The Best Indie Bands You've Never Heard Of (from IOWA)

While we were on our search to find more Hip-Hop acts in the Hawkeye State, we found some bands that we liked. One thing led to another, and we're hooked on their sounds. Check them out!

John June Year (Clinton)

John June Year - Official YouTube Channel / Via youtube.com

With a style reminiscent of The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Clinton-based Indie Rock band John June Year is first on our list.

Formed in the summer of 2012, the band has been making waves in the Iowa music scene recently. They've been rocking shows all over the state, and have been electrifying listeners all throughout with their eclectic mix of catchy guitar hooks, smooth bass lines, and unique vocal delivery.

With a well put together sound and a growing fanbase, John June Year seems to have all the pieces in place to have a big year (no pun intended).

Recommended listen:

They have a double-sided single out on iTunes right now, "Lounge Lizard // Dangerous Range": https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lounge-lizard-dangerous-range/id669206637

The video above (produced by DEFT) features the first song of that split, Lounge Lizard.

Dylan Sires and Neighbors (Waterloo)

youtube.com / Via Official DS&N YouTube Channel

This next band seems more like a blast from the past than a modern band at times, but we're really ok with that.

Cedar Falls based Dylan Sires and Neighbors harkens back to the days of 50's love songs, 60's harmony laden tracks, and 80's power pop. All with a modern flair a la Vampire Weekend.

With feel good melodies and a dynamic live show, they're certainly a group you should consider adding to your music library.

Recommended listens:

Pictures of You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKPCSmjDWFI

Messenger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAEAU8wl984

Night Time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIVmiBIk5Qs

Annalibera (Des Moines)

Annalibera's Official Site / Via annaliberamusic.com

Fronted by Anna Gebhardt, Annalibera is an Alternative/Pop band from Des Moines.

Combining dreamy vocals over beautiful compositions, this group, brings a different style to the table. They almost invite comparisons to more mainstream artists such as Lana Del Ray at first listen, but their layered works lead the listener to discover something new with each experience.

Although they're a relatively new band, they've already had a tour from Nashville to Chicago, to major appearances at both 80/35 (one of Iowa's biggest events) and the Maximum Ames festival.

Their self-titled EP is rather short (3 songs in total), but this is definitely a band that you want to support.

Recommended listens:

Clouds: http://annalibera.bandcamp.com/track/clouds

Battle World: http://annalibera.bandcamp.com/track/battle-world-2

Dustin Smith & The Sunday Silos (Des Moines)

Dustin Smith & The Sunday Silos is another group with a throwback sound -- this soulful band hails from Des Moines as well. (what is it with Des Moines groups?)

The Sunday Silos are a 15-piece outfit, composed of an incredibly talented array of local DSM musicians.

This is one of those times where we just let the music speak for itself. Go ahead and listen to that video above. You won't regret it.

Recommended listens:

This entire album. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/northerner/id585821977

We know we're missing a ton of bands on this list. That's why we need YOUR help.

Know of an Iowa band that's flying a little under-the-radar, and you don't think they should be? Sound off in the comments and we'll check them out!