Introducing 3rd Secret – The New Grunge Supergroup
The grunge scene of the early 90s in Seattle produced some of the most iconic alternative rock bands in history, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. Now decades later, a surprising new supergroup has emerged to revive that classic grunge sound.
3rd Secret features The Pretty Reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsen on vocals, Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready. This unexpected gathering of grunge royalty came together through their shared love of the early 90s Seattle scene.
Despite their fame from their original bands, they bonded over feeling like outsiders and wanting to recapture the magic of grunge’s heyday. During jam sessions, their chemistry was undeniable. 3rd Secret was born organically from these veteran rockers desire to pay homage to their musical roots.
Fans can expect a spirit true to grunge, but with a modern flair. Between Momsen’s unique vocals, Cameron’s thunderous drums, Novoselic’s driving bass, and McCready’s wailing guitar, 3rd Secret brings together the elite of alt-rock to forge a new sound. The potential and excitement surrounding this band is palpable.
The Surprise Release of 3rd Secret’s Debut Album
Fans were shocked when 3rd Secret unexpectedly dropped their self-titled debut album in late 2022 with virtually no advance promotion or singles. The band opted for a surprise release strategy, dropping the album suddenly on streaming services to immediate buzz.
The 10-track album showcases 3rd Secret’s raw, high-energy take on grunge and alternative rock. Songs like "Gift from Above" and "Halo" reveal the band’s diverse influences, blending the gritty guitars of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden with the vocal prowess of The Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen. Critics have called out the driving basslines and drums on tracks like "Bleed Me Dry" along with Momsen’s range from ethereal crooning to full-on rock wailing.
While the album as a whole maintains a neo-grunge vibe, standout tracks like "Going Nowhere" and the title track "3rd Secret" take the sound in a more psychedelic direction. The band has cited Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, and even Black Sabbath as influences on their trippy, hard-hitting songwriting.
By opting for a surprise release, 3rd Secret has bucked the trend of prolonged album rollouts, instead dropping a polished, cohesive album for fans to discover and share organically. The buzz around the unconventional release has only heightened anticipation for the band’s upcoming tour and future output.
Analyzing 3rd Secret’s Hit Single "Gift From Above"
"Gift From Above" has quickly become 3rd Secret’s signature hit single, showcasing the band’s hard-hitting neo-grunge sound. The song opens with a driving distorted guitar riff before launching into an explosive chorus highlighted by Taylor Momsen’s powerful raspy vocals.
Lyrically, "Gift From Above" has a dark, introspective tone as Momsen contemplates feeling lost and searching for meaning. Lines like "Fallen angel, where’s your glow? The gift from above, where did it go?" touch on themes of disillusionment and seeking purpose. The angst-filled lyrics match the song’s heavy grunge-inspired musicality.
In terms of composition, "Gift From Above" features layers of overdriven guitar and bass underscoring Momsen’s dynamic vocal performance. Matt Cameron’s pounding drum grooves provide a foundation for the track’s mix of crunchy riffs and ethereal vocal melodies in the chorus. Momsen’s raw vocal delivery gives the track an authentic grunge edge.
The song’s music video also embraces a dark visual aesthetic with its dim lighting and imagery of the band performing amidst clouds of smoke. The video amplifies the song’s mystical and introspective vibe. Overall, "Gift from Above" showcases 3rd Secret merging vintage grunge sensibilities with a modern sheen, resulting in an instantly memorable alt-rock anthem.
"Gift From Above" has become a viral hit, racking up millions of streams in a short timeframe. Critics have praised the single as a powerful introduction to 3rd Secret’s signature sound, with many drawing comparisons to the best of 90s grunge. The song clearly connects with fans longing for a revival of the gritty, guitar-driven grunge era. With its critical and commercial success, "Gift From Above" has cemented itself as 3rd Secret’s breakthrough debut single.
3rd Secret’s Neo-Grunge Sound
3rd Secret brings a fresh, modern edge to the classic grunge sound of the 90s Seattle scene. While paying homage to their influences, the band avoids simply recreating the past. Instead, they take the raw intensity of bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden and blend it seamlessly with contemporary alt-rock.
The thundering drums and distorted guitars are instantly recognizable as a nod to grunge’s heyday. However, 3rd Secret fuses this with more polished production and the soaring vocals of frontwoman Taylor Momsen. Her voice adds a new dimension, creating a neo-grunge sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Momsen has cited bands like Hole, Veruca Salt, and L7 as inspirations for her vocal style and 3rd Secret’s overall sound. The band embraces the feminist ethos and unapologetic attitude of riot grrrl, while still honoring their Seattle forebears. Songs like "Gift from Above" showcase 3rd Secret’s ability to bridge eras, blending a retro grunge riff with an anthemic, arena-ready chorus.
Matt Cameron’s pounding drums anchor the band, drawing from his experience in Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. And the band’s Nirvana connections add to their authenticity. Ultimately, 3rd Secret proves that grunge still has something to say, with their neo-grunge sound speaking to a new generation of disenchanted youth. The flannel may be gone, but the attitude remains.
The Band Members’ Seattle Music Scene Roots
The members of 3rd Secret all have deep roots in the iconic Seattle grunge scene that exploded in the 1990s. While the band itself is new, the musicians involved shaped and were shaped by the city that birthed bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains.
Drummer Matt Cameron is a Seattle native who started his music career playing in local bands like Skin Yard and Soundgarden. As Soundgarden’s drummer, he was an integral part of the early 90s grunge movement and helped forge the band’s heavy, guitar-driven sound. Even after Soundgarden broke up, Cameron continued drumming for Pearl Jam, further cementing his status as grunge royalty.
Guitarist Kim Thayil, another Seattle native, was a founding member of Soundgarden alongside Cameron. His fierce, aggressive guitar tones became a staple of the band’s songs and exemplified the dark, heavy grunge sound coming out of Seattle. Thayil’s innovative guitar techniques made him a standout of the scene.
While not native to Seattle, vocalist Taylor Momsen was shaped by the city’s musical legacy. Growing up, bands like Nirvana and Alice in Chains were major influences on her vocal style and songwriting. The raw, emotional intensity she brings to 3rd Secret’s music directly channels the Seattle grunge ethos.
Seattle’s rain-soaked streets, gritty rock venues and underground music community all shaped the members of 3rd Secret in their formative years. Their shared roots in the grunge scene link them sonically and attitudinally, as 3rd Secret aims to channel the spirit of Seattle into a new era.
Carrying the Grunge Torch Into a New Era
3rd Secret is bringing grunge music into the modern age with their fresh new take on the classic Seattle sound. While clearly influenced by 90s bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, 3rd Secret manages to make grunge feel current rather than dated.
Their music has all the hallmarks of grunge – the thick, distortion-heavy guitar riffs, angst-filled vocals, and hard-hitting drums. But 3rd Secret fuses these elements with modern production techniques and just enough pop sensibility to appeal to today’s listeners. The lyrics tackle contemporary issues with a distinctly Gen Z perspective.
Compared to the original grunge bands, 3rd Secret has a more polished studio sound. While remaining faithful to grunge’s garage rock roots, their recordings incorporate layered vocals, electronic textures, and big pop-inspired choruses. The production quality gives their music a contemporary edge.
At the same time, 3rd Secret stays true to the rebellious spirit and raw emotional intensity of 90s grunge. Frontwoman Taylor Momsen has cited Kurt Cobain as a major influence on her songwriting and vocals. She channels the same fragile rage that he brought to Nirvana. Meanwhile the band’s Seattle lineage shines through in their musical chemistry and song structures.
Overall, 3rd Secret manages to pay homage to their grunge forebears while also pushing the genre forward. Their music proves that grunge still has something vital to say in today’s musical landscape. 3rd Secret is keeping the grunge torch burning bright into the 2020s and beyond.
Critical Reception and Buzz Around 3rd Secret
3rd Secret has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both critics and fans since their surprise debut. Music critics have praised the band for their authentic revival of the classic grunge sound, with many calling it a breath of fresh air in today’s music landscape.
Fans have shown an outpouring of excitement for 3rd Secret across social media, with some calling them the "saviors of rock music." Their lead single "Gift from Above" immediately went viral, racking up millions of streams in the first week. Several live videos show crowds singing along word-for-word, demonstrating the instant connection 3rd Secret has made with listeners.
Perhaps the biggest sign of 3rd Secret’s impact so far was their recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Their high-energy performance of "Gift from Above" instantly became a viral moment, with fans raving about Taylor Momsen’s powerful vocals. Multiple media outlets declared 3rd Secret as one of the "best new bands of the year" after this breakout late-night debut.
It’s clear 3rd Secret has captured lightning in a bottle. Between their surprise album drop, hit single, and buzzworthy live performances, everything the band touches turns to gold. They’ve succeeded in bringing back a classic sound while also feeling fresh and exciting. The music world is already taking notice of 3rd Secret’s undeniable talent and potential. If their debut is any indication, this is just the beginning for one of rock’s most promising new bands.
3rd Secret’s Upcoming Tour Plans
3rd Secret has started announcing its first headlining tour dates and venues following the release of their debut album. The band is set to kick off a month-long North American tour in mid-April, hitting major markets like New York, Chicago, Toronto, and Los Angeles.
So far, eight tour dates have been revealed starting on April 14th at The Fillmore in San Francisco. Other notable stops include The Fonda Theatre in LA on April 20th and Terminal 5 in New York City on April 27th. Most shows appear to be at mid-sized rock clubs and theaters that hold between 1,000-3,000 people.
In an interview last week, lead singer Taylor Momsen expressed excitement about bringing the band’s high-energy live show to fans across the country. She promised the tour would capture the raw, gritty spirit of 3rd Secret’s music.
No opening acts have been announced yet for the April tour. But given 3rd Secret’s connections to major bands like Pearl Jam, there’s anticipation they may bring on some special guest openers. The band hinted at having "friends" join them at select shows.
With tickets set to go on sale next week, the upcoming tour is generating a lot of buzz among alt-rock fans. Demand is expected to be high to see this new supergroup bring the Seattle grunge spirit around North America.
What’s Next – New Music & Collaborations
3rd Secret has exciting things on the horizon following the release of their debut album. The band is already hard at work on new music, with plans to release a follow-up single or EP later this year.
While details are still scarce, 3rd Secret has hinted that they have recorded several additional songs during the sessions for their first album. Fans can likely expect to hear these new tracks rolled out over the coming months. Some music blogs have speculated that a full second studio album could arrive as soon as 2023.
On top of new original music, there have been rumors of 3rd Secret collaborating with some of their famous friends. Given the band members’ connections, collaboration with Pearl Jam or former Nirvana members seems plausible. However, nothing has been officially confirmed.
The most concrete details point to a new single expected in late 2022. 3rd Secret has posted snippets of an unreleased song on social media called "Down the Rabbit Hole." This suggests it could be the next single unveiled off their upcoming projects.
Whatever 3rd Secret has in store, it’s clear they are wasting no time building momentum. Their debut album is just the beginning, with lots more new music likely on the way very soon. The band seems intent on ushering in a new era of grunge, and fans are eagerly awaiting what they’ll deliver next.
The Future Looks Bright for 3rd Secret
3rd Secret has made quite the splash with their surprise debut album and hit single "Gift From Above." In just a short period of time, they’ve generated significant buzz and carved out a unique niche for themselves in the music world. With members hailing from grunge legends like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana, 3rd Secret is poised to carry on the legacy of the Seattle sound.
Based on the rave reviews and fan reception so far, the future looks very bright for this neo-grunge supergroup. Their upcoming tour is sure to attract big crowds eager to see the band perform live. We can likely expect more new music and high-profile collaborations as 3rd Secret continues to establish themselves. While they pay homage to the 90s grunge heyday, the band also brings an original and modern take on the genre. Lead singer Taylor Momsen’s vocals add a powerful female presence to the testosterone-fueled grunge of the past.
As 3rd Secret continues to thrive, they are proving that grunge still has a place in today’s musical landscape. By mixing nostalgia with fresh energy, they have found the perfect formula to revive grunge for a new generation. While remaining true to their Seattle roots, the band also represents the genre’s growth and evolution. The world is eager to hear what’s next from 3rd Secret as they cement their status as leaders of the neo-grunge movement. Their surprise emergence is just the beginning of what is sure to be an impactful and influential career.