Simply put, Alternative Rock is an umbrella term for any sub-genre of music that pushes the borders of traditional rock.Whether it’s the D.I.Y. mindset of Punk Rock (The Clash, Social Distortion), techno-tinged Indie Rock (Bloc Party, MGMT ), or brash and fuzzy Grunge Rock (Nirvana, Pearl Jam), it all falls under the mighty Alternative Rock genre. All that is required is that you turn it up real loud.