10 Forgotten Rock Records From the 2000s
Relive this tumultuous decade with Bluepoint, All State Champion, Red Animal War and more.
Now that we've uncovered the world of obscure 90s albums, it's time to spring forward a decade with near-forgotten 2000s records. These rock, punk and emo bands are available on Spotify, but unlike some of their contemporaries, they haven't experienced a sudden TikTok revival. Let's change that with this list of ten records that quietly influenced the scene.
1. Thanks For Not Asking by Bluepoint
With seven monthly Spotify listeners, one 2006 album and no website or online biographies in sight, Bluepoint is one of the most mysterious bands on this list. The Discogs page for Thanks For Not Asking doesn't even list any contributors. I'm not sure what happened to this group, but their sole record offers pure 2000s rock without any frills.
Members: Unknown
2. Sons of Columbus by Silo the Huskie
While some rockers live in excess, Silo the Huskie's members looked for ways to save money: recording an album for free at a recording school, publishing demos on CDs and cassette tapes, releasing their music online during Napster's heyday. Still, despite these cost-cutting measures, 2003's Sons of Columbus was their last album. With catchy hooks and enthusiastic vocals, this record oozes early-2000s charm.
Members: Brian Barlup, Peter Cline, Chris Bair, Stuart Van Vyven
3. Will Self-Destruct by The And/Ors
The And/Ors brought together former members of Jejune, Interstate Ten, Crash Worship and Three Psychic Hearts, making this band a supergroup of underground artists. After releasing their sole album, Will Self-Destruct, in 2001, the group went on tour with Death Cab for Cutie. Short, fast-paced tracks and colorful song titles, such as "Timespacechanger" and "Neo-Disney Hype-Trip," create a unique listening experience.
Members: Arabella Harrison, Lane Miller, Chris Wassel, Daniel Black
4. July to October by Lazycain
Lazycain enjoyed a prolific career that included touring with Piebald, opening for Jimmy Eat World, and recording singles with Jejune and No Knife. After the band released two albums and a handful of singles in the 90s, their last album, July to October, arrived in 2000. With only seven tracks, it doesn't take long to soak in the crisp, emo-tinged sound.
Members: Jon Bone, Rich Green, Web Grandish, Matt Rankin, Cam Dinunzio, John Majer, Dan Duggins
5. What You Get And How You Get It by The Icy Shores
Based in Minneapolis, The Icy Shores drew inspiration from a variety of bands, including Nada Surf, The Afghan Whigs and Nirvana. The group recorded two albums, including 2005's What You Get And How You Get It, before they played their final show in 2012. From the first track, this record draws you into a warm, cozy world with husky vocals and autumn references in the lyrics.
Members: Shane Stubblefield, Nick Hegarty, Nick Larsen
6. Red Animal War / Slowride by Red Animal War / Slowride
In late 2001, Deep Elm Records brought Red Animal War and Slowride together to record a self-titled split album, which hit store shelves in June 2002. While Red Animal War offers a warm, melodic sound that contrasts with the harsh vocals, Slowride contributes grungey, fast-paced tracks, each one giving you a taste of the respective band's discography.
Members: Brian Pho, Justin Wilson, Matt Pittman, Jeff Wilganoski (Red Animal War); Rob Marchant, Steve Visneau, Dan Phillips (Slowride)
7. E by Kidsgofree
Kidsgofree is another mysterious group. Their Discogs profile reveals that they came from Cantabria, Spain and released three albums, and...that's about it. I'm not sure why they named their 2003 record after a single letter or what they've been doing since they disappeared in 2007, but E delights your ears with a jazzy, eclectic sound.
Members: Unknown
8. The Remedy Session by The Remedy Session
Fort Lauderdale's The Remedy Session took a DIY approach by booking their own gigs, designing their own website, and burning and distributing their own CDs. The band's guitarist even took singing lessons when they couldn't find a vocalist. These efforts culminated in a single record: 2002's The Remedy Session. Sad and understated, these tracks will put you in a thoughtful mood.
Members: Lori Marsh, Alex Osuna, Chris Polito
9. Is It Nothing to You by All State Champion
All State Champion is one of the rare defunct bands with an active Instagram account. The profile shares pictures of old performances, newspaper clippings, VHS tapes and tickets that celebrate the group and their late guitarist/vocalist's legacy. Released in 2004, Is It Nothing to You hits you right in the face with the group's bold, unapologetic vision.
Members: Daniel Sioui, Wesley Cook, Todd McConkey, Tim McGuinness
10. Ten Month Soundtrack by Porter Hall
Porter Hall hailed from Alberta and dropped their first album, Ten Month Soundtrack, in 2000. Aside from that, information about the band is scarce, but these tracks contributed a bright, energetic sound to the punk and emo scenes. Maybe they'll turn up again one day--and if not, you can still enjoy their two-record discography.
Members: Todd Harkness, Ross Andersen, Jeff Caissie, Darren Preston, Munro McKenzie
Have you heard any of these records before? Which albums would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments.
About the Creator
Kaitlin Shanks
Lifestyle blogger and fiction writer. No AI-generated content here: everything you see comes from my own brain, including the em dashes. For more excitement, visit me on Instagram at @kaitlineshanks.




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