True rock bands are becoming a rarity in the 21st century. Nowadays, the most popular acts in the world are typically individuals, and a four or five-piece band hardly ever accompanies most of them. It is just the way of the times. However, that has left a plethora of fans longing for something old school, something that mirrors the sound of the 60s and 70s. It’s there, you just have to look a bit harder.
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In today’s musical market, bands are seemingly just not the “in” thing. Why that is, we don’t know, but there are a handful of groups going against this trend and garnering big success. With all that in mind, here are four contemporary rock bands that emulate the golden sound of the good ol’ days.
Red Clay Strays
The majority of people would likely label the Red Clay Strays as a country music band. However, that is an incredibly limiting title as the group plays every genre encompassing true rock and roll. That being said, the group mimics all-time greats such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eagles, and The Allman Brothers. They are a breath of fresh air in this ever-changing industry.
The Red Clay Strays have just recently entered the mainstream, and already they have procured an ACM Award and a Billboard Music Award. Furthermore, the group also scored a Billboard Hot 100 chart placement with their viral song, “Wondering Why”. The Red Clay Strays are certainly major players at the moment. But still, keep watch.
Greta Van Fleet
Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest rock bands of all time, so who wouldn’t want to sound like them? Well, that was seemingly the motivation for Greta Van Fleet, as they obtain uncanny similarities to Led Zeppelin, particularly when it comes to the lead singer, Josh Kiszka.
Greta Van Fleet has been stoking the rock flame ever since they hit it big with their 2017 single, “Highway Tune”. Their debut EP, Black Smoke Rising, peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and landed on the Billboard 200. They’ve gone on to have mass success. And consequently, they’ve proved that rock bands still sell out shows.
Dirty Honey
If you mixed Aerosmith with ZZ Top, you would get the California rock band Dirty Honey. Dirty Honey is the perfect culmination of rock, country, blues, and even arguably a little bit of metal. In other words, they push the envelope and take risks in a time when few are taken.
Dirty Honey introduced themselves to the mainstream after the release of their 2019 single, “When I’m Gone”. That tune peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart. Also, when they accomplished this feat, a record label had yet to sign them.
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