You’re in the kitchen, and you hear it. That specific, lo-fi drum fill. The idiosyncratic, almost-lazy vocal delivery of Stephen Malkmus. It’s "Gold Soundz." Your brain immediately goes to a basement apartment, a flannel shirt you eventually lost in a move, and the smell of clove cigarettes.

But it’s 2025. And the sound isn't coming from your old CD player; it’s coming from your 15-year-old’s phone.

In the world of digital wellness, we spend a lot of time worrying about "brain rot" content—those hyper-stimulating, neon-colored YouTube shorts that feel like a slot machine for the brain. But lately, there’s been a shift. Teens are digging into the "slacker rock" archives, and Pavement is leading the charge.

This isn't just a random fluke. It’s a fascinating look at how the TikTok and Spotify algorithms are acting as the new "cool older brother" who used to hand you a mixtape.

For the uninitiated (or those who were too busy listening to Nirvana in the 90s to notice the indie scene), Pavement was the quintessential "slacker rock" band. They were messy, intellectual, ironic, and famously appeared like they didn't care about being famous.

Their 1994 album Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain featured "Gold Soundz," a song often cited by critics as the best track of the 90s. It’s nostalgic, slightly nonsensical, and perfectly captures the feeling of being young and a little bit lost.

Check out our guide on why 90s indie rock is trending again

If you ask a teen why they’re listening to a band that peaked thirty years ago, they’ll probably mention the "vibe." But there are deeper digital forces at play:

This trend is a great example of Algorithmic Serendipity. Usually, we talk about algorithms as a negative—pushing kids toward more extreme content or keeping them in an echo chamber. But here, the algorithm is performing a cultural service. It’s introducing kids to music with actual depth, history, and instrumental complexity.

It’s also a bridge. Music is one of the few areas where the "generation gap" is actually closing. Your kid might not understand your Facebook habits, and you might not understand Skibidi Toilet, but you can both agree that the hook in "Gold Soundz" is incredible.

If your teen has started building a "90s Indie" playlist, here is some media to help them (and you) lean into the discovery:

She is essentially the modern torchbearer for this sound. Her music is heavily influenced by 90s female-led indie rock. It’s melodic, moody, and very "Pinterest-core." Ages 12+

While the show is definitely for older teens and adults due to the stress levels and language, the soundtrack is a masterclass in 90s and 2000s "dad rock" and indie. If your teen is 16+, watching this (and discussing the soundtrack) is a great bonding moment. Ages 16+

The Zoë Kravitz-led series (sadly canceled after one season, but still great) is all about the obsession with vinyl and "curating" a life through music. It’s a perfect companion for a teen who has suddenly decided they need a record player. Ages 15+

Pavement often acts as a gateway drug to "Midwest Emo"—bands like American Football. It’s the natural next step for a kid who likes jangly guitars and sad lyrics.

Ask our chatbot for a playlist of bands like Pavement for my teen

Pavement and the broader "slacker rock" genre are generally "safe" for teens. You aren't going to find the hyper-sexualized imagery of modern pop or the aggressive posturing of some drill rap. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Don't lead with "I listened to this before you were born." That is the fastest way to make the music uncool.

Instead, try: "Oh, is this Pavement? I haven't heard this song in forever. Have you heard 'Range Life' yet?"

Let them be the "discoverer." If they think they’ve found a hidden gem from the 90s, let them have that win. You can even use it as an excuse to go to a local record store. Buying a physical copy of Slanted and Enchanted is a much better "digital wellness" activity than spending another hour on Roblox.

The return of Pavement is a sign that teen digital culture isn't all "brain rot." The algorithms are surfacing high-quality, instrument-driven music that encourages a slower, more thoughtful kind of consumption.

If your teen is into "Gold Soundz," they are looking for something that feels authentic in a very "fake" digital world. That’s a healthy instinct. Support it, share your old playlists (sparingly), and maybe—just maybe—don't tell them that you used to wear the exact same thrifted cardigan they just bought for $60.

Ask about the safety of other 90s bands my kid is listening to