Hungarian alternative

Hungarian alternative is the alternative music scene of Hungary. It embraces many bands from different subgenres. The most notable Hungarian alternative rock bands include Európa Kiadó, Sexepil, C.A.F.B., Kispál és a Borz and Quimby. The most well-known Hungarian indie bands are Amber Smith, The Moog, EZ Basic. Hungarian dark rock bands include Nulladik Változat, Land of Charon and Garden of Eden. The most widely known alternative metal bands are The Idoru and Shell Beach.

History

1990s

Kispál és a Borz playing at the VOLT Festival

Hungarian alternative band Kispál és a Borz emerged in the early 1990s. They became famous for their lead singer's (Anrdák Lovasi) lyrics and unique style of singing.^[1]

Although Attila Grandpierre's Vágtázó Halottkém did not reach international success, in Hungary they gained popularity. They were known for mixing tribal rhythms with classic rock.^{[citation needed]}

In 1990 Pál Utcai Fiúk's first studio album was released entitled Ha Jön Az Álom. Later the band became of the most well-known alternative rock band in Hungary. Their most widely known albums are A Bál (1991), A Nagy Rohanás (1992), Szerelemharc (1993), Szajhák és Partizánok (1994), Ha Jön Az Élet (2000), Közönséges (2004), and Legelő (2008).

In 1991 Kispál és a Borz's first studio album was released entitled Naphoz Holddal. Later the band became the most successful alternative rock band in Hungary. Their most notable albums are Föld Kaland Ilyesmi, Ágy, Asztal, Tévé, Sika, Kasza, Léc, Ül, Bálnák Ki A Partra. The band became noted for their singer András Lovasi's unique style of lyrics.

In 1993 Quimby's first record was released entitled A Sip of Story. Later the band became one of the leading bands of the Hungarian alternative scene. Their most famous albums are Jerrycan Dance (1995), Majom-tangó (1996), Diligramm (1997), Ékszerelmére (1999), Káosz Amigos (2002), Kilégzés (2005), Lármagyűjtögető (2009), Kicsi Ország (2010) and Instant Szeánsz (2011).

In 1992 Nulladik Változat released their first studio album with the eponymous title.^[2]

In 1995 Sexepil reached international markets with their song Jerusalem which was aired on Music Television's alternative program.^[3]

Quimby playing in Nyíregyháza

In 1996 Nulladik Változat released their second studio album entitled Négy. The album contained the song Hajnal which brought success for the band in Hungarian underground scene.^[4]

C.A.F.B.

In 1997 C.A.F.B.'s second studio album, Zanza, was released by Premier Art Records. The album included the hit single Engedj Be.

In 1998 Land of Charon released their first full-length studio album entitled Asztrálgép. The album included songs like Az Önmegváltó, Ishtar és Kthulu, Álmok Romjai and many more.^[5]

In 1998 Heaven Street Seven's first studio album was released entitled Hip-hop Mjúzik. Later the band released several other records both in Hungarian and in English but they became noted in Hungary as one of the leading bands of the Hungarian alternative music scene. Their most notable albums are Hol Van Az A Krézi Srác? (2000), Sajnálom (2000), White lies in HiFi (2000), Mozdulj! (2001), Éjszaka (2002), Ezután (2002), Dél-Amerika (2002), Csízbörger (2004), Ez A Szerelem (2004), Hangerő (2005), Tudom, hogy Szeretsz Titokban (2007), Mikor Utoljára Láttalak (2008), Szia (2009). The band's singer Krisztián Szűcs also appeared on Yonderboi's Splendid Isolation as a singer.

2000s

In 2000 Nulladik Változat's fifth studio album was released entitled Murmuc.^[6]

In 2000 Yonderboi released his first full length studio album entitled Shallow and Profound.^[7] Later Yonderboi became one of the leading artist of the Hungarian electro scene releasing two more records, Splendid Isolation and Passive Control.

In the early 2000s more alternative bands emerged. The Idoru reached international success, signing a contract with Burning Seasons Records.^[8][9]

2010s

In 2011 Nulladik Változat released their first album in the 2010s entitled Dark,^[10] two years later Darker.^[11]

In September 2012 the Drum & Monkey Records released Ivan & The Parazol's first album entitled Mama Don't You Recognize Ivan & The Parazol?.^[12][13]

Notable bands

Notables Hungarian indie records

References