At times, we all grow tired of endlessly replaying the same songs from the same chart-topping artists. From indie-rock to punk, these bands will bring refreshing new melodies to your playlist, and have established themselves as emerging British bands to keep an eye on.
second thoughts is an indie-rock band originating from Hertfordshire, established in 2018 when they met in a GCSE music class. The band is comprised of singing guitarists Ben Campbell and Jude McCreath, drummer David Addison and bass guitarist Clara Freeman-Taylor. second thoughts initially brought a pop-inspired sound to their 2021 EP 鈥渟tay hydrated鈥� before transitioning to more alternative and indie-style music, as seen in their EP 鈥渘icotine stains鈥� which was released Jan. 19, 2022.聽
During the summer, the band performed at their sold-out Manchester Academy show, opened by alternative rock band . The following April, second thoughts released their latest EP 鈥渇luke.鈥� The EP contains 鈥渟omebody to talk about,鈥� a song that skillfully tackles the topic of not caring what people think about you and gaining self-confidence. The tune oozes themes of coming-of-age, with upbeat instrumentation and lyrics unbothered in nature. If you鈥檙e looking for some indie tunes on a relaxed Sunday afternoon, 鈥渇luke鈥� is definitely the place to start.聽聽聽
Based in Nottingham, the Cucamaras are synonymous with the indie punk sound. Formed by vocalists Olly Bowley and Josh Hart, bassist Dan McGrath and drummer Joe Newton, the band has cultivated a following of almost 9,500 monthly listeners, according to . Their musical journey began in 2019, initially playing indie songs and performing around Nottingham.聽
Their debut EP 鈥淯ntil the Meter Runs Out鈥� showcases the band鈥檚 punchy indie-rock sound, blending big hooks with immense riffs. The pandemic served as an opportunity for the band to reinvent themselves, adding a wiry edge to their sound and lyrics that delve into more philosophical topics, according to . Their lead single, 鈥淒eath Of The Social,鈥� reflects this change 鈥� an intense and energetic post-punk track. The song tackles the downsides of technology and societal divides within the concise span of a three-minute punk track. According to , the band is set to perform live in Birmingham, Leicester and Manchester in the coming months.聽
After securing one of So Young Magazine鈥檚 tracks of the year with 鈥淩eno鈥� and receiving an NME 100 Bands to Watch award, as mentioned in , Eades is unquestionably the top choice for those seeking soulful indie tunes. The five-piece spent 2022 on an extensive tour across the U.K. and Europe, showcasing their debut album 鈥淒elusion Spree鈥� and amassing a following of well over 3,000 monthly listeners, according to .
The band鈥檚 widely acclaimed track, 鈥淩eno,鈥� follows the story of a sociopathic arsonist, covering the journey from arrest to court case. Impressively, the band handled the entire process of writing, recording and mixing the hit in their recording space at Bam Bam Studios in Leeds.聽
Marking their continued success, 鈥淩eno (Pt. 2)鈥� was released March 22, coinciding with Eades鈥� sold-out headline U.K. tour alongside rock band Wunderhorse. For those who love infectious melodies, their tracks play like the soundtrack to an indie Brit flick in all the right ways.
Looping drum beats, anxious vocals and a formidable guitar start as the foundations for a Beige Banquet track. The London-based indie-punk band started in 2020, initially as a one-man show. Vocalist and guitarist Tom Brierly produced Beige Banquet鈥檚 debut album 鈥淏eta鈥� in his makeshift bedroom studio in 2021.聽
Soon after, the band expanded into a five-piece with the additions of drummer Ian Crafter, singing guitarist Joe Munsey, bassist Danny Gilies and Blake Carlson-Joshua who handles percussion, synthesizers and vocals. They spent the next two years touring around Europe, transforming their experimental recordings into electrifying live shows.聽
According to , the band is scheduled to release their second album, and first as a full band, in early 2024. For those seeking punk music with an edgy, unapologetic vibe, Beige Banquet does exactly that.聽聽
CVC, or Church Village Collective in full, named their band after the Welsh town they come from. CVC is known for its riffs, rich three-part harmonies and tight beats, all tied together with their distinctive 1960s fashion sense.聽
The six-piece鈥檚 debut album 鈥淕et Real,鈥� produced by the band and mixed by former Arctic Monkeys member Ross Orton, is an enticing blend of psych-pop melodies made for open-air performances at sundown. The album notably earned a nomination for the 鈥淲elsh Music Prize鈥� and was also recognized by NME, The Times and The Guardian, as evident from their marking the release of 鈥淕et Real.鈥� With compelling and energizing tracks, CVC is undoubtedly a band worthy of securing a spot on your playlist.
