Mid 1980's ...
Rock music genre emerged in Seattle
90's - popularity had spread to California and other parts of the US
Further influenced Post Grunge (Creed and Nickleback) and Nu-Metal
Combines Punk Rock and Heavy Metal
Concerts were high energy - moshing and stage diving
Movement died down in 94 after Cobains death
Nirvana
Pearl Jam
Ten Soundgarden
Alice in Chains
Stone Temple Pilots
Seattle independent record label - Sub Pop. The movement revolved around this label
Multi track recording
Live recording
Smaller drum kits
Distortion
Use of Feedback
Lo fi sound
Down tuned used
Sludgy electric guitar sound - thick middle register
Use of fuzz - 70's style stompbox pedals
Tube amplifier and speaker cabinet
Loud Marshall amps
Mesa Boogie amps
Wah wah pedal
Fuzz bass
Lyrics - angst, social alienation, self-doubt, abuse, neglect, betrayal, emotional isolation and psychological trauma
Slow, descending riffs - compared to punk
Shouting vocals
Tone of voice - gravelly and raspy. Growls, moans, screams and mumbles. Borderline out of tune
Blues inspired solos - serve the song, rather than show off
Electric guitar
Bass
Drums
Vocals
Fender Twin Reverb and Fender Champion 100 combo amps
Pedals - Big Muff, DOD, Boss DS-2 and BOSS DS-1 distortion pedals
Small Clone Chorus effect
RAT distortion pedal - Cobain switching from quiet to loud
four 800 watt PA system power amps
Dissonance
Power chords