Arlo

Arlo, primarily the Los Angeles-based project of Nate Greely and Sean Spillane, emerged in the mid-1990s as a bridge between the dying embers of grunge and the rising tide of 2000s indie rock. Signing to Sub Pop at the turn of the millennium, they solidified a sound characterized by power pop sensibilities, dual-vocal harmonies, and a 'slacker' aesthetic that masked sophisticated songwriting.

Their tenure on Sub Pop produced two definitive albums, 'Up High In The Night' and 'Stab The Unstoppable Hero', which earned them a cult following among fans of Weezer, Ozma, and The Rentals. The band's history is intertwined with the broader LA indie scene, with members later contributing to projects like The Elected and Johnathan Rice. While a second, more contemporary artist under the name Arlo exists in the New Zealand lo-fi scene, the legacy of the US-based Arlo remains a touchstone for the 'second wave' of power pop, noted for its high-energy live performances and its ability to blend melancholic lyricism with upbeat, guitar-driven arrangements. Critical consensus highlights their knack for hooks and their role in maintaining the guitar-pop tradition during a period of electronic transition in alternative music.