Indie rock is a genre that has been thriving since as early as the 1980s. The genre has seen endless waves in style, from early influences such as R.E.M. and The Smiths to the post-punk revival of the 2000s that introduced bands such as The Killers and Arctic Monkeys. As the genre has progressed, artists have taken to more experimental forms of writing, and there are now dozens of sub-genres that fall under the umbrella of indie rock.
There are an endless number of bands that sit within the overarching genre of indie rock, but there are a select few leading the pack for a new era of music. From those set to headline major music festivals to the ones that found overnight success, there are ten bands that every lover of indie rock should be paying close attention to as 2025 continues.
10 Japanese Breakfast
Reinventing The Melancholic Side Of Indie Rock
With their fourth album release being their first to be properly recorded in a music studio, Japanese Breakfast appear to have an array of tricks up their sleeve for this new era as a band. For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) is a stunning record from front to back, threaded with frontwoman Michelle Zauner's moody and introspective lyricism throughout. While the band had previously made a name for themselves with their bright and airy style, this new record proves that they are not going to be contained inside a box.
ing the record's release, the band is set to embark on a headlining tour that spans Europe, the UK, and the US, beginning with a slot performing at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival. Known for their high energy and cinematic performance qualities, there is no doubt that Japanese Breakfast will attract the attention of millions on stage across the world this year.
9 Mt. Joy
Indie Rock With A Hint Of Folk
The indie-rock five-piece Mt. Joy has a full schedule for the entirety of the summer this year. Packed with touring at some of the largest venues they have ever played to performing at major music festivals across the world, the band's impressive performance quality and unique sound will easily catapult the band to even greater levels of success. Some of the most notable shows include Governor's Ball, Bonnaroo, and a headlining show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Having just released the first single off of their album, Hope We Have Fun, fans are already buzzing about what the group may have in store for the remainder of the year. In an interview with Billboard, lead singer Matt Quinn discusses the single.
The song is a celebration of the make-it-or-break-it energy the band experienced grinding it out on the road and the surprising paradigm shifts that followed their crossover success.
8 Royel Otis
The Australian Duo Taking Over The Scene
With a fast rise to fame only a few years ago, the Australian duo Royel Otis continues to climb to new heights as their career progresses. The band currently holds spots on festival lineups across the world, including Glastonbury Festival and the iconic Reading & Leeds. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the band will also be ing Halsey as a ing act for a select few dates on her tour.
I Can't Believe These 10 Songs Are Turning 10 Years Old In 2025 (Am I Old?!)
2015 brought a wave of remarkable releases across the genres of indie and alternative rock, notably sparking an era known to most as "Tumblr grunge."
Royel Otis stands apart from other indie rock acts in the industry with their unique presentation and approach to performing. Earning high compliments from critics on their glamorous covers of "Linger" by The Cranberries and "Murder on the Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the band has crafted a sound that is tailored specifically to their strengths. It appears that recently, the band have taken to wiping their social media s bare, presumably to tease a new era of music. Keep a close eye on them; you won't want to miss it when they take over the space.
7 The Last Dinner Party
An Eclectic British Rock Group
Notable for their elaborate looks and stunning, unapologetic performances, The Last Dinner Party wants everyone paying attention to them. The British indie rock group is composed of both female and non-binary , and does not hold back when it comes to standing up for their rights on their platforms. They are here to make a statement in the music industry, and so far, they have done just that.
Through the song's bold and confident presentation, the internet was entranced and quickly drew a cult following for the band.
2024 brought the band's debut record, Prelude to Ecstasy, which includes the ultimately catchy and whimsical track "Nothing Matters." Through the song's bold and confident presentation, the internet was entranced and quickly drew a cult following for the band. Since the release of the debut record, there have been hints that The Last Dinner Party has been working on a second record, and it is certainly something to keep an eye on for the future. With a European tour and even a slot opening for Olivia Rodrigo ahead this summer, this band is bound to turn heads.
6 Flipturn
Florida's Finest Indie Rock Creation
After the release of their sophomore record, burnout days, Flipturn has ed the lineup of major music festivals such as Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. With the band currently on the road on a major US tour, it is certain their path to the top has only just begun. Many dates on their Spring Tour sold out in an instant, and there is no hint that this momentum will be stopping any time soon. With influences ranging from Radiohead to Phoenix, there is truly no other band that sounds like Flipturn.
Skimming through the band's discography will find you on your feet dancing and contemplating your existence in an emotional reflection all in one listen. To top it off, the band brings an unapologetic, massive stage presence to each one of their live performances, captivating the attention of anyone in the audience, regardless if they have known the music prior. Flipturn is certainly not a band you will want to miss when they are in your city, and all eyes should be on the indie rock group, waiting for their next move.
5 The Marías
An Entrancing, Soulful Band
Beautifully merging English and Spanish in their songs, The Marías have become known for their ethereal, dreamy sound. Following last year's release of their brilliant record, Submarine, including the viral sensation, "No One Noticed," the band has just released two new songs to kick off their busy year. The tracks "Back To Me" and its B-side, "Nobody New," are dark yet beautiful in composition, exploring the aftermath of an emotional breakup. The two singles allude to the start of a new era for The Marías, and it is just in time for them to take over the world this summer.
In the coming weeks, the band is set to perform at Coachella Music and Arts Festival for the second time in the span of their career. Along with this, the band is slated to appear at Hinterland Music Festival, Lollapalooza, and Shaky Knees Music Festival. This is only the beginning of what The Marías have in store, and it is certain to top everything we have seen from them before.
4 Inhaler
The Internet's Favorite Irish Quartet
Having just released their third studio album, Open Wide, Inhaler is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of indie rock. The internet raves over the band's energetic stage presence, from moments jumping on the barricade to connect with the fans to ripping brilliant guitar solos throughout their set.
The band reached for a new sound with their latest record, leaning heavily into the genre of pop, though you can still hear many of their alternative influences within the tracks on Open Wide. Specifically, in an interview with Variety, lead singer Elijah Hewson notes,
We’ve always sort of felt like a pop band because we love the Beatles and Nirvana’s “Nevermind” and all those albums. Just because something has guitars over it, I don’t think that excludes it from being pop.
With a year of touring ahead to their latest record, the band is bound to reach a new level of success, and you'll want to be there to witness it when it happens.
3 The Backseat Lovers
Reaching For The Roots Of Indie Rock
The Salt Lake City band The Backseat Lovers is reviving the beloved classic indie rock sound full of jammy guitar solos and punchy drum beats. The band has begun teasing a new record for the year, following their previous release, Waiting to Spill. While their most recent record brought rave reviews, it is their debut, When We Were Friends, that holds some of the most iconic songs the band has ever released. The viral track "Kilby Girl" contains everything that makes for an outstanding indie rock song, while hits such as "Pool House" and "Maple Syrup" cannot go overlooked.
10 No Skip Rock Debut Albums That Turned Unknown Bands Into Global Superstars
In music history, some rock bands have made a debut album so good that it not only has zero skips, but it also turns them into global superstars
Along with the early teasers of a new record, the band has announced a full European and UK tour along with a short run of dates in the United States. They are set to close out their run of shows with massive festival appearances at Shakey Knees in Atlanta, Georgia and Soundside Music Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut. If the traditional indie rock style is something you have been craving, look no further than The Backseat Lovers.
2 Glass Animals
The Band On A "Tour Of Earth"
Following a massive year of touring and the release of their fourth record, I Love You So F***ing Much, Glass Animals continue to climb higher with every year that es. Having recently announced the second leg of their "Tour Of Earth," the band has just come off of the tour that brought groundbreaking achievements in their career. From headlining a sold-out Madison Square Garden to performing in India for the first time ever at Lollapolloza, there is no hint that the band will be stopping anytime soon.
Glass Animals continue to climb higher with every year that es.
Along with the extended tour dates, the band is set to headline major music festivals this summer, such as Bonnaroo and New York City's The Governor's Ball. With their sensational and energetic live performance, there is no shock that they are on the path to doing shows across the entire world. All eyes are on Glass Animals for the year to come.
1 Fontaines D.C.
An Experimental Sensation
There is no band quite like Fontaines D.C. With two Grammy nominations earlier this year and a major summer of touring ahead, the Irish band is all the talk of the scene. On their latest record, Romance, the band strayed from their typical post-punk sound to something more experimental and alternative influenced. The stand-out track, "Starburster," earned the group one of their first Grammy nominations and endless praise from fans and critics alike. With its sound blending the likes of hip-hop and funk, it's only a sliver of what the band is capable of.
With both a North American and European tour on the horizon, Fontaines D.C. is set to take over the world this year. On their route, the band is set to play some of the largest venues yet, including London's Finsbury Park and Manchester's Wythenshawe Park. The rise of Fontaines D.C. this year is one you surely will not want to miss.