Best fictional bands

Lemonade Mouth

The titular band in the Disney Channel original movie “Lemonade Mouth” is one of the best fictional bands ever, and the world should be thankful.

In the movie “Lemonade Mouth,” five students at Mesa High School are given detention for various reasons, reasons the viewer is meant to see as unfair. This brings them together under the supervision of a music teacher whose program has been moved to the school’s basement to make room for a new gymnasium.

When the teacher leaves, the students start playing instruments and singing. They then agree to form a band to oppose the band of some of the more popular kids at school.

Children everywhere sang the fictional band’s songs like “Determinate” and “Breakthrough” after the movie was released. The movie’s soundtrack peaked at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200.

The story tackled themes of standing up for what you believe in and self-expression and tied them together with catchy songs and a likable cast including Bridgit Mendler and Naomi Scott. – Izzy Charboneau

Izzy Charboneau is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ijc5186@psu.edu.

Sex Bob-Omb

When it comes to fictional bands, Sex Bob-Omb from “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” is one of the greatest. In the film, they are an alternative and indie rock band who capture the spirit of youthful rebellion and reckless passion.

Many of their songs are bass, guitar and drum heavy, providing an energetic listening experience. Tracks such as “Garbage Truck” and “We Are Sex Bob-Omb” have strained and subdued vocals that enhance the atmosphere in a subtle yet powerful way.

On the other hand, the band’s best song “Ramona” is deeply soulful and melodic, with soft harmonies emphasizing the vulnerability and longing one has for a person. The repetition of Ramona’s name makes her presence in the track feel all-encompassing with an almost hypnotic effect.

The music that the group creates also matches Scott Pilgrim’s character arcs as his relationship with Ramona Flowers progresses.

Ultimately, Sex Bob-Omb captures the essence of indie rock and the messy beauty of youth, making their music a unique and memorable listening experience. - Allison Curley

Allison Curley is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email amc9204@psu.edu.

Best Fictional Bands: The Hex Girls

In the sea of dozens of TV shows and films comprising the Scooby-Doo franchise, the gothic and captivating women of The Hex Girls continue to be three of its most memorable characters.

Making their first appearance in the 1999 direct-to-video film, Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost, these self-described eco-goths adopt vampire aesthetics as they sing catchy rock songs about casting spells on meek men as well as their love of Mother Nature.

They were a hit amongst audiences. They were so beloved in this movie that they would be brought back multiple times for future Scooby-Doo titles.

This group was likely the start of many Gen Z viewers’ love for alternative music. If The Hex Girls were a real band, they would be put on playlists right next to legendary female-led rock groups like Paramore and Evanescence.

Simply put, they’re an iconic trio from an iconic franchise. They would also make for an iconic Halloween group costume. - Megan Schmotzer

Megan Schmotzer is a third-year majoring in media studies. To contact her, email mls7350@psu.edu.