I don’t think The Zombies did any instrumentals.
Within the past fifteen years a new subgenre of Alternative Rock has appeared called “Post Rock” which is basically, for want of a better way to put it, a cooler version of Prog, usually vocal-less. It really has gained quite a following, with the absolute leaders being the Scottish band Mogwai. Big favourites right now are also Explosion in the Sky, from Texas. Canada’s Godspeed! You Black Emperor are definitely worth checking out.
I’m not convinced that I’d call the Post-Rock, but Iceland’s Sigur Rós are often included in the genre, although as they use vocals a lot they don’t really fit in with this thread.
Anyway, check out some of the stuff up there ^^^^for an idea of what modern alternative rock instrumental music is doing these days. You may be surprised.
When I first opened this thread, I was thinking “I hope we get to revisit this in 10 years.” But then I saw it was a zombie, and though “wish = granted”.
People listen to music for a purpose. Some listen to it in the car to pass the time while driving. Some listen to it to feel connected to people like them. Some listen to it to get motivated to start dancing or exercising. And some listen to it to mellow out before bed. Most people use it for more than one of these purposes. But some people out there only use it for one.
THAT’S where you find music snobs. The people that only listen to music when working out will be the ones that swear Metallica is Og’s gift to mankind. Those that listen to it to pass a Saturday night are the ones that think Classical Orchestral is the only ‘correct’ music. And those that feel no need to be a part of urban/poor culture can’t understand why “Gangster’s Paradise” will still be on the radio “40-50 years from now”.
I used to hate Rock. Then I started going to concerts. I used to hate Pop. Then I started going to clubs. I used to hate Country. Then I started working, loving, and drinking. And if I didn’t do these things, I’d still hate those genres.
Musical tastes are derived from musical purposes.