Heave Media

Missed Out Music

Some of the most overlooked indie bands.

Zumpano - Everyone listens to The New Pornographers, but do yourself a favor and check out Zumpano. The band’s first album, Look What the Rookie Did, came out and 1995 - and their second and final album Goin’ Through Changes was released in 1996. Before Carl Newman was a New Pornographer, he was playing guitar in Zumpano. This is some good fun power-pop in the vein of Weezer and Superdrag. Plus, both albums were released on Sub Pop Records, and I know you love Sub Pop. Go Canada!

12 Rods – Split Personalities is a slick and shiny rock album. It’s a true rarity to find such a well put together album that most people I know are not familiar with. It’s hard to describe the sound – but I would say it is Smashing Pumpkins-esque music with more keyboards. Plus, Todd Rundgren produced their sophomore output (and you all know how much I love Todd Rundgren).

The Halo Benders – Doug Martsch from Built to Spill plus Beat Happening’s Calvin Johnson equals the best side project band ever. Okay, maybe not the best ever, but still a very good side project. 1998’s The Rebel’s Not In is worth stealing from your local library (although I do not recommend this).

Posted by Greg Herald on Feb 07, 2008 @ 12:00 am