Grupites

Grupites are a subgenre of music often associated with psychedelic rock and garage rock from the 1960s and 1970s. The term itself is a portmanteau, combining "group" and "groupie," suggesting a connection to the fan culture surrounding bands. Grupites typically feature raw, often distorted guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section, and a vocal style that can range from anthemic to raw and unpolished. Lyrically, themes might explore youthful rebellion, social commentary, or abstract, often surreal imagery. The sound is characterized by its lo-fi aesthetic and a sense of uninhibited energy, often reflecting the experimental and countercultural spirit of the era. While not a formally defined genre with strict rules, "grupites" describes a particular sonic and thematic sensibility found in many underground and independent music scenes. It emphasizes an authentic, sometimes unrefined, approach to rock music that prioritizes spontaneity and a connection to the listener. The term is sometimes used to describe bands whose music evokes this particular sound, even if they are not from the original era.