untitled's "Nothing Good": Reviving Grunge One Release at a Time

Photo Credit: Sam Cones

If you've ever listened to old hits and think, "Man, kids these days have no idea what this era was like." Well... there's actually a band that might just bridge that very gap. The young L.A. alternative rock band untitled has been steadily building momentum with a sound that feels both really familiar (especially for us older generations), while still being refreshing. Pulling inspiration from the grit of 1990s grunge and alternative rock, the band has attracted a growing audience through tracks that blend lyrics and sound, driven by a dry but deep emotion, heavy guitars, and of course, that undeniable nostalgia. Their breakout single, "Restless," has claimed more than 40 million Spotify streams, helping establish them as a well-talked-about emerging act in the alternative scene. With those numbers has come a wave of comparisons to Nirvana, and let’s be real, a connection that’s hard to ignore when listening to the band’s boldly grunge-inspired sound.

Listening to song in the spotlight "Nothing Good" feels like hearing a knock at the door from the past. The track immediately transports listeners back to a different era while still carrying enough modern influence to avoid feeling dated. For me personally, I started thinking about all those countless times I listened to the same Nirvana tracks over and over again until I was obsessed. There is a certain comfort found in its familiar textures, it’s like seeing the world through that blurry, static 90s lens, but there is definitely also an excitement that comes from hearing them presented through a fresh perspective. How cool is it to see the younger generations reigniting that old flame, one that felt like it went dark once it was put out? Seeing the grunge candle burning so bright makes me really excited to see what bands like untitled will keep on delivering to the table. Grunge was one of the most iconic periods in rock history, producing legendary bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains, whose influence continues to ripple throughout music today. Rather than simply recreating what came before, untitled manages to capture the spirit of that era while giving it new life. In many ways, "Nothing Good" feels like hitting the refresh button on an old classic. After listening to their other material, it seems like they’re growing in sound with time, figuring out what they’re doing and creating while accumulating a solid fanbase as well as confidence in the process.

“grunge was dead and this guys just revived it.” -Fan via YouTube

Paying respect to the artists who paved the way is an important part of keeping genres alive, especially one as influential as grunge. At the same time, being compared to legendary bands can be both a blessing and a curse. While those comparisons can introduce new listeners and generate excitement, they can also create impossible expectations from those critics out there. Fortunately, untitled seems to understand the distinction between inspiration and imitation. The band's influences are evident throughout their music, but they never feel as though they are trying to completely step into someone else's shoes. Instead, they are picking out their own path, taking the laces of the past and weaving them into something that feels authentic to who they are today. And from scoping out comments and other feedback, it seems as though everyone thinks the same, with listeners even asking, “are we listening to Nirvana of the present?? ”

The approach has clearly resonated with audiences as well. Currently out on the road and continuing to grow their fanbase, untitled has already begun making appearances on major festival lineups, including Reading and Leeds Festival, one of the most respected rock festivals in the world. Opportunities like that highlight just how much momentum the band has built in such a short amount of time. If "Nothing Good" is the first stone on the path, then we are stoked for what lies ahead. This likely won't be the last time we see their name on festival lineups and tour announcements. As they continue building their presence both at home and abroad, we look forward to seeing untitled appear on even more stages, introducing a new generation while still appealing to older generations of listeners.