Rock music has long been associated with classic rock acts like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, often considered the blueprint for the genre. However, modern bands continue to shape rock music, drawing inspiration from past legends while making the genre their own. Bands like The Killers, LCD Soundsystem, and Kings of Leon are perfect examples of how rock is staying relevant and evolving.
Some artists, such as Bleachers’ lead singer Jack Antonoff, openly express their admiration for icons like Bruce Springsteen, even collaborating with them. Other artists may acknowledge their influences more subtly, but their music clearly reflects a deep connection to the past. In examining these three contemporary rock bands, it’s evident how they honor rock traditions while pushing the genre forward in unique ways.
The Killers and Bruce Springsteen’s Influence
Brandon Flowers, the frontman of The Killers, has frequently spoken about his admiration for Bruce Springsteen, one of the most influential figures in rock. Their collaboration has been a standout moment, especially during their recent tour when Springsteen joined the band on stage and contributed to their song “Dustland.”
Springsteen’s music is often centered around his blue-collar upbringing in New Jersey, a theme that resonates throughout his career. While The Killers don’t directly reflect the blue-collar experience in the same way, their music often explores universal human experiences, much like Springsteen’s. Their sound, rooted in their Las Vegas origins, channels a similar energy, blending personal narratives with rock anthems.
What makes The Killers’ work stand out is their ability to respect and draw from past influences, like Springsteen, while creating something distinctly their own. The band’s connection to Springsteen shows that modern rock can thrive without necessarily reinventing the wheel; instead, it honors its roots while evolving.
LCD Soundsystem and The Talking Heads
LCD Soundsystem’s frontman, James Murphy, has often cited The Talking Heads as a major influence on his band’s music. The Talking Heads, led by David Byrne, were known for their eclectic mix of rock, new wave, and techno, producing catchy yet unconventional music that changed the rock landscape. LCD Soundsystem captures that same spirit—distinctively rock, yet blending dance beats and introspective lyrics.
Since their debut album Losing My Edge in 2002, LCD Soundsystem has stayed true to their signature style. Even in their 2017 album American Dream, they maintained the same sound that fans had come to love. Much like The Talking Heads, LCD Soundsystem’s ability to evolve without losing their identity has helped keep rock music fresh and relevant in today’s landscape.
Kings of Leon and The Pixies
Kings of Leon, arguably the most unique band on this list, also carries the influence of classic rock legends. The Followill brothers were inspired by bands like The Rolling Stones and Thin Lizzy, but Jared Followill’s musical influences also include The Pixies. This influence is especially evident in the band’s more obscure tracks, where song meanings aren’t always immediately clear.
Take “Where Is My Mind?” by The Pixies, for example. If you’re not paying attention, its meaning can easily fly over your head. Similarly, Kings of Leon’s songs like “Use Somebody” are straightforward, but others, like “Sex on Fire,” have been misunderstood by listeners, with many thinking the song is about physical attraction when it actually addresses a sexually transmitted disease. This ambiguity in interpretation mirrors the complexity of The Pixies’ music, which often challenges listeners’ perceptions.
This confusion around song meanings is a hallmark of rock music. The genre has always allowed for layers of interpretation, making it a dynamic and enduring force in music. Even the most popular rock songs often hide deeper meanings, showing that the genre is far from dead.
Embracing Influence Without Losing Identity
The bands discussed here—The Killers, LCD Soundsystem, and Kings of Leon—represent a new wave of rock music that continues to honor the past while forging their own paths. Growing up in a family of classic rock enthusiasts, I discovered these bands on my own, and they reminded me of the music I grew up with. It’s okay to draw inspiration from the past, and often, it’s encouraged in the music world.
While many still debate the greatest rock bands of all time, it’s clear that rock music is not bound to its classic roots. These modern bands show that the genre can evolve, adapt, and stay vibrant. By paying homage to the legends of rock and adding their own voices, they prove that rock music will continue to thrive for years to come.
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