Alternative rock is a very broad concept that includes many different genres of music. This term is understood as any rock music that is opposed to traditional music. For the most part, we are talking about genres that originate in post-punk and punk rock.
The most popular genres of alternative rock
Alternative rock, or, as it is called in Russia, alternative, began to develop back in the 80s. Its popularity was far from always high, and at some moments this direction became not very interesting for listeners, but later alternative rock always returned to high positions. Moreover, in the 90s. it has become much more popular than other genres.
Among the most famous genres that are part of the alternative are jungle pop, a mixture of folk and punk rock. The combination of these directions was especially vividly manifested in the creativity of the R. E. M. groups. and Violent Femmes. The music they create is in many ways similar to classical rock, but it is impossible to confuse them. The second popular variation is a mixture of hardcore and punk rock. This combination was used by The Replacements, which eventually moved from harsh alternative music to a softer and more melodic sound.
One of the alternative genres that started the rise in popularity of this music was college rock. Compositions related to this direction could often be heard on the radio in educational institutions, so students quickly and easily got used to such music. Also, at one time, graj was very popular, moreover, it became a kind of protest against carefully processed and thoughtful rock music, since in this direction the hard, even slightly sloppy "garage" sound came to the fore, and many compositions related to this genre were recorded are far from professionals.
Additional directions of alternative rock
One of the directions of the alternative, which is difficult even for an inexperienced listener to confuse with classical rock, is noise. The characteristic harsh sound of this style is easy to recognize. Along with noise, post-punk is popular, as well as offshoots of punk rock.
The alternative also includes genres, the popularity of which remained high for a long time. We are talking, in particular, about gothic rock, which received its development in the early 80s and remains interesting and in demand until now. The positions of the genre only strengthened with the formation of the Goth subculture.
Finally, the alternative also includes a mixture of rock and rap - two completely different genres, in many respects contradicting each other. In Russia, this technique was used by "Kirpichi", "Dolphin" and many other groups and performers.
