With so many upcoming bands it’s hard to filter through and decide who to listen to. Here’s some underrated indie/alternative bands who are extremely talented and need to be added to your playlist!
The Leeds band L’objectif know how to craft intoxicating guitar tracks, perfect for live events. Formed in 2017, they’ve released 2 EPs, the most recent 2024’s ‘The Left Side.’ Gaining critical acclaim from BBC, NME, Radio X and more, the EP presents lead singer Saul Kane’s elegant vocals that switch from gentle to passionate track by track. ‘The Dance You Sell’ is a fan favourite, always causing an eruption of excitement in the crowd when played live.
Room D are an Indie rock band from Manchester who use polished yet untamed guitar riffs alongside confident vocals. The group remind me of classic indie festival bands like The Kooks. Currently, they’ve only released singles but they are vibrant and free, showing huge potential. Room D’s newest track ‘Summertime 2009’ showcases their uplifting power and talent.
‘Bliss’ was the first song I heard by the Liverpool-based SPINN and is still my favourite of their tracks. Opening with floaty guitar riffs and relaxed drumming, lead singer Johnny Quinn’s delicate and inviting vocals soon kick in. SPINN’s latest single ‘I Would Call You (But I Never Know What To Say)’ shows they are still bubbling with potential. The unique track opens with exiting, almost synth like sounds. Quinn’s vocals are deeper and more powerful than in some past tracks and have fans twitching waiting for what’s to come next.
Taking influence from Soul, R&B and Indie, Barstaff are crafting feel-good, bedroom-pop songs. The Wigan born band have been playing festival and headline shows while drip feeding new music with two tracks released so far this year. The group have a big focus on having fun. They are full of charisma, known for doing funny things at gigs like going to the bar to get a drink while performing.
The Empire Police are a four piece from Lancashire who are readying up for a hometown show this year in Preston before a show in Manchester. Ethereal guitar and urgent vocals make ‘Like They Do’ a must listen track. The groups talent never ends, their most recent single ‘The Human Condition’ is fun with harsh but genuine vocals. Nearing the end of the track, lead singer Jordao Bassa’s vocals become shouty and bloodthirsty with rampaging guitar.
Began by two brothers, The Kites are a band to keep an eye on. The lead singer is particularly noticeable with addictive, striking vocals that match with the groups commanding guitar riffs. The bands latest release of February 2024 ‘Hello,’ is punchy and dynamic. It will definitely be one to get crowds adrenalized at their future gigs.
With recognition from BBC and GIGSANDTOURS for their incredible stage presence and ability to keep crowds absorbed at festivals, The Zangwill’s are a thrilling band from Cheshire. Focusing on striking, animated guitar behind very assertive, edgy vocals, they are lively and bursting with talent.
Dead Nature is Liverpool based Tarek Musa’s project. He is a producer, mixer and artist with a compelling DIY style. With an instantly recognisable, intense and downbeat yet passionate voice, Dead Nature’s music has often been compared too The War On Drugs. The 2023 EP ‘freaks like us’ unveils deep, raw guitar riffs, especially in the title track where they feel light yet haunting at once.
Appearing at big festivals this summer including Tramlines, Bedroom High Club have released two indie pop EPs. Their second EP ‘Above The Belt’ is home to my favourite track ‘We Don’t Talk,’ Incorporating turbulent, unrestrained vocals and merciless guitar the track is ruthless.
Lastly, Chappaqua Wrestling deserve so much hype for their guitar-heavy tracks. ‘The Rift’ is powerful with heated, raging guitar similar to The Night Café or Pixies but even more vigorous. It explodes with soul-stirring emotion. With lots of different styles and feelings across their discography, other tracks like ‘is she happy turning on her side’ are much brighter and softer but still carry energetic vocals.
