Imagine pouring your heart and soul into music, only to fade into obscurity. That's the harsh reality for many artists, even those who once tasted success. We're diving into the stories of three alternative rock bands from the 1970s who, despite showing early promise, vanished from the mainstream radar. What happened to them? Let's find out!
Joy Division: A Tragedy, A Legacy
For fans of post-punk, the name Joy Division is synonymous with both brilliance and heartbreak. Formed in Manchester, England, in 1976, Joy Division wasn't just a band; it was a cultural force. Their 1979 album, Unknown Pleasures, is considered a cornerstone of the post-punk genre. Its stark, gothic soundscapes and Ian Curtis's haunting vocals resonated deeply, propelling the album to number 5 in the UK charts. It was unlike anything else at the time, a raw, emotional outpouring set against a backdrop of industrial-tinged sound. Think of it as the sonic equivalent of a rainy day in a forgotten city, beautiful in its melancholy.
Sadly, Joy Division's ascent was cut short. The band's story took a devastating turn in 1980 with the tragic death of frontman Ian Curtis, who struggled with depression and epilepsy. The remaining members made the difficult decision to disband, feeling they couldn't continue without Curtis's unique voice and presence. Their final album, fittingly titled Closer, was released posthumously, serving as a poignant farewell. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that had Ian Curtis lived, Joy Division could have become one of the biggest bands in the world, rivaling even U2. Do you agree? The ashes of Joy Division, however, gave rise to New Order, a band that embraced a more synth-driven sound and achieved even greater commercial success. While New Order carried on, the legacy of Joy Division continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Brainticket: Krautrock Pioneers Lost in Time
From the UK's bleak industrial landscape, we move to the experimental soundscapes of Switzerland's Brainticket. This krautrock band pushed the boundaries of alternative rock, venturing into psychedelic, exotic, and even jazzy territories. Formed in 1965, Brainticket was truly one of the most underrated and often-forgotten acid alt-rock bands of the early 1970s. Their debut album, Cottonwoodhill (1971), followed by Psychonaut (1972), are considered essential listening for fans of experimental rock. Imagine a blend of Pink Floyd's psychedelia, Can's experimental rhythms, and a dash of Sun Ra's cosmic jazz.
Brainticket initially disbanded in 1975, but like a phoenix, they rose from the ashes, reforming in 1980 and again in 1998. While they continued to release music well into the 2010s, none of their later work quite captured the magic of their early albums. And this is the part most people miss... Brainticket's influence can be heard in many modern experimental bands, even if they don't realize it. The passing of core member Joel Vandroogenbroeck in 2019 marked the final end of Brainticket. Their music, however, lives on, a testament to their unique and adventurous sound.
The Modern Lovers: Proto-Punk Underdogs
When you think of 1970s alternative rock, The Modern Lovers should immediately come to mind. This proto-punk garage rock band, formed in Massachusetts in 1970, delivered a string of legendary hits that, surprisingly, didn't receive the recognition they deserved in their home country. Songs like "Roadrunner (Once)" and "Egyptian Reggae," both released in 1977, found a much larger audience in the UK and Europe. Think of them as the American equivalent of The Velvet Underground, but with a more playful and quirky edge.
By 1978, The Modern Lovers had seemingly run out of steam, disappearing from the charts. The band initially split in 1974, reunited briefly in 1976, and then called it quits for good in 1988. Frontman Jonathan Richman continued to perform under the name "Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers," using the moniker for various backing bands. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that Richman's solo work overshadowed The Modern Lovers' original contributions, while others believe he simply evolved as an artist. Which side do you take? Their influence, however, remains undeniable, paving the way for countless punk and indie bands that followed.
So, what do you think? Are there other 1970s alternative rock artists who deserve more recognition? Did these bands disappear for good reason, or were they simply ahead of their time? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss the legacy of these forgotten pioneers.
