Fox Reviews Rock

I pondered this question for a while, purely because what I think grunge is might be completely different to what someone else sees it as. I have attempted to split it into 5 reasonable sections below. But please let me know how you would describe it in the comments section.

Raw & Distorted Sound

The first thing to pick up on was the use of cheap instruments in the most part, enhancing the distortion and raw sound. With added fuzz and dirt bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden & Alice In Chains had that unpolished feel. A direct contrast at the time to 80s Glam Rock.

Anti-Fashion

The style was pretty much an attempt to make it look like you didn’t care how you looked. With ripped jeans, clothes often from charity stores and flannel shirts. So many flannel shirts. This was also passed into the hairstyles which were messy.

Angst & Dark Inspired Lyrics

Dealing with topics that other genre’s simply did not grunge was the go to subgenre for songs about depression. Not to mention a sprinkle of apathy, screw authority and alienation. The songs can also seem somewhat self loathing and cryptic at first glance.

Distinctly Seattle

You can not mention grunge and forget where it all started! It was born in Seattle and that fact very much needs to be protected. Low budget production labels as well as basement shows in the city gave grunge its edge!

Punk & Metal Backbone

If you think there is no punk or metal within the makeup of grunge then you have not been listening hard enough. It has the raw aggression and attitude of punk while maintaining the heaviness of metal. Sure it is stripped down in terms of technicality but it is still there.

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