Grunge

Grunge is a genre associated with Alternative Rock, which emerged primarily from the mid-1980s Seattle scene. It is generally characterized by a moderate-tempo approach fusing the ramshackle energy of Punk with the heftier guitar sounds of Hard Rock & Heavy Metal (Black Sabbath in particular being a major touchmark for the grunge sound). While informed by these styles, grunge has many other influences, ranging from '70s "classic Rock" (notably the works of Neil Young and Led Zeppelin) to contemporary "college rock" bands such as Pixies, Sonic Youth and R.E.M.. Grunge also owes elements of its sound to underground styles like Noise Rock, Hardcore Punk and Sludge Metal. Grunge is known for its dressed down, oft-androgynous fashion style which features disheveled hair and flannel shirts. Grunge is noted for its angsty lyrical themes, including troubled relationships, mental health struggles and drug addiction, with occasional sociopolitical focuses on social justice and feminism. These lyrics were often delivered with a distinctive "raspy" vocal style. Grunge was pioneered by underground Washingtonian acts of the mid-1980s, such as Bam Bam and Green River. These bands played a heavier, punk-informed style slowed down to a more moderate pace. Black Flag made a considerable impact on the developing sound with their slower, Metal-influenced, 2nd-side of the album My War (an especially notable influence on Melvins). A sound began to formulate around this template, with 1986 compilations such as Deep Six and Sub Pop 100 (released by now-famous indie label Sub Pop Records) focusing on grunge and grunge-related bands. Grunge would emerge in the mainstream in 1991, with the blow-away success of Nirvana's Nevermind and Pearl Jam's Ten signaling a major cultural shift, often dubbed the "grunge boom", or more broadly "alternative revolution". Other notable Seattleite grunge acts would also reach the limelight, such as Alice in Chains and Soundgarden.