Underfoot: The Gritty Heart of Modern Garage Rock

Underfoot is an American garage rock band known for its raw, energetic sound and relentless touring schedule. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, the band achieved a significant underground following before their 2018 album Concrete Grove cracked the Billboard 200, cementing their status as torchbearers for a revitalized rock scene.

Early career

Underfoot formed in 2010, born from the same Detroit dive bar circuit that nurtured generations of rock and punk acts. The founding trio—vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance, bassist Mara Kline, and drummer Rex Holloway—self-released their debut EP, Pavement Pounder, in 2012, capturing immediate local radio play on college stations.

Their DIY ethic and explosive live shows led to a deal with independent label Rust Belt Records in 2014. The label released their first full-length album, Transmission Blues, which sold modestly but established a loyal fanbase across the Midwest and introduced their signature blend of fuzzed-out guitars and propulsive rhythms.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Concrete Grove. Released on the larger indie imprint Gravel Road Records, the album debuted at number 187 on the Billboard 200, a surprise success driven by viral word-of-mouth and critical acclaim for its authentic sound.

Fueled by relentless touring as support for established acts, Concrete Grove eventually moved over 500,000 units, earning a Gold certification in the United States. The album's success proved there was a substantial audience hungry for unvarnished, guitar-driven rock music.

Key tracks

Concrete Grove — The title track's driving riff and anthemic chorus became the band's signature and a staple of rock radio.

Sixteen Revolutions — This song's music video, shot on 16mm film in Detroit, garnered significant MTV Classic rotation and highlighted the band's aesthetic.

Rust or Gold — A slower, blues-inflected track that demonstrated the band's musical range and songwriting depth beyond pure garage rock energy.

Neon Feedback — Often the explosive opener for their live sets, this track encapsulates their raw, unpolished power and connection to their punk roots.

The momentum from Concrete Grove led to high-profile collaborations, including a 2020 co-headlining tour with The Bronx and a guest vocal appearance by Vance on the track "Blacktop" for fellow rockers The Bots. Their third album, 2021's Pressure Drop, debuted at number 112 on the Billboard 200, maintaining their chart presence and critical respect.

Fans of Underfoot's gritty American garage rock should also explore the sounds of The Stooges for the primal Detroit rock influence. Ty Segall shares a similar prolific, fuzz-drenched approach to modern garage rock. The Strokes offer a more polished but equally influential take on the early-2000s rock revival. For a contemporary band with a parallel DIY rise, check out IDLES and their cathartic, aggressive post-punk energy.

Underfoot's music maintains a strong presence on radio rotation, particularly across a network of alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-based music. Their hits are fixtures on classic rock FM stations seeking to highlight newer rock acts, and they are frequently featured on online rock radio streams dedicated to underground and emerging rock talent.

Listeners can discover the powerful garage rock of Underfoot by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Their discography, from early EPs to Gold-certified albums, is regularly played on the rock and alternative stations available on onairium.com, offering the perfect way to experience their raw sonic energy.