Straight out of Abilene, Texas, Dexter and The Moonrocks are bringing their own brand of Western Space Grunge to the alternative rock scene. Blending the raw, unapologetic energy of Nirvana with the stadium-sized hooks of Foo Fighters, the four-piece have built a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
After making waves with 2021’s ‘Couch’ and signing to Big Loud Rock imprint Severance Records, the band have spent the past few years turning heads and winning over fans. Their breakout single, ‘Freakin’ Out’, changed everything, earning them their first Billboard Hot 100 entry, reaching number one at Alternative Radio and amassing more than 200 million global streams. It’s a remarkable rise for a group who once balanced day jobs with dreams of making music.
Now, with their debut full-length album Friends That I Don’t Like arriving today, Dexter and The Moonrocks are ready to take things to another level. Their music is a collision of crunchy guitars, grungy textures and irresistibly catchy melodies, soundtracking the beautiful chaos of being young, angry and figuring it all out.
From their early days playing to tiny crowds in local watering holes to selling out shows nationwide, the band have built a following that cuts across genres and generations. Cowboys, goths, headbangers, rebels and outcasts have all found a home in their particular brand of grunge-fuelled rock’n’roll.
To celebrate the release of Friends That I Don’t Like, Dexter and The Moonrocks take over the 1883 playlist, sharing some of the songs they adore.
Fox’s choices
‘P.O.S’ by Noah Brigden
It feels like the opposite end of the country/grunge spectrum with twangy guitar but grungy vocals.
‘I’m So Sick’ by Fly Leaf
She’s one of the best vocalists ever, it’s so good.
James’s choices
‘Blacking Out The Friction’ by Death Cab For Cutie
One of their more guitar driven tracks from one of my favorite bands of all time.
‘Non Photo-Blue’ by Pinback
Simply my favourite song from my favourite band, they are unique and somehow feel like they capture all my favorite things from other great bands and throw it all into one song.
Ryan’s choices
‘Mailbox’ by Six Market Blvd
That song just offers everything I’m looking for in a track. From the melody to the guitar tones, I think its the perfect track.
‘Late to the Party’ by Glom
It’s just a super satisfying tune from one of my current favorite guitar players around right now.
This one isn’t a very guitar forward song but its still so Glom.
Ty’s choices
Sweeney Todd OST
Literally anything from the Sweeney Todd soundtrack.
‘Crazy Frog’ by Axel F
That little frog is just so funny to me!
Dexter and The Moonrocks’s debut album Friends That I Don’t Like is out now.
Listen to the playlist below.
