As the winter drags on, the malaise often spreads to the music we listen to. If you’re tired of the radio and have overplayed your favorite new bands of 2017, then it’s time to check out some promising talent from the UK. Here’s our list of young indie musicians from across the pond to watch in 2018.
Sam Fender
With biting wit that is half-hidden under radio-friendly veneer, Sam Fender is the perfect young person for this juncture of the 21st century. He sings about fake news, sexual harassment, government surveillance and the concept of the Millenial. His music was originally recorded in his garden shed, but the 21-year old has already been mixed by Barny Barnicott from the Arctic Monkeys.
Isaac Gracie
Isaac Grace took the music world by surprise with his debut EP, “Songs from My Bedroom,” released in 2016. His follow-up, “The Death of You and I” is clearly heavily indebted to Jeff Buckley. Grace has said Buckley is his idol “I have to tiptoe around him because he’s my man.”
The Magic Gang
The Magic Gang are a rollicking power-pop band in the tradition of Weezer, with driving guitars and strong melodies. The Brighton band is known for their blistering live shows. After releasing several singles, the band has now announced its first album, which will officially drop on March 16.
Pale Waves
Pale Waves consists of goth-pop made by two goth girls and two skinny boys, with an assist from The 1975. The Mancunian four-piece spins perfectly crafted pop songs, which saw them named fifth on the BBC’s Sound of 2018 poll. Their sound will be your new musical crush.
Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi has accomplished a lot at just age 21. His single “Bruises” racked up over 13 million plays in just a few months. His music was honed in the pubs of Scotland, where he started playing live at nine years old. His folk music has taken the world by storm. His debut album, “Bloom,” features two more acoustic gems, “Fade” and “Lost On You.”
Brooke Bentham
London singer Brooke Bentham is jus 21 and released an EP, “The Room Swayed,” that won her instant fans in 2017. She got plenty of attention for her single, “Losing Baby” last October. The song is described as “the alternative ending to Dirty Dancing – Baby was put in a corner and now she’s back to drag everyone into her grotesque nightmare.”
Ginger Snaps
Hailing from Northampton, Ginger Snaps had their first record in 2015, “Paranoid.” The pop newcomers have plenty of rap and hip-hop, but it’s definitely a quirky version of today’s pop music. Their melodic new hit, “Number Crunching” has earned them a bi following.