The Roaring 20s
If you are to believe music critics in the UK. Guitar Music is dead, and it has been for years.
I’ve written about this subject before, however I have been listening to a lot of “newer music” recently. Mainly after the release of the new brilliant Fontaines DC song “Starburster.” and it got me thinking, of the bands that have really come into their own over the last few years.
There’s a few. Fontaines DC are onto their fourth album cycle. In that time they’ve experimented to great effect, from their punk roots, to Britpop tinged songs and with “Starburster” they’ve dipped into electronic and hip hop influences. Never afraid to stand still, constantly wanting to improve and innovate their sound and image.
A band of extremely talented musicians, and a distinct frontman, Fontaines DC have already become a UK festival staple, and with the announcement of their latest tour have made the jump into arenas. Just on example of a band who have emerged in the last few years who have made an impact. Five lads who are extremely proud of where they have come from and what they have become.
Another band who have really come into their own over the last few years. Is London outfit, Wolf Alice. First coming to our attention nearly 10 years ago in 2015 with a debut album “My Love is Cool” the announcement of their fourth album is imminent.
The bands last album “Blue Weekend” released in 2021, firmly cemented them as one of the countries very best bands. A mix of genres and styles. From the snarling punk of “Smile” to the more soulful “The Last Man on the Earth.” It’s a collection of brilliant, beautifully crafted songs.
Like Fontaines DC, they have become a staple on UK Festival lineups, and have begun making the jump into bigger venues. With each release they seem to be getting better “Blue Weekend” is the bands best album to date. I’m hoping that the band forthcoming fourth album. Continues that trend.
The next band is, a band I’ve spoken about a lot. Blossoms. The band I’ve seen the most live, a band I’ve watched grow. Four albums in and with a fifth record imminent.
A band from the shadow of Manchester. A city that has given the world Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Oasis. Stockport’s hometown heroes have given fans, some of the best indie songs of the 2010s and 2020s. From “Charlemagne” to “The Keeper.” Another band never afraid to change sound.
Taking influence from Oasis, ABBA, Paul Simon, Primal Scream, Talking Heads and everyone in between. To create a collection of very unique sounding songs. Blossoms have made the jump to arenas, and huge outdoor gigs. With this summers show in Wynthenshawe Park being the bands biggest to date.
As a band it’s hard not to love Blossoms, with everything they do, it’s five really close friends working together on things they are passionate on. Whether that be music, playing live or even their podcast. The Blossom’s “Pubcast” they always seem like they are having the best time.
Circa Waves often fly under the radar, when we talk about the new wave of British acts. Yet they remain ever present. Five albums in, and with a collection of indie bangers to rival any of the artists on this list.
They are one of this countries best live outfits and have become a main stay on festival line ups.
With a criminally underrated discography that all sounds different from indie disco classics like “T-Shirt Weather” to the snarling growl of “Wake Up” and the melancholic “Living in the Grey.”
A band who constantly evolve and are not afraid to write about sensitive subjects. Including men’s mental health. Circa Waves are one of the best bands in the UK right now.
The Last Dinner Party. Are a band that came to people’s attention last year. A band that are the new hottest thing.
Breaking down boundaries in both look and sound. Combining genres, and ideas to create a new brand of exciting guitar music.
Mixing ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, Opera with Classical music. To crate some of the best songs of recent memory. Lyrically the band reference the obscure, the historic and the mad.
The Last Dinner Party are just getting started but if there debut album is anything to go by, they’ll be around for a very long time. It’s a masterpiece.
Wunderhorse are another band that have only come to light recently. With 2022 debut “Cub” they emerged as one of Britains most exciting bands.
A real coming of age record, that sees front man Jacob Slater. Embrace a variety of genres and ideas. From punk to grunge, Bob Dylan to Joni Mitchell.
Wunderhorse are currently working on album number two. Recently touring with Declan McKenna and dropping the first effort from this forth coming second album. ‘Midas.’
Young Fathers have been an ever prescience since releasing their debut in 2013, and ten years ok they released ‘Heavy Heavy’ their best album to date.
A collection of beautifully crafted, pop songs that blend genres and sounds effortlessly. It's one of the best albums of recent memory.
They are a band that sound like nobody else. True pioneers and innovators. Making some of the very best music.
Jungle earnt there flowers at this years Brit Awards, winning ‘Best British Group’. They are another band who have been making brilliant music for a long time.
With catchy dancefloor fillers like ‘Keep Moving’ and ‘Back on 74’ and the brilliant anthem ‘Busy Earnin’.
Jungle have gone from strength to strength, becoming household names. Although not your stereotypical guitar band, they've dragged the indie kids with them. Those songs are great pieces of music and all of the success is warranted.
The old guard haven’t gone away though. Arctic Monkeys continued their experimentation with 2022’s ‘The Car’. Which saw them pick up where ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ left off.
A beautifully orchestrated affair, that contains some of the bands best work today. An album that showcases the best of the Arctic Monkeys. Where there’s something for new and old fans a like.
Along with the release of ‘The Car’ the band have made the jump into stadiums, it took them 7 albums and 17 years but it’s a jump that they’ve made with ease.
It’s been a huge few years for the band. They’ve proved to be the best band of their generation. Let's face it they always were.
The 1975 have had quite the decade to, with the release of two vastly different albums. 2020’s ‘Notes on a Conditional Form’ saw Matty Healy take a sledgehammer to his own ego, and him and his band try their hand at a variety of genres. From garage to metal.
A real eclectic record, that showed a band St their very best. 2022’s ‘Being Funny in Foreign Language’ is a very different affair. A collection of 80s pop bangers, that take from the greats of that era. Think Hall & Oates, Tears for Fears, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush.
It's the band at their pop best.
To support this record the band went on two sell out tours ‘At Their Very Best’ and ‘Still At Their Very Best’ a show that saw the band play a collection of their very best work. A gig that acted as more than a gig.
More of a performance, and a show. It's speculator. A real snapshot on what makes The 1975.
We even had a massive reunion in this decade. A Britpop band, would take to the stage and even give us a new album. Blur made a return in 2023.
Taking to the stage in some huge venues in Europe and Asia. Including two sell out dates at Wembley Stadium.
A new album also came in 2023. ‘The Ballad of Darren.’ A record that saw the band back at their best. It's got the magic of what makes Blur great, but is still a modern record. Set in 2023.
The album seems like the perfect Swan song for one of Britain's very best bands.
It's been quite a ride, and I can imagine that the rest of 2024 will bring us more. The Libertines are back. Liam Gallagher hits the road on Definitely Maybe anniversary tour. Pulp are still touring. We've got new albums on the way.
It's an exciting time to be a music fan.