Amongst a sea of generally terrible rap-based chart music, a deeper search is often needed to find some real gems making great music. Here's just a few to get you started.
The Orielles
This four-piece band from Halifax seamlessly mix disco grooves with indie-rock and even post-punk moments, making for songs as catchy as pop, but a feel much more grounded and varied. After releasing their first album, 'Silver Dollar Moment', in 2018, the always difficult sequel followed earlier this year, delivering great tracks all the way through. The album, entitled 'Disco Volador', picks up where the first left off, adding moments of spaced-out psychedelia to indie guitar riffs and bass lines.
Top tracks: Bobbi's Second World, Come Down on Jupiter, Just Like Glue
2. Fontaines D.C.
Following from their Mercury award-nominated album 'Dogrel', Fontaines will release their second album 'A Hero's Death' later this month. The Irish band have become the face of post-punk, joining the likes of Parquet Courts in presenting a refined, modern version of classic, late-70s punk philosophy. If 'Dogrel' and the pre-released singles for this new album are anything to go by, we should be in for another treat.
Top Tracks: Boys In The Better Land, Too Real, Liberty Belle
3. Afflecks Palace
If you're into the Madchester scene of the 90's, especially the Stone Roses, then these lads are right up your street. Dubbed the birth of Nu-Madchester, the band only formed last year and has already released two singles and an EP. Smooth vocals and classic indie guitar riffs make Afflecks Palace very easy on the ear, and make them a likely candidate for making it right to the top of the industry. I can definitely hear Manchester United fans singing "I feel alive under crimson skies" before games at Old Trafford in years to come.
Top Tracks: Forever Young, Pink Skies, We Can Be the Avalanche
4. The Mysterines
Classic, pure guitar-based rock is difficult to come by these days. The Mysterines are one of the few I've heard who do it well. Hailing from Liverpool, the trio are a real throwback to when rock dominated the industry, with all aspects of their music reminiscent of those days, from vocals all the way to drums. Lead singer Lia Metcalfe, for her part, has to be up there with the likes of Suzi Quatro and Chrissie Hynde for the best female rock vocals I've ever heard.
Top Tracks: Take Control, Hormone, Love's Not Enough
5. Spacetoast
Not only does this little four-piece band from Leicester win the best band name in recent memory hands down, they back it up with varied music centred around indie-rock guitar riffs. Drifting from more hardcore rock sounds like that of 'Truncheon-25' into the indie vibes of 'Hate You', the diverse sounds of the band are connected by gritty punk vocals throughout.
Top Tracks: Hate You, Stranger, Truncheon-25
6. The Estevans
Another band keeping the British rock scene alive is Guildford's The Estevans, who add raw vocals to rock accompaniments similar to that of rock revival legends The Strokes and The Libertines. Currently with only three of their singles on Spotify, this primarily live band will hopefully put together an album as soon as possible. British rock will be all the better for it.
Top Tracks: Wrong Idea, 2 Minutes from the Lincoln
7. Sports Team
After a few years of live gigs and only a few released singles, Sports Team finally released their brilliant debut album 'Deep Down Happy' last month. With their seemingly never-ending lyrical genius and superb indie guitar riffs, the six-piece band have set a course right to the very top. Any Brit who listens to their music won't be able to help cracking a smile at the band's reflections on everyday life in the UK.
Top Tracks: Here's The Thing, Camel Crew, Lander
s/o to Dayglow as well. Nice stuff bro :)))