Alternative Rock

I am a fan of rock and roll and most of the subgenres, but there are a few that I am particularly fond of. One of my favorites is alternative rock. Alternative has the same basic elements of a rock band including use of the electric guitar, small ensembles, and a creative use of technology. However, because this subgenre is more modern and newer than traditional rock the ensembles have changed and technology is being used in a different way. Take Incubus for example. Traditional rock bands have a guitarist, a drummer, a singer, and a bassist. Incubus has a disk jockey as a member of the band. This also shows a new creative use of technology within this subgenre. DJ’s aren’t common to rock bands, but they constantly have mixing and scratching as a part of their music. Incubus will also add sound effects to their music such as whale noises or voices in the background of their music.

One characteristic of Incubus and alternative rock in general is their use of non-traditional rock instruments. Incubus does play those instruments, but the musicians will also add in different instruments for different songs. They have been known to use Asian and Middle-Eastern instruments.

This is a song called Aqueous Transmission by Incubus. The guitarist does not even play a guitar in this song. He plays an Asian chordeophone. The DJ is a major part of this song and there is a heavy use of flute. They even use frog sound effects at the end of the song. Even though there are some rock elements missing, this song does contain a majority of them.

1. There is still an emphasis on singing.
2. They use strong beats in a 4 beat cycle.
3. The song has simplified and harmonic progressions.
4. It can also be described as an emotional and powerful style.