It has been almost 4 months since I moved in Manchester, birthplace of Oasis, Stone Roses, The Smiths, New order and countless other artists who had enlightened the world to fine music and paved the path for subsequent generations of musicians. I’ve already come across a lot of “small” bands and artists in those four months, many of whom are from Manchester or other areas who perform in local pubs/live venues with capacity of 100 people. It was at that point that I realised how passionate people were about music, how well-educated they were in it, and why the UK is a leader in many genres of music.
The bands I’ve listed below as up and coming cover a wide range of rock and electronic-rock styles. I think at least one of them will appeal to you, and one or more of them may turn out to be the next Oasis who play on every radio station across the world.
Black doldrums
The Londoners Black Doldrums are the group that most amazed me. They are an excellent choice for fans of The Cure and Joy Division because they are a post-psychedelic, indie, rock band. Their work is distinguished by attention to detail, and there is no variation in the sound quality between their live performances and audio albums. The band’s members are: Sophie Landers on drum, Kevin Gibbard on guitar and vocals and Matthew Holt on bass. After releasing two LPs, their debut album, Dead awake, came out almost one year ago. They gave numerous performances across the UK, and their European tour is still going. They are one of the most promising bands right now because of their passion and professionalism in everything they do.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/blackdoldrums/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackDoldrums
Mr Matthew Fisher – The band
Mr. Mathew Fisher band is another up-and-coming group; they only recently put out a few tracks. The band is made up of young individuals (Mr. Mathew Fisher and his gang), all of them are incredibly talented and clearly enjoy music. Their young age is associated with their music because new generation bands have had a significant influence on it. They can interpret all the new wave elements in their own special way, though, and they produce complex indie-pop-rock futuristic music. Additionally distinctive are the lyrics’ combined social and humorous tone.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mr.matthewfisher/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.matthewfisher1769
Scott Hepple and The Sun Band
I hadn’t seen a band with such a distinctive personality in a while. I felt as though I had travelled back in time. Scott Hepple and The Sun Band is a group that can be described as pure rock’n’roll and reminded me of contemporary The Beatles. Even though their debut song has just been out for three months, I can already predict that all their next releases will be just as impressive as or even better after seeing them perform other songs live. A successful strategy to instantly attract the audience is the combination of positive energy and passion with vocal skill and the solos that had been played independently.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/scotthepplemusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scotthepplemusic/
Hey Bulldog
Even though Hey Bulldog has been performing for ten years, they haven’t received the recognition they deserve. They are a remarkable trio who play original, memorable riffs. Their sound is a wonderful blend of rock ‘n’ roll, punk, pop, and indie, and it made feel like I’m listening at nirvana and the Stone Roses at the same time. Outstanding solos and captivating rhythmic variations in each of their tunes retain the listener’s attention throughout the entire song. Ben plays the drums, Matt the bass, and Rob sings and plays the guitar. Together, these three excellent musicians deliver a memorable live performance.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/heybulldogmusic/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@heybulldogmusic
Corvus and the morning star
A band called Corvus and the Morning Star was formed three years ago, but owing to the pandemic, they were unable to play or record their music. Their debut album, which is being promoted through live performances throughout the UK, is now being recorded, according to their official website. There is nothing more interacting than what anyone could wish for than what I witnessed at one of those shows: a really pleasant band inviting random audience members to temporarily join the band by playing the tambourine. They claim to be influenced by the Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Jesus and Mary Chain, but I also discovered some similarities with Alla-las.
Instagram page : https://www.instagram.com/catmsband/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPb9Q-jTuLDhLG38bXFv2Yg
Ombudsmen
We may infer what the band is about from the moniker “Ombudsmen” alone. An alternative theme band that performs with an almost theatrical way and intensely sarcastic character. The singer never grins or reacts, and the guitarist, a typical punk figure, moves as if no one is watching. Independent/psy rock with electronic elements and a distinctive concept. Ombudsmen just have one album in their discography, but it’s packed with novel ideas and songs with a variety of musical and vocal arrangements that keep the listeners engaged. The most representative piece of their music to get to know the band is called “Shifting Sand”.
Instagram page : https://www.instagram.com/ombudsmenuk/
Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwv8k3AJsKwDB5qlYT02iGQ
Scott Lavene
One man band. Given his popularity among listeners of this genre of music, Scott Lavene may not require an introduction to many of you. He was unfamiliar to me as a foreigner, but I believe he is the ideal person to represent Britain since he combines musical brilliance with a uniquely British sense of humour. When only one man is responsible for them all, an electric guitar, keyboards, a very practised voice, and great intelligence are more than enough to impress. His music has an unusual blend of Tenacious D and fun-loving criminals in it. His lyrics and sense of humour are unfiltered and always on point, and he covers a wide range of subjects, commenting on social and political issues as well as his own experiences.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/scottlavene/
Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWRsNsaS79SIlfd3oMJJX5A
Springfield elementary
Springfield Elementary is another excellent band.I would describe them as a finesse punk, with lots of 1960s and 1970s influences that have been modernised. Billy Goodwin on vocals and second guitar, Brad Lewis on basic guitar, Liam Moffatt on bass, and Chris Tomkinson on drums make up Springfield Elementary. The band has been around for roughly 4 years, and their hit song “Ready Salted Psychopath” may be used to describe them and their approach to music.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/springfieldelementarymcr/
Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@springfieldelementary7171
- [Slab]
The best post-rock group! A fusion of psychedelic, hard, and classic rock. Excellent extended solos and melodies that are enjoyable to listen to repeatedly. Outstanding musicians who deliver soulful live performances. Tom on guitar and partially vocals (since most of the songs are only music with a few having lines), Paul on bass, and the phenomenal Lianne on drums, always offer their best efforts and all of their musical expertise is evident in both their recorded music and live performances.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/slabisthree/
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@slab5748
Bedroom vacation
Bedroom Vacation defies classification. We can tell that the band is about an aesthetically pleasing creative group that incorporates rock’n’roll, indie, psy, and punk rock from the EPs that have been published so far. Some of their songs have brief instances of one musical genre, but the majority of occasions, they combine several. They clearly put in a lot of work and pay close attention to details, and they adequately decided where to include electronic sound effects that provide a touch of modernity while maintaining a classic rock tone.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/bedroomvacationband/
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWxX9cQTy3T_FxhpL_DqT4w/featured
The KVB
Last but not least, KVB is a duo that probably doesn’t need introduction given their successful ten-year career, but it should be highlighted for anyone who are unfamiliar with them. KVB is a wholly electronic band, and I first became aware of them when they opened a gig for Editors earlier this year. For fans of electronic music and electronic rock, such as Editors and Depeche Mode, this is the perfect option. Keyboards and vocals by Kat Day and guitar, electronic drums and vocals by Nicholas Wood combine to produce an atmospheric rock sound that may undoubtedly cause the audience to soar.
Instagram page : https://www.instagram.com/thekvb/
Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@TheKVBmusic
(All pics shot by me)
