The 1990s were a great decade for music, particularly in the indie rock and indie pop spaces. With so much good music to crowd the airwaves, it’s only expected that a few killer bands from that era would be forgotten, especially from across the pond. Though, we don’t think these five indie bands from the 90s should be forgotten. Let’s revisit some of the best bands that indie rock and pop had to offer in the 90s!
1. Strangelove
This Bristol-based indie rock outfit was made famous by the strange and unique Patrick Duff. They were only around from 1991 to 1998, and it’s a shame they didn’t stick together for longer. Strangelove nestled itself into a cozy spot between glam rock of the 1980s and the moodiness of the 1990s’ brand of alternative rock, and it worked beautifully.
Videos by American Songwriter
2. Babybird
Some might remember the track “You’re Gorgeous” by Babybird, which painted paparazzi as the psychopathic objectifiers they were in the 1990s and early 2000s. The band lasted a short while, more or less up to 2000 with a few reunions here and there throughout the years. But nothing will ever match the mid-1990s vibe of this indie rock outfit.
3. Salad
Salad’s frontwoman Marijne Van Der Vlugt was a model and a VJ who was quite popular in the MTV spaces in Europe. She took things a step further and formed Salad, and they were quite the quintessential alternative rock outfit in the UK and beyond. “Drink Me” was a hit in the UK, and we’d say it’s essential listening for any good 90s playlist.
4. Mansun
Mansun was another band that was somewhat internationally popular in the 1990s, though they were mostly famous in the UK. When this outfit disbanded, their fanbase was very pushy about a potential reunion. They still are, to a degree. But former frontman Paul Draper has to turn them down on the regular; it just ain’t happening.
5. The Wildhearts
The Wildhearts formed in the late 1980s, but their real heyday was in the 1990s. This is one example of a genuinely good band that fell victim to constant breakups; we believe the count is at four or five for The Wildhearts. It’s unfortunate, but also fortunate considering they got back together again in 2024.
Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.