Will Abbott

Alternative rock is a genre of rock music that came about through the development of the genre during its underground period during the 1980’s, emerging into popularity in the 1990’s and 2000’s. In terms of describing examples of alternative rock iconography it could be the way in which people view the typical style of fashion from those who consider themselves fans of alternative rock. For example Oasis a British alternative rock band were widely remarked upon their fashion style, that especially of front man Liam Gallagher who had a keen eye for wearing dark coloured leather jackets, button up shirts and fishtail parka coats. This fashion style was widely remarked upon as the standard dress code for alternative rock fans during the 1990’s

 

 However just like the way in which Liam Gallagher favoured his darker shades of clothing he also liked his own music videos to include a darker palette of colours. But this didn’t just apply to Oasis as it was a general style used by all of the other bands out there past and present. The darker colours are preferably used in comparison to brighter ones used in pop videos for example due to the fact that they suit the grittier sound of rock music. This was an iconic style for alternative rock videos as a whole due to the fact that you can play an alternative rock video with no sound and it will be instantly linked to the genre just through the dull and darker choice of colours used within it. Additionally another way of understanding the iconography of alternative rock would be through the music videos usually consisting of the band promoting themselves in a more performance based style in comparison to other genres. For example the American alternative rock band Rage Against the Machine’s music video to Killing in the name includes them performing live on stage to a crowd of people at a venue.