Sponge

Sponge sounds like the intersection of a rainy Detroit alleyway and a massive outdoor festival stage. Their music carries a thick, oily layer of distortion that feels distinctly industrial, yet it is constantly punctured by bright, jangly guitar melodies that lean toward power pop. Vinnie Dombroski’s vocals are the anchor, providing a weathered, raspy baritone that sounds like it’s seen everything and is ready to tell you about it over a loud amplifier.

What truly sets them apart from the sea of mid-90s alternative acts is their unabashed love for classic rock song structures. While their peers were often trying to hide their influences behind irony or noise, Sponge embraced the big, soaring chorus and the rhythmic drive of the Motor City. There is a specific tension in their best tracks between the dark, drug-tinged lyrical themes and the infectious, radio-ready energy of the instrumentation.

Start with the 1994 debut Rotting Pinata to hear the quintessential post-grunge sound of 'Plowed' and 'Molly (Sixteen Candles Down the Drain).' If you want something a bit more experimental and glam-influenced, move to Wax Ecstatic. They are the perfect bridge for fans who love the grit of Nirvana but miss the melodic craftsmanship of Cheap Trick or The Cars.