Why do many indie bands come out strong then weaken?

Question

Many, many awesome indie bands come and go. Their first album is creative, resonates, is original, and can be loved over and over again.

Now this isn't a case of "sophmore slump," but has the same ingredients.

Bands like The Vines, The Stills, Elefant, VHS or Beta, Ambulance LTD, The Futureheads, The Strokes, Architecture in Helsinki, Aqueduct, Hanalei, Snow Patrol, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Stellastarr* are all examples where the second album was not nearly as good and didn't live up to the hype.

Tell me why without giving me some "sophmore slump" cop-out answer.

Answer 1

My opinion. 2 Things.

They have time to be creative on their original album. They sometimes take years. Once they hit it they have to create something immediately to keep it rolling.

Sometimes the reason they hit it big is because they offer something different. Once they have presented it, it is no longer different i.e. not as strong.

Answer 2

Ok, I like this question. but me and you disagree on a few things.

The reason why it seems so many bands are slumping is the internet. it doesn't take much to get your name out there anymore. All you need as a cable modem and a Myspace page. It wasn't always, Stills, or VHS, but I do not get music off the computer, generally. I like all the original indie bands. I don't really like a lot of these new bands. With the exception of Animal Collective, Deerhunter, Caribou, Fiery Furnaces, Band of Horses and a handful of others.

The Vines, Clap Your Hands!. Snow Patrol. and the Strokes especially never really put out anything impressive. I mean Clap's first lp has some solid stuff on it, but it now it sounds like sht.

I still like the Futureheads. There are a lot of Indie Bands out there that have "made it" in my mind. Many indie bands throughout history have also made it, producing album after album of good stuff. The Fall, Of Montreal (recent success), Pavement, Joy Division, the list goes on. So just because these bands you mention (who are all riding the oh-so-popular indie train in my opinion) have come out with garbage on their second tries doesn't mean every new band is subject to the same fate.

Answer 3

That goes for most 'mainstream' bands as well (think: One-hit wonders, most of whom are signed by major lables).

So it's not just indie bands.