The Garage Rock Revival
With their seminal debut Is This It? (2001), they became synonymous with the New York City garage rock revival, influencing countless bands with their effortlessly cool image and catchy hooks like "Last Nite"
The Strokes
Their debut album Funeral (2004) was a critical smash, garnering universal praise and helping establish the idea that an indie band could achieve massive critical and commercial success with an orchestral, epic sound.
Arcade Fire
Known for their introspective lyrics and atmospheric sound, they were college radio mainstays who transitioned to mainstream success with albums like Transatlanticism and Plans
Death Cab for Cutie
The Detroit duo brought a blues-punk aesthetic to the mainstream with albums like Elephant, producing iconic, raw hits such as "Seven Nation Army" and "Fell In Love With a Girl"
The White Stripes
Known for his ambitious, multi-instrumental chamber pop, his album Illinois (2005) was a landmark release of the decade, beloved by blogs and a staple of college radio.
Sufjan Stevens
While largely a 90s band, their 2001 album The Argument was a powerful closing statement that upheld their strict DIY ethos and continued their influence into the new decade
Fugazi
Led by Karen O, this New York band was known for their chaotic, art-punk energy and memorable tracks like "Maps" and "Date With the Night".
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Known for their bright, melodic indie pop, they gained widespread fame after being featured in the film Garden State, with songs like "New Slang" becoming indie anthems
The Shins
The project of John Darnielle, known for raw, often lo-fi recordings and sharp storytelling lyrics that appealed heavily to the critical audiences of the era
The Mountain Goats
Known for their dark, post-punk sound reminiscent of Joy Division, they were a key part of the NYC scene with albums like Turn On the Bright Lights
Interpol
Pioneers of a unique, experimental sound that blended psych-pop, noise, and electronica, their album Merriweather Post Pavilion was one of the defining, critically acclaimed records of the late 2000s blog era
Animal Collective
Spearheaded by James Murphy, this project blended dance-punk, new wave, and indie rock, becoming a key part of the "indie sleaze" or "blog rock" movement with hits like "Losing My Edge" and "All My Friends"
LCD Soundsystem
Already established, they achieved major crossover success with their 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News and the hit single "Float On
Modest Mouse