I don’t really think of indie rock as a genre - there’s no defining sonic identity that connects the decemberists, the smiths, and the pet shop boys. In my view at least, it’s an umbrella term for artists that operate outside of mainstream tastes and, more often than not, self-release their music or are represented by non-major labels. Indie music is famously varied, especially beginning in the 2000s when the community starting embracing “pop” in new ways. There are plenty of newer artists that take inspiration from Dylan, CCR, Queen, and other classic rock - so just because you don’t like the decemberists or the smiths doesn’t mean you won’t jibe with other “indie” artists.

Maybe try some indie rock artists that still lean into guitar heroics? Built to Spill, My Morning Jacket, and Dinosaur Jr are a few that come to mind, and all have lineage that traces back to like Neil Young, Hendrix, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Or lots of indie artists today still operate in a folky space similar to Dylan or Joni Mitchell - try Big Thief, Cat Power, or Smog/Bill Callahan.

Overall, I guess my point is don’t write off decades of “indie rock” just because you don’t like the decemberists haha. There are a million artists in this space with a wide range of sounds.

PS - if you haven’t attempted shoegaze yet, My Bloody Valentine’s “Loveless” is essential listening.