White Light Riot's briskly-paced debut LP, Atomism, mixes gritty rock textures with elements of bright, sunshine pop.

NPR: White Light Riot: 'Charlatan'

But while Detroit's duo can, at times, err on the side of experimentalism, the Shys have taken the crunchy guitars and heavy, fuzz-filled solos, and added more traditionally poppy group choruses and catchy melodies to come out with gritty rock that is immediately accessible.

NPR: The Shys: 'The Hangman'

The band is from Cincinnati and it started out playing gritty blues influenced rock.

NPR: 'Heartless Bastards' Defy Indie Rock Rules