Artist 1956

While the earnestness and self-absorbed angst of grunge make it an easy target, Milwaukee’s 1956 provides a reminder that mixing sludgy guitars with pop melodies can still be potent. On 2007’sSaboteur, 1956 tempers the all-out Soundgarden-esque sprawl of “Class It Up” and “Knock Yourself Out” with moodier numbers like “I Wasn’t Listening” that suggest the band would be more aptly named 1996. The band expands its sound on the recently released Lowtide, adding piano, violin, and even backing female vocals to its usual propulsive attack. 

Updated 12/06/2010