Modern Rock Bands
By Martine Ehrenclou
Live music is starting to come back! What better way to celebrate seeing concerts again than checking out 12 modern rock/rock and roll bands to place on your “must see” list for 2021 and 2022.
There’s nothing like rock/rock and roll cranked loud to blast out the cobwebs from a very long pandemic year. So, get ready. You’re about to embark on some great music from the U.S., UK, Scandinavia and other parts of the world.
Each of these 12 modern rock/rock and roll bands is hand-picked, not served up by promotors in hopes of gaining streams or placement on playlists. I genuinely think very highly of these bands and each of the songs included with their information and websites, is chosen carefully. A few I’m sure you know about and others you probably don’t. Each one I’d love to see live myself.
I didn’t include rock giants because you’re familiar with them already and they’re probably in your music collection.
For the most part, you won’t find head-banging rock, heavy metal or arena rock in this list. Most have a blues base, hints of old school rock, or there’s something unique about them that sets them apart.
This is real music by real musicians. A few of these bands are fairly well known and others are on the crest of the upward swell. Either way, each demands to be heard at peak volume to savor the quality of the songs and musicianship.
And at the forefront of rock/rock and roll? Guitars! We love them, we play them.
Rock Ain’t Dead. Not by a long shot. Even though pop, hip-hop, and rap are on trend, rock is the #3 genre and climbing, depending on which rating system you consult. I still believe the pendulum will swing away from manufactured music and more toward real music, and more to the point, rock/rock and roll music. And that’s not just because I love it.
This list in not in any particular order.
Dirty Honey
If you haven’t heard of Dirty Honey, it’s time you did. They are one of rock music’s most exciting new bands. They have a new self-titled album coming out April 23, 2021 and I can guarantee you it’s killer. Dirty Honey is one of my favorites and has been since 2019 when they released their self-titled EP. Led by vocalist Marc LaBelle, guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian, and drummer Corey Coverstone, the new album was produced by Nick DiDia (Rage Against The Machine, Pearl Jam). This band has captured lighting in a bottle with their blues infused, nasty rock and roll.
Press Here For Dirty Honey Info and Video
The Cold Stares
Originally from Western Kentucky, the band is composed of guitarist Chris Tapp and drummer Brian Mullins. They are authentic, blues-based rock/rock and roll with powerful vocals and outstanding songs. They have a new album coming out later in 2021 via Mascot Records and have hints of SRV, Black Sabbath, Soundgarden, The Black Crowes, Free and Led Zeppelin. They have toured nationwide alongside Rival Sons, Spoon, Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Their single “Hard Times” is their first release since their 2019 album, Ways.
Press Here For The Cold Stares Info and Video
Ghost Hounds
Ghost Hounds is a rock and roll band that recalls the universal appeal of rock’s 70’s heyday with a fresh, crackling energy. On the heels of an opening performance with the Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and Bob Seger, their latest album, Roses Are Black features Slash, Kenny Aronoff, Reese Wynans and Michael Rhodes. Founder and guitarist Thomas Hull is joined by vocalist Tre Nation, guitarist Johnny Baab, bassist Bennett Miller, drummer Blaise Lanzetta and keyboardist Joe Munroe. Hull formed the band in mid 2000’s and released a self-titled album in 2009, produced by Nile Rodgers.
Press Here For Ghost Hounds Info and Video
Black Top Mojo
From Palestine, TX, modern rock band Blacktop Mojo is a fiery blend of heavy grunge grooves, classic guitar riffs, and Southern metal. The band was formed in 2012 by vocalist Matt James and drummer Nathan Gillis. With one of the best rock vocals today, Matt James is soulful, powerful, and the band hits hard. Somewhere between Soundgarden and Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band has an edgier feel. After their debut album I Am in 2014, the band teamed up with famed Muscle Shoals Sound producer, Jimmy Johnson (The Rolling Stones) and released their sophomore effort, Burn The Ships in 2017. In 2020 the band released their EP, Static. They are currently working on their fourth album, out later in 2021.
Press Here For Black Top Mojo Info and Video
Laura Cox
French rock guitarist and vocalist Laura Cox and her outstanding band, released their newest album, Burning Bright in November 2019. On the edge of the new classic rock movement, Cox is a first class guitar player and singer. Cox first became known by her guitar videos on YouTube in 2008. Fiery guitar playing and pure rock vocals, made her an internet sensation. A fierce rocker, Laura Cox is the real deal. We look forward to more releases from her and the band.
Press Here For Laura Cox Info and Video
Stone Horses
With a modern rock groove, Stone Horses are a rock band from Washington D.C., influenced by Led Zeppelin, Royal Blood, Black Sabbath, Jack White, The Black Keyes, and Jimi Hendrix. A perfect blend of swamp rock, dark melodies, huge choruses and witty lyrics, their first single “Reckless Ways” from their sophomore EP, Good Ol’ Days, made it to the Top 40 charts and landed them tours with Slash, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Rival Sons and more. Guitarist T.M. and singer John Allen draw from early blues pioneers and blend their influences into a modern rock sound.
Press Here For Stone Horses Info and Video
Black Stone Cherry
From blues/rock to more heavy hitting rock, Black Stone Cherry released their seventh studio album, The Human Condition on October 20, 2020 via Mascot Records. The band moved into beefy rock territory with ferocious guitar riffs, powerhouse vocals and a full velocity sound. The album was tracked right before the pandemic and the band achieved their goal of epic performances, slamming drums and glorious hooks. A straight up rock album that boasts their unique sound, Black Stone Cherry is one of my favorites.
Press Here For Black Stone Cherry Info and Video
Buckcherry
Buckcherry is a rock band from Anaheim, CA. With eight studio albums to their name and a few changeup of band members, the current band is made up of Josh Todd (lead vocals) Stevie D. (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Kelly LeMieux (bass), Francis Ruiz (drums), Billy Rowe (lead guitar, backing vocals.) Forming in the late 90s, Buckcherry kept their hard rock sound burning with a classic rock sound with a contemporary twist.
Website
Video
The L.A. Maybe
The L.A. Maybe is a six-piece rock and roll band from the Carolinas. Lead vocalist, Alvi Robinson, lays down gritty passionate vocals and the band backs him up with slithering riffs, catchy hooks and ripping guitar solos. Their debut album, Dirty Damn Tricks out March 26, 2021, is the New Wave of Classic Rock and proudly reveals the bands influences of AC/DC, Van Halen and Guns N’ Roses. They build their foundation on elements of rock and roll with big, greasy riffs, catchy hooks and soaring vocals.
Press Here For The L.A. Maybe Info and Video
Rival Sons
I hesitated to include Rival Sons in this article because they are one of the hottest modern rock bands around and well known. But I did anyway just in case some of you aren’t aware of them. Their latest and sixth album, Feral Roots(2019) was produced by Dave Cobb. From Long Beach, CA, Rival Sons is made up of guitarist Scott Holiday, vocalist Jay Buchanan, drummer Michael Mikey, keyboardist Todd Ogren, and bassist David Beste. The band’s website features their own new record label so don’t be thrown off. I believe they’re still around.
Press Here For Rival Sons Info and Video
Dirty Shirley
An exciting new hard rock band with legendary guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and emerging Croatian rock star vocalist Dino Jelusic (Animal Drive), bassist Trevor Roxx, drummer Will Hunt. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2020 on Frontiers Music s.r.l. They are a rock and roll tour de force filled with blistering guitar chops, true rock vocals, and hard hitting choruses. World class rock music.
Press Here For Dirty Shirley Info and Video
Thundermother
Female rock band from Stockholm, Sweden, Thundermother is known for high voltage modern rock. Founded by guitarist Filippa Nässil in 2010, the band was completely revamped in 2017 and now includes Filippa Nässil, frontwoman Guernica Mancini, drummer Emlee Johansson, bassist Majsan Lindberg. Their newest album, Heat Waveis on AFM Records, produced by Soren Andersen, and became the sixth best-selling album in Germany, the eighth in Sweden. With a 70s rock groove, Thundermother is one badass band.
Press Here For Video ‘Dog From Hell’
Website
The Damn Truth
Canadian rock and roll band with shades of 70’s rock, soaring vocals, outstanding guitar, propulsive bass and drums. The band is tight, offering contemporary rock and roll for our current times. The Damn Truth’s third album Now Or Nowhere will release May 7, 2021, produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Bob Rock (Metallica, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi) The band has extensively toured Europe and the U.S. and opened tours for ZZ Top, the Sheepdogs, Styx, and Rival Sons. The band includes Lee-La Baum (vocals, guitar), Tom Shemer (guitars, keys, mandolin), Py Letterlier (bass, vocals), Dave Traina (drums, vocals.)
Press Here For The Damn Truth Info and Video
The Immediate Family
Rock and roll band, The Immediate Family is made up of legendary studio musicians Danny Kortchmar (guitar and vocals), Waddy Wachtel (guitar and vocals), Leland Sklar (bass), Russ Kunkel (drums), and Steve Postell (guitar and vocals). This crew helped define the sound of the last 40 years of rock music with Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Warren Zevon, and other major stars.
Their musicianship is extraordinary, the songs on Slippin’ and Slidin’ EP (2020) and their upcoming EP, Can’t Stop Progress out April 23, 2021, are rockin’ and insightful with poignant storytelling.
Press Here For The Immediate Family Info and video
The next article will be on Southern Rock and Roots Music.
We welcome your comments. Please place below in the comment section
checkout Tampa based 5 Star Hooker they have that 80s Sunset Strip sleazy, drunken good times sound. they’ve played Rocklohoma 2x now
https://youtu.be/u_sadGRQyUw
https://youtu.be/3B4d6-Yoc68
Love the list! And thank you!
Deaf Radio blows all these bands away. Check out their 2017 album “alarm”. Israel Nash is good too.
You really need to include Central PA Rock band Small Town Titans in this list! https://smalltowntitans.com/music/
How about, thanks for putting this together. Could you include X band?
We’ve featured Small Town Titans a few times. You really need to check into our website
I thought the list was fantastic. I am a huge blacktop mojo fan, and they have seen them twice now. The only band that I think should be on the list that isn’t, is Monster Truck.
You really need to check out Big Wreck… The lead Ian Thornley can sing with a voice like Chris Cornell, while simultaneously playing guitar comparable to the likes of Jimmy Page and Stevie Ray.
Thank you, Martine Ehrenclou, for putting this list together!
Blacktop Mojo is one of my favorite bands. They are truly talented and genuinely nice people. I will make sure to check out the other bands on your list. Keep up the great work!
Check out The Georgia Thunderbolts! Southern rock from Rome GA. 5 song EP out now and New album coming later in the year. They are signed to Mascot Records!
Chris,
Use the search bar on our website for the band. We’ve featured them a few times!
Check out Dirtbag Republic from Vancouver, New album this spring “Tear Down Your Idols”
https://youtu.be/2fA0pXlnGAQ
Oh Boy ! Its a Cardinal Sin to not include the mighty, mightiest “Big Wreck”. Their songs would probably blow away the Tunes of all these good 10 bands in a minute. True Story. Ian Thornley is a Guitar and Vocal god matched only by Cornell and Page. Dude, plz listen to Big Wreck and edit this list. They should a global phenomenon, though they arent modern, been there since ‘94. Check out tunes like Time, Diamonds, Arborist, Alibi , War Baby, Friends (and the first album and Grace street) . Ask Myles Kennedy and Devin Townsend, they might give an earful of raves…!!!
Stupid name for a band, but Dead Poet Society -!- album is best I’ve heard in years.
Have you guys heard of the Foo Fighters? Need to add them and another up and coming band called “Alice in Chains”
Good stuff, but they really need a producer… Drum mix sucks!
yes Dead Poet Society – magic!
Every good band I’ve “discovered” the past couple years is 100% thanks to you Martine, THANK YOU!!!!
Chad,
That’s so nice. Thank you. Im so glad too!
I’ve been using your list to find new bands, too. Thank you!
Steepwater Band
Great List! I like Raised on Tv a lot, I think they’ll be pretty mainstream soon
Thank you!!
Welcome.
Can’t wait to listen and learn these groups. I plan to be around for 40 more years. Time to find new to replace the Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd and the rest. I’m ready for “20’s” Rock.
Fernie
Check out a young family rock band Liliac…The female vocalist is amazing
Split Persona is a young and up and coming rock band about to take over!
Martine, Thank you. Dirty Honey and Greta Van Fleet are two of my favorates. I will be sure to check out the others!
Martine, thanks for this list. I’m unbelievably happy that I came across your post.
I was desperate looking for new songs and bands and came here quite by “accident”. I googled “new bands”, the most vague query ever, your link was there and It was the only one I clicked in a split second before thinking “narrow it down, genius” and then trying a different query.
I opened the tab and saw “Lee Sklar” (Immediate Family) and, being familiar with him, thought “ok, let’s hear these out”. So far I listened to Laura Cox, Ghost Hounds, Blacktop Mojo, Cold Stares and Immediate Family and loved them all.
Gotta say, It’s been years since I don’t reply or post anything on the internet but you fucking nailed this list so hard that I felt morally obligated to make this very long comment to thank you.
THANK YOU!
Do you have/offer a curated playlist that I could subscribe to?
We have playlists on Spotify.
Check out REDDSTAR. They are pretty awesome.
Great List! you should check out Raised On Tv, I like them a lot and think their sound is pretty dope
Great list. It’s hilarious how many people come here just to ask for their recommendations to be made… especially when most of them have already been made.
About The Damn Truth; “shades of ’70s rock” you say? COME ON!!! Every band here is totally retro, especially them. But (A) They are unabashed and unrepentant about it and (B) They bring their own stuff to the table too. LOVE THIS BAND!
A list of very good bands, some okay, others GREAT. Yes I went on YouTube and watched every one. All are retro – you can’t fool me, I’m 60, I was there, I saw everybody. But some here wear it very well and I wish them every success.
Dean
Two comments from you about one article. Glad you watched the videos and enjoyed. Not trying to fool anyone. These are great bands regardless of some of their old school influences. Enjoy!
Joyous Wolf is another great young band that should be on this list!
Thanks for this list. I grew up on Bob Seger and TSBB, Aerosmith, Supertramp, Boston, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Heart, April Wine, Styx, Chicago, and yes.. ABBA etc etc.
The decades of garbage found in pop, rap, autotuned females that all sound and look alike had left me sad, thinking real music is dead, and that Neil Young was wrong about Rock and roll never dying.
Found this article while unable to sleep and will check out these bands. Hope to find some real gems in there and see some hope for music.
ROCK AINT DEAD! \m/
I would add Goodbye June as well!!
Big Wreck and Crown Lands are two amazing bands from Canada; They deserve to be on this list more than anything you have here. Thanks for making this.