The indie sleaze trend of the 2000s is making a comeback, driven by Gen Z's fascination with the era's music and fashion. The @indiesleaze Instagram account, which has amassed over 120,000 followers, has curated a special playlist for BBC Radio 6 Music's New Year's Eve celebrations, featuring artists like Justice, The Rapture, LCD Soundsystem, and Cut Copy.
Indie sleaze was a vibrant period blending garage rock, dance-punk, and nu-rave, with key acts including The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The movement also had a distinctive fashion style, characterised by chaotic, mismatched outfits such as skinny jeans, blazers, band t-shirts, and neon accessories.
The revival gained momentum after trend forecaster Mandy Lee posted a TikTok video in 2021 suggesting the aesthetic was returning. Lee attributed the resurgence to a post-pandemic craving for community and creativity, echoing the communal spirit of the original indie sleaze scene.
Olivia, the creator of @indiesleaze, told NME she started the account during the pandemic, anticipating the trend's return based on shifts in style and music. She noted that indie sleaze was more community-driven than later internet-based trends.
Several key artists have made notable returns in 2022: Arctic Monkeys headlined Reading and Leeds festivals, Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their first album since 2013, The Libertines celebrated their debut album's 20th anniversary at Wembley, and Jamie T achieved his first UK number one album.
While some question whether the revival is a genuine cultural shift or a fleeting social media phenomenon, the playlist offers a chance to revisit the era's music. Listeners can enjoy Olivia's New Year's Eve house party mix on BBC Sounds.
