Watch Underground Inc: The Rise & Fall of Alternative Rock

Underground Inc: The Rise & Fall of Alternative Rock is a documentary film released in 2019 that provides a detailed account of the emergence of alternative rock music in the US during the 1980s and 90s. This feature-length film, directed by Shaun Katz, takes the viewer on an informative and gripping journey that includes interviews with some of the key players of the era, including Steve Albini, Martin Atkins, and Aaron Beam.

The film is an exploration of the underground music scene that spawned alternative rock, and charts the transformation of this new genre of music from its dark roots in punk and industrial music to its eventual rise to the mainstream. Underground Inc provides an in-depth look at how the music industry operates, how independent music labels operate, and how they both work together.

The documentary begins by providing a brief history of punk music and the underground music scene, from which alternative rock emerged. From there, the film delves into the various social, political, and cultural factors that helped shape the music of the era, including the Reagan era, and the anti-establishment sentiments that emerged in response to it.

Underground Inc is a profoundly nostalgic film, as it takes us back to a time when subcultures roamed the streets, the music was raw, and the culture was rebellious. The film provides a previously unheard of glimpse into the minds and experiences of the musicians who created and shaped the genre. Interviews with some of the pillars of alternative rock such as Steve Albini of Big Black and Nirvana fame, Aaron Beam of Red Fang, and Martin Atkins of Killing Joke, serve as the backbone of the documentary.

The music industry is a ruthless one, and the documentary explores the tricky business of music, with interviews with various insiders who recount their experiences. The viewer gets to understand the ins and outs of how the industry works, from how a song is produced to how it is marketed and sold. The film explores the tensions that arose between independent labels and the larger corporations that were always looking for the next big thing.

Underground Inc is a visually rich film, and the extensive use of archival footage and photographs provides a fascinating window into what the music scene looked like 30 years ago. We get to see iconic performances, hear classic songs and gain insight into the lives of the artists who created them. The music videos, concert footage, and behind-the-scenes clips offer a rare snapshot into the music, and the people who made it.

The documentary also takes a look at the effect that the rise of alternative rock had on popular culture. The film explores the ways in which it influenced cinema, fashion, and television, and how it gave way to an entirely new subculture.

All in all, Underground Inc is a well-crafted and engaging documentary that serves as a love letter to the golden era of alternative rock music. The film manages to encapsulate the spirit of the times in a way that can make anyone nostalgic, even those who were not around during the time. It is a fascinating and informative film that fans of alternative rock, regardless of age, are sure to find interesting. The documentary is a testament to the power of music, and the role that it has played in shaping culture and society.

In summary, Underground Inc: The Rise & Fall of Alternative Rock is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history of music and the cultural shifts that shape society. It is informative, inspiring, and a well-crafted tribute to the rise of alternative rock music.

Underground Inc: The Rise & Fall of Alternative Rock is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes.