

Every song on the album is incredible, with my personal favorites being “The New National Anthem” and “Poughkeepsie, NY.”

Unfortunately, they disbanded in 2008, leaving behind four albums and creating two new projects, The Limousines and Beta State.

Music video to the hit single “Internet Killed the Video Star” by the Limousines at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx5tSmOY_iM.

Lydia

Sadly, Lydia put out their last album “Assailants” in July, but their library of three albums are a testament to their fantastic indie soft rock sound.

I first discovered Lydia on the compilation CD “Atticus: Dragging the Lake 3.”

They immediately won me over with their debut single “Smile, You’ve Won.”

Oddly enough, the core of their music doesn’t sound like this specific song.

Actually, most of their music is much slower. It is just as good though, in a uniquely melodic style.

Dignan

While randomly surfing iTunes one day, I previewed Dignan’s single “Listen.”

I was so entranced that I knew I had to buy this song.

The music is very simplistic, but it is beautiful in a way.

They are similar to Lydia in this respect, but with a slightly less refined sound.

The Summer Set

The Summer Set is an Arizona band that has received much press over the last few years.

Their catchy lyrics and true pop rock sound will surely take them places.

I only hope that in the future they lean more towards a rock sound rather than pop.

Since songs like “The Boys You Do” and “Young” are made to perfection.

Surfer Blood

While sorting through videos of cats eating lollipops, corn and sour cream on this band’s Myspace page (www.myspace.com/surferblood), one may not know what to expect with Surfer Blood.

But in actuality, Surfer Blood’s modern blend of surf pop and rock is no joke.

They hit the country by storm with their debut album “Astro Coast.”

This featured the popular song “Swim,” which was eventually turned into a very strange music video. Check it out for yourself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AEldiUP408.