10 More Obscure 90s Rock Albums From the Archives

I love digging up obscure media, and when you're dealing with 90s rock albums, your options are pretty much limitless. Since the first installment wasn't enough, I decided to find more albums that the Internet almost forgot about--until now. Here's a look at ten records that quietly played a role in the 90s grunge/alternative rock explosion.

1. Superfriends by Tugboat Annie

Unlike most nineties bands, Tugboat Annie has remained fairly prolific. Their Bandcamp profile contains an assortment of albums, singles and demos, with new releases as current as 2022. Published in 1995, Superfriends has a crackling, static-y sound that's brimming with grungey nostalgia.

Members: Jay Celeste, Jon Sulkow, Jim Brown, Joshua Dalsimer, Tim Barrett, Mike Bethmann

2. Blue Climber by nub

nub's choice of social media is a little unconventional, opting for a Tumblr blog that's been silent since 2014. While they released a handful of singles and EPs, including 1994's Blue Climber, their first album didn't arrive until the band had already split. These three tracks offer a dark, wistful vibe that perfectly encapsulates 90s ennui.

Members: Jeff Gerhardt, Nat Saunders, Tim Ineson, Adam Inseon

3. Counterclockwise by Autohaze

Hailing from Melbourne, Autohaze released a variety of albums, singles and EPs in the 90s, including 1997's Counterclockwise. Aside from a handful of reviews, the Internet doesn't have much information about this band, but their social media profiles never fail to mention the Dinosaur Jr. comparison. With deep vocals and a jazzy, charismatic sound, Autohaze injected some much-needed vibrancy into the genre.

Members: Chris Chapple, Andrew Nunns, Tim Jackson, David Lederer, Kerrie Hickin, Adam Fennessey

4. Singular, No Article by New Radiant Storm King

The title of New Radiant Storm King's 1999 album, Singular, No Article, references the common misnomer "The New Radiant Storm Kings." After a failed deal with Indie Grass Records, the band exclusively released this album in the UK. Several years later, the record finally made it to the US, allowing Americans to enjoy the colorful arrangements that Spotify classifies as "noise pop."

Members: Matt Hunter, Jeremy Smith, Elizabeth Sharp, Eli Miller, Caleb Wetmore, Garrett Fontes, Peyton Pinkerton, Patrick Berkery

5. autoguider by Saturnine 60

Launched in 1993, Saturnine released their first EP, autoguider, a year later. The band was active for 15 years and published several EPs and albums before the members moved on to other projects, including Garment District, The New Year, and Swish and Flick. autoguider's soft, psychedelic vibes make this album the ideal soundtrack for an autumn bonfire or evening camping trip.

Members: Jennifer Baron, Mike Donofrio, Jim Harwood, Matthew Gallaway

6. I Hope It Dies on a Sunny Day by The Delusions

In the mid-90s, The Delusions formed in Seattle, Washington. The members brought experience from their previous bands, including Bite, Voodoo Gearshift and Bone Cellar. During their career, the group frequently opened for the famed indie band Built to Spill. Despite the title, 1997's I Hope It Dies on a Sunny Day offers a bright, upbeat sound with plenty of catchy hooks.

Members: Denise Maupin, Matt Marti, Dave Keppel, Jim Roth, Tim Fekete

7. New Scars by Ashley Stove

Childhood friends Ben Barwick and Matt Brown formed Ashley Stove with Jennifer Walker and Bill Alphin in 1992. New Scars, the band's third album, hit store shelves in 1999. Quiet and moody, this record takes you back to lonesome house parties and silent evenings at home.

Members: Jennifer Walker, Ben Barwick, Matt Brown, Bill Alphin

8. Laughing Down the Limehouse by Anastasia Screamed

While Anastasia Screamed formed in Boston in the 80s, their first album, Laughing Down the Limehouse, didn't arrive until 1990. Their eclectic sound drew comparisons to Dinosaur Jr., Screaming Trees and modern emo bands. Sometimes dark and brooding, other times bold and glittery, the diverse production makes it difficult to pin down a specific genre.

Members: Chick Graning, Charlie Bock, Chris Cugini, Chris Burdett, Stuart Abelson

9. It's Fun to Pretend by Speedbuggy

After forming in the early 90s, Speedbuggy toured twice and recorded two albums, including 1995's It's Fun to Pretend. While the third record never materialized, the group's Bandcamp profile enigmatically states: "The band is not alive. But the band is also, not dead. You can make of that what you will." History has shown that their crisp alternative rock sound will never go out of style.

Members: Joe Cassidy, Olga Goreas, Simon Hussey, Chris Walters

10. Superelastic by Velo-Deluxe

Velo-Deluxe only released one album: 1994's Superelastic, which Lollipop Magazine described as "crafted, crystalline and crunchy in milk." While the first half of the record drops you into a whirlwind of intense, gritty arrangements, the second half surprises you with more quiet, melodic moments that broaden the band's horizons.

Members: Kenny Childers, Mitch Harris, John P. Strohm

Have you listened to any of these albums? Which obscure 90s records would you add to the list? Sound off in the comments.