Dexter and The Moonrocks

The Texas outfit Dexter and the Moonrocks blend songwriting steeped in country traditions with heavy grunge guitar riffs and alternative rock melodies. Their breakthrough came unexpectedly through the track "Couch," a somber and eerie number that formed the core of their first self-named EP issued toward the end of 2021. In the following couple of years, extensive touring helped expand their audience, leading to a recording deal with Severance Records based in Nashville. Drawing from terminology popular among supporters, the group named their initial release for the label Western Space Grunge EP, which came out in 2024.

The band originated in Abilene, Texas, and consists of vocalist and guitarist James Tuffs, guitarist Ryan Anderson, bassist Ty Anderson, plus drummer Ryan Fox. At first pursuing a direct country approach, the addition of grunge and alt-rock influences from the 1990s proved transformative for their sound. Released as their first single in August 2021, "Couch" featured a shadowy atmosphere and deliberate, grunge-tinged rhythm that unexpectedly gained traction. It accumulated millions of streams and was featured on the self-titled EP put out later in the year, after which the group embarked on live performances. In 2022, they followed up with the dark-toned "Kate McCannon," some demo recordings, and the energetic "Devil Like Me."

National recognition by 2023 secured their signing to Severance, a fresh rock-focused division under Big Loud Records in Nashville. As the label's first act signed, they put out tracks such as "Bird and the Bees" and "She Likes Girls" before the Western Space Grunge EP appeared in July 2024.