Scientists of Sound - sos-MUSIC

Live Review: Courteeners, Cardiff Utilita Arena 7 November 2026

2026-11-09T12:48:55.452+00:00

Liam Fray of Courteeners, Cardiff Utilita Arena 2026

Few bands have soundtracked as much of my life over the last 20 years as Manchester’s Courteeners. Through breakups, turbulent moments and the many highs and lows that come with growing up, they’ve remained a constant. Celebrating their 20th year as a band therefore felt like a fitting full circle moment as they returned to Cardiff’s Utilita Arena, in support of their recently released career spanning best of compilation.

With the capital already bustling following an earlier Wales rugby match, the usual sea of supporters flocked into the city, any many in to the show too as the atmosphere continued to scintillate. Inside, and anticipation quickly turned into something altogether louder as the opening notes of Are You in Love with a Notion? and Cavorting sent fans straight down memory lane. Two tracks that have defined the band’s early years, and now served as an immediate reminder of just how enduring those first records remain.

The momentum continued with No You Didn’t, No You Don’t and You Overdid It Doll, before Plus One Forever and Solitude of the Night Bus offered a welcome reminder of the band’s knack for balancing huge indie singalongs with more understated moments. There was plenty of material to draw from across their back catalogue, with Bide Your Time, Acrylic and Take Over the World keeping the nostalgia firmly in motion. The latter proved another highlight, taking on a life of its own in a room full of people who roared back each and every word.

Elsewhere in the set, it was great to hear Sycophant make its way back into the fold, a welcome addition for those who followed the band beyond the more obvious fan favourites. Please Don’t and Lose Control also provided plenty of opportunity for the crowd to get involved, as pints continued to soar above a sea of excited, flailing hands. "Cardiff, I wish you could see what we can see up here" Liam echoed as he showed deep appreciation to the adorning crowd.

As The 17th brought the main set to a close with the sort of energy that's kept Courteeners such a reliable live proposition over the years, Liam Fray returned for an acoustic section, opening with International. A track that felt particularly suited to the stripped back setting, allowing its melody and lyrics to take centre stage. Hanging Off Your Cloud followed before a brilliant cover of James’ Sit Down provided one of the evening’s standout moments as it quickly became another communal singalong.

Courteeners, Cardiff Utilita Arena 2026

With the crowd chanting Liam’s name, it wasn’t long before the full band returned for a second encore, wasting little time in launching into Fallowfield Hillbilly and Beautiful Head. From there, they moved into the two song finale that has long been a staple of their live shows. As the opening chords of Not Nineteen Forever rang out, flares lit up the room as thousands of voices joined together for one of British indie’s biggest anthems. With barely a moment to catch your breath, What Took You So Long followed, bringing proceedings to a close with a snippet of James’ Tomorrow thrown in for good measure. Another gentle nod to the fellow Mancunians.

Twenty years on, there's something rather brilliant about a band whose songs have managed to grow alongside you without losing any of their appeal. Cardiff was a reminder that, while plenty had changed in the intervening years, the connection remained firmly intact. Having been fortunate enough to clock up more than 50 shows over the years, from a sweaty Sin City in Swansea to Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl and Heaton Park, there was little doubt about why I keep coming back.

Nights like this only reinforce that feeling, and if this anniversary proved anything, it's that Courteeners still have plenty left to give. Here’s to the next 20!

Courteeners played:
Are You in Love with a Notion?
Cavorting
No You Didn’t, No You Don’t
You Overdid It Doll
Plus One Forever
Solitude of the Night Bus
Bide Your Time
Acrylic
Take Over the World
Winter Wonderland
Please Don’t
Sycophant
Lose Control
The 17th

Liam Fray Acoustic Set
International
Hanging Off Your Cloud
Sit Down (James cover)

Encore
Fallowfield Hillbilly
Beautiful Head
Not Nineteen Forever
What Took You So Long?

Dermot Henry - Pilots Licence

2026-11-06T15:31:12.891+00:00

Photo:

Wiltshire-born singer-songwriter Dermot Henry today shares his new single ‘Pilots License’, taken from the forthcoming debut album Bad Throw, Good Catch, released Friday 20th November via Island Records. Premiering last night on BBC 6 Music, the track builds from skittering percussion into a clattering finale, all driven by his blistering vocals and intricate layers. On the track, Dermot shares “Pilots License was the first song I wrote when I moved to Paris. It for me is the marking point of the start of the bunch of songs that have made up the album and the last 2 years of my life. I was thinking of my friends and how our relationships have changed over the years and everyone starting down their diverging paths.” Take a listen below.

Dermot Henry live:

2026
7th November - Zerox, Newcastle
8th November - People’s Leisure Club, Edinburgh – sold out
9th November – OPORTO, Leeds – sold out
11th November - Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield – sold out
12th November - Voodoo Daddy’s, Norwich
13th November - Rough Trade, Nottingham
15th November - Little Bully, Oxford – sold out
16th November - Prince Albert, Brighton – sold out
17th November – Heartbreakers, Southampton – sold out
18th November – Cavern, Exeter

2027
9th February – Zebulon, Los Angeles
17th February – Main Drag Music, New York

i: https://www.instagram.com/dermothenry

SO LONG, GOOD FRIDAY - Announce First Wave for 2027 Edition including Maruja, Gurriers, Mary in the Junkyard

2026-11-05T19:35:29.001+00:00

Liverpool all-dayer So Long, Good Friday have this week revealed the first wave of artists for their second edition, with headliners including Maruja, Gurriers, and Mary in the Junkyard. Joining them, Birmingham duo GANS return for this year’s festival, along with Tooth and SOFY among the headline acts.

The first wave also features Cardiff’s Casual Smart, Manchester’s Shaking Hand, Truthpaste and Brighton outfit Glasshouse Red Spider Mite. Also announced are Bleach Estate, Courds, Ferguson Hi-Fi, Half Smile, M. Woodroe, London Concrete, Mindsigh, Sex Mask, Pyncher, Spanish Horses, The Slow Country, Wyatt and Your Mate’s Ex. Further additions to the lineup are expected in the coming months.

“After the roaring success of our first edition, which exceeded all our expectations, we’re back in 2027 with an even bigger line up of our favourite new bands from across the UK and beyond,” shared the organisers, “Big headliners right down to brand new acts just starting out, we’ve left no stone unturned in our quest to deliver Liverpool’s most exciting new music festival.”

First release tickets are on sale now.

i: https://www.instagram.com/solonggoodfriday

Font - Cling

2026-11-04T18:53:23.381+00:00

Photo credit: Pooneh Ghana

Today sees Font, the quartet of Thom Waddill, Anthony Laurence, Jack Owens, and Roman Parnell reveal their scintillating new effort, ‘Cling’. Taken from their forthcoming album American Bully XL, due November 13th via Acrophase, the track pairs hushed vocals with soothing synth layers, gradually building towards a glowing finale. Reflecting on the track, Laurence says: “The song is carved away from a mountain of first thoughts, recalling a subtractive process that aims to preserve ghosts, confuse source, and respond to material rather than direct it.” Take a listen below.

i: https://www.instagram.com/font.band

Kynsy - eleanor

2026-11-04T16:11:57.588+00:00

Photo credit: Jack Dallas Champion

Following up her 2024 Utopia EP, Dublin-born songwriter and producer Ciara Lindsey returns under her Kynsy moniker to reveal the dazzling new single, eleanor. Fusing glitchy electronic textures with a wall of guitars, her latest single pairs an experimental edge with soaring pop sensibilities and an undeniable infectious energy. Speaking about the track, Kynsy shares "'eleanor' is about being enthralled by someone from afar, knowing they’ll only hurt you. It’s a dark, poetic take on teenage infatuation and unrequited love, wrapped in a romantic, reckless, early-2000s Skins atmosphere. Sonically, it draws on the restless energy of Sorry’s debut album, giving the track a slightly fractured edge beneath its romantic core. I’ve always wanted to push further into glitchy, left-field production, while the juxtaposition of electronic and rock elements has always been central to the Kynsy sound. This song came out of the frustration of trying to find and fund an external producer for this next batch of songs, which ultimately led to the obvious decision to produce it with my band." Take a listen below.

Live Dates
23 November - The Lanes, Bristol (supporting The Love Buzz)
26 November - Sebright Arms, London
16 December - Dublin Castle, London (supporting Na Cairde)

i: https://www.instagram.com/kynsy___

Christine and the Queens - Rendez vous avec toi (Official Video)

2026-11-04T15:48:35.678+00:00

Photo: Errol Rainey

Christine and the Queens today releases his brand new single “Rendez-vous avec toi” / “Rendez-vous in your arms”, in French and English, taken from the forthcoming as yet unannounced new album, to be released in spring 2027. Accompanied by a video shot in Paris, co-directed by Christine and the Queens and Raphaël De Albuquerque, with choreography by Alexander Ekman, the track's catchy hooks and pop perfected sound offer up an exciting taste of what's to come.

Speaking about the single, Chris says: "I have a rendez-vous with you, tonight. I have obsessed about it since the morning. With the devotion of someone who only waits for you, and the meaning you give to life itself by your mere presence. I’ll come starred with music - the new interstellar traveling of Christine and the Queens, I did it for you. In secrecy of frequencies, in genius musicians, in New York Jazz, in Moroder Groove, I kept on obsessing about this celebration, this big night found again, and I leapt into my dream. Names, boxes, they never defined what we share together. The electricity remains eternally mysterious. We’ll dream together of the blue flower, of this signal that keeps pinging from another planet that we don’t even know of yet; we’ll dream peace, peace with a common story, one way bigger than the one they taught us". Take a listen to the new single below.

In celebration, Christine and the Queens has announced a series of intimate shows in Paris, London, Amsterdam and Brussels.

Christine and the Queens - live December 2026
December 1 - Brussels, BE @ Botanique - SOLD OUT
December 7 - London, UK @ Scala - SOLD OUT
December 8 - Amsterdam, NL @ Tolhuistuin - SOLD OUT
December 10 - Paris, FR @ Alhambra - SOLD OUT

i: https://www.instagram.com/christineandthequeens

Bleech 9:3 - Lullaby (Lyric Video)

2026-10-30T13:13:52.051+00:00

Photo credit / Taisei Sunakwa

Following this month's announcement of their biggest headline tour to date, including a stop at London's O2 Kentish Town Forum, Bleech 9:3 have unveiled a darkened rendition of The Cure's Lullaby. On the new song, the band say - “Lullaby brings fear to life through song in a way that has been hugely influential for us. As we headed into the writing process for Bleed, recreating it in our own style helped us explore new sonic directions. We wanted to pay homage to both the song and the band at this point in our journey.” Take a listen below.

Tour Dates

November 2026
7th – Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik, IS
27th – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff (SOLD OUT)
28th – Joiners, Southampton (SOLD OUT)
30th – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (SOLD OUT)

December 2026
1st – Electric Ballroom, London (SOLD OUT)
3rd – Thekla, Bristol (SOLD OUT)
4th – Academy 2, Manchester (SOLD OUT)
5th – Arts Club Theatre, Liverpool (SOLD OUT)
6th – Foundry, Sheffield (SOLD OUT)
8th – Cluny, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
9th – The Garage, Glasgow (SOLD OUT)
10th – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (SOLD OUT)
11th – O2 Institute 2, Birmingham (SOLD OUT)
15th – Limelight 2, Belfast (SOLD OUT)
16th – Academy, Dublin (SOLD OUT)
17th – Cyprus Ave, Cork (SOLD OUT)

January 2027
14th - Eurosonic, NL
15th - Trix, Antwerp, Bel
21st – Mercury Lounge, New York, NY, USA (SOLD OUT)

February 2027
3rd – The Echo, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SOLD OUT)
12th - Laneway, Sydney, Aus
13th - Laneway, Gold Coast, Aus
19th - Laneway, Melbourne, Aus
21st - Laneway, Auckland, Aus

April 2027
21st – Chalk, Brighton, UK
22nd – Tramshed, Cardiff, UK
23rd – Academy, Liverpool, UK (SOLD OUT)
25th – Olympia, Dublin, Ireland (SOLD OUT)
26th – Limelight, Belfast, UK (SOLD OUT)
28th – SWG3, Glasgow, UK (SOLD OUT)
29th – Queens Hall, Edinburgh, UK
30th – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, UK (SOLD OUT)

May 2027
2nd – O₂ Ritz, Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)
4th – Stylus, Leeds, UK (SOLD OUT)
5th – O₂ Academy, Bristol, UK
6th – O₂ Academy, Oxford, UK
8th – O₂ Institute, Birmingham, UK
9th – 1865, Southampton, UK
11th – Junction, Cambridge, UK
12th – O₂ Kentish Town Forum, London, UK
18th – Trabendo, Paris, France
20th – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands (SOLD OUT)
22nd – Lido, Berlin, Germany

i: https://www.instagram.com/bleech_9.3

BÆNCH - Teeth

2026-10-29T19:28:53.558+00:00

Photo Credit: Simone Juice

Copenhagen's Bænch have this week revealed their brand new single ‘Teeth’, the second track to be lifted from their forthcoming ‘In Amber’ EP, set for release November 20th. Driven by propulsive guitars and infectious melodies, the track offers another exhilarating glimpse into the band’s sound, further building anticipation for what they have in store. Speaking ahead of its release, the four-piece explained: “The song contrasts its upbeat instrumental with lyrics about feeling kind of unsure of reality, drifting through life without fully comprehending - or caring about - what’s going on. With self-contrasting and abstract phrases, the lyrics capture the feeling of being stuck in a strange state of mind, prone to sabotage and chaos, but also freedom and carelessness.”

Live Dates
13 NOV - Mama Roux, Birmingham (UK)*
14 NOV - Rough Trade, Bristol (UK)*
18 NOV - Gorilla, Manchester (UK)*
20 NOV - King Tuts, Glasgow (UK)*
22 NOV - Waterfront Studio, Norwich (UK)*
25 NOV - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (UK)*
27 NOV - Islington Assembly Hall, London (UK)*
04 DEC - Patterns, Brighton (UK)*
05 DEC - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (UK)*

*Supporting Good Health Good Wealth

i: https://www.instagram.com/baench_official

CHVRCHES - Overthinker

2026-10-29T19:01:34.377+00:00

Photo credit: Jody Evans

Following the recent announcement of their forthcoming new album All The King’s Men, due out 22 January 2027, CHVRCHES have unveiled the record's second single Overthinker. Propelled by surging synths and infectious melodic hooks, the track strikes a balance between widescreen euphoria and a more bittersweet emotional undercurrent. All The King’s Men will be the band’s first album in almost six years and this serves as an exciting introduction to what lays ahead. Take a listen below.

CHVRCHES - North America, UK & Ireland shows
13 February - Philadelphia, Franklin Music Hall
17 February - Brooklyn, Steel
19 February - Washington, Anthem
20 February - Pittsburgh, Roxian Theatre
22 February - Buffalo, Asbury Hall
23 February - Toronto, History
25 February - Chicago, Salt Shed (Indoor)
26 February - Milwaukee, Riverside Theater
27 February - Madison, The Sylvee
2 March - Boise, Knitting Factory
3 March - Spokane, Knitting Factory
5 March - Vancouver, Vogue Theatre
6 March - Seattle, Paramount Theater
8 March - Portland, Revolution Hall
10 March - Oakland, Fox Theater
12 March - San Diego, The Observatory North Park
13 March - Phoenix, The Van Buren
14 March - Los Angeles, Hollywood Palladium
23 April - Glasgow, o2 Academy
26 April - Aberdeen, Music Hall
27 April - Dundee, LiveHouse
29 April - Dublin, 3Olympia
1 May - Manchester, Victoria Warehouse
2 May - Birmingham, o2 Academy 1
4 May - Bristol, o2 Academy 1
5 May - Norwich, The LCR UEA
6 May - London, o2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

i: https://www.instagram.com/chvrches

Album Review: The Snuts - Joy In short Moments

2026-10-29T14:47:11.220+00:00

The Snuts - Joy In Short Moments Tracklist
1. In Motion 2. Youth Ain't Easy 3. Defibrillator 4. Joy In Short Moments 5. PTS
6. Get Up, Get Out 7. Country Music 8. Summer Rain 9. Motherlands
10. Warsaw 11. Little Marathon Man

Since bursting onto the scene with their chart-topping debut album W.L. in 2021, The Snuts have established themselves as one of Scotland’s most prominent indie exports, carrying their hook-laden songwriting from grassroots venues to sold-out arenas. Across Burn The Empire and Millennials, the West Lothian four-piece have continued to refine their sound, embracing everything from politically charged anthems to brighter, pop-driven hooks. Now, on their fourth album Joy In Short Moments, the band turn their attention inwards, exploring themes of identity, growth and the importance of finding meaning in the everyday.

There’s little loss of their trademark immediacy, with opener In Motion showcasing the band’s breezy, buoyant energy through elongated guitar lines and soaring vocal choruses. Youth Ain’t Easy follows suit, another hook-laden offering built around bright melodies and an insatiably catchy refrain. Both tracks tap into the widescreen indie sound that has become synonymous with the band, their infectious choruses arriving with an ease that few of their contemporaries can match.

Beneath that familiar sense of euphoria, however, lies a more reflective record. Defibrillator, inspired by the concept of a living wake, encourages listeners to make the most of their time and celebrate the journey while they’re still living it. Centred on the importance of showing up for the people around you, it’s an uplifting call to action that gives the album’s title a deeper significance, championing the connections and fleeting experiences that make life worthwhile.

Recent single PTS offers a softer counterpoint, bringing acoustic guitar melodies to the forefront before gradually building through its crescendoing instrumentation. Elsewhere, Motherlands introduces an Americana-tinged sound, broadening the record’s palette beyond the band’s more familiar indie-rock foundations.

The album eventually draws to a close with Little Marathon Man, a sentimental offering that opens with delicate acoustic guitar before steadily gathering momentum into a chugging rhythm. There’s a palpable warmth to its gradual ascent, providing a fitting conclusion to a record that finds The Snuts looking beyond the pursuit of bigger choruses and louder anthems to consider what really matters.

While Joy In Short Moments retains the melodic instincts and infectious energy that have carried the band this far, its greatest strength lies in the moments where they allow themselves to slow down. It’s a record about reconnecting with the world beyond the stage, finding fulfilment in the people around you and recognising that sometimes the most meaningful moments are also the simplest.

Catch the band this Autumn on their UK headline tour:

19th November - Dundee - Livehouse
20th November - Aberdeen - Beach Ballroom
21st November - Edinburgh - Corn Exchange
23rd November - Dunfermline - Alhambra Theatre
24th November - Newcastle - O2 City Hall
26th November - Sheffield - Octagon Centre
27th November - Nottingham - Rock City
29th November - Norwich - UEA
30th November - Bristol - The Prospect Building
1st December - Hull - City Hall
2nd December - Leeds - O2 Academy
3rd December - Manchester - Victoria Warehouse
4th December - Manchester - Victoria Warehouse
8th December - Birmingham - O2 Academy
9th December - Portsmouth - Guildhall
10th December - London - Brixton Academy

*****

Inventory - No Design

2026-10-29T13:11:19.737+00:00

Copenhagen's Inventory return with their blistering new single No Design, taken from the band's forthcoming debut album 'People Pyramids', due out February 2027. Drawing on the hazy textures and laid-back sensibilities of the ’90s shoegaze movement, the track pairs slacker melodies with dreamy, understated vocals, gradually building towards its towering finale of swirling guitars. “‘No Design’ is about the shifts that can happen in our relationships as life gradually changes. About how people who were once very close to us can suddenly drift away, not necessarily because anyone actively chooses it, but because new relationships and new commitments begin to take up space,” the band explain before elaborating further, “In ‘No Design’, relationships are imagined as a kind of people pyramid, where space is limited.When someone moves up, someone else can end up further down. It becomes a zero-sum game,where something has to make room for something else. It’s a reflection on how distance can emerge between people without us ever quite noticing when it happens.” Take a listen below.

Inventory · No Design

i: https://www.instagram.com/inventoryband

Prima Queen - Alanis Morissette

2026-10-28T17:02:04.551+00:00

Photo Credit: Meadow Florence

Premiered last night on BBC 6 Music, courtesy of Emily Pilbeam, Prima Queen have unveiled their brilliant new single Alanis Morissette. Working with revered producer Oli Deakin (CMAT), the pair have set out to deliver their most confident album yet, a claim backed up by this latest effort’s commanding vocals, soaring choruses and irresistibly catchy hooks. Speaking about their new release, Prima Queen added: “The song ‘Alanis Morissette’ came from a conversation with a friend who said, ‘It sounds like you’re not sad - you’re angry!’ Anger is a huge part of grieving heartbreak, but sometimes it’s hard to let yourself feel those feelings and allow yourself to express it. This song is about acknowledging that anger, and about the way female friendship can give you a safe place to finally let it out.” Take a listen below. The new album 'A Touch Of Divine' is out February 26th via Submarine Cat Records.

Live Dates
25 NOV - O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK)*
26 NOV - Project House, Leeds (UK)*
26 FEB - Banquet, Kingston (UK)
27 FEB - Jacaranda, Liverpool (UK)
28 FEB - Truck, Oxford (UK)
01 MAR - Rough Trade Denmark Street, London (UK)
02 MAR - Vinilo, Southampton (UK)

*with The Big Moon

i: https://www.instagram.com/prima__queen/

Spanish Horses - City I Believe

2026-10-27T13:46:07.736+00:00

Photo Credit Sandro Sodano

Following last month's announcement of their debut Small Notions EP, out 27th November via So Young Records, London-via-Paris newcomers Spanish Horses have today revealed their dynamic new effort, City I Believe. Driven by punchy guitar riffs and an infectious rhythmic pulse, the band’s latest single pairs soaring choruses with an off-kilter edge, showcasing their knack for crafting big, immediate hooks. “‘City I Believe’ is the first song we wrote for the EP after a long break,” frontman Tom Onezime says. “We thought let’s get loud to clear off all the cobwebs. We then ended up with this song that we called ‘track 2’ for 5 months.” Take a listen below.

Catch Spanish Horses live
27.10 Badehaus, Berlin ^
28.10 Turmzimmer, Hamburg
29.10 Ekko, Utrecht ^
05.11 O2 Institute, Birmingham ^
12.11 Shacklewell Arms, London [The Great Escape First Fifty]
27.11 O2 Academy, Oxford ^

^w/ The Guest List

i: https://www.instagram.com/_spanishorses

Heidi Curtis - Run

2026-10-26T20:00:31.710+00:00

Photo Credit: Will Creswick

Returning ahead of the weekend, Newcastle's Heidi Curtis has unveiled her blistering new single Run. Taken from her forthcoming ‘Summon’ EP, due November 20th via AWAL, the track showcases her towering pop prowess, pairing soaring choruses with head-rushing melodies to create a euphoric ensemble. “I wrote this song about OCD hiding behind my superstitions”, Curtis explained. “All of my witchy signs and symbols became obsessive and commanding of my mind. This song answered all my questions when I needed it most. I just wanted to run away from my own head.” Take a listen:

Live Dates
26 NOV - Utilita Arena, Cardiff (UK)*
27 NOV - Alexandra Palace, London (UK)*
28 NOV - Co-Op Live, Manchester (UK)*

*supporting Blossoms

i: https://www.instagram.com/heidi._.curtis

Live Review: Sŵn Festival 2026, October 15-17

2026-10-23T12:22:53.949+01:00

It wouldn’t be Sŵn without a fat helping of Welsh liquid gold (translation: rain), now would it? With the heavens threatening to open over Cardiff on the festival’s first night, October’s familiar downpours would soon be a reality. Thankfully, one of Sŵn’s biggest blessings is that its venues are rarely more than a stone’s throw apart, making it easy enough to dodge the storm and take shelter in the city’s many pubs, bars and clubs. Wellies weren’t necessarily an essential, but certainly might've come in handy as the 2026 edition excitedly got under way.

Back for another year, Cardiff’s celebration of new music once again promised three days of fresh discoveries, rising talent and late-night adventures across the city. From intimate backrooms to packed-out venues, Sŵn has long made a name for itself as a champion of the next wave, bringing together the sounds and faces that will no doubt be filling bigger stages in the years to come.

With the rain showing little to no sign of letting up, there was only one thing for it: to head inside and see what this year’s festival had to offer.

Thursday
Bouncing between venues and hoping to avoid the next downpour, John Francis Flynn brought soft folk nuances to the downstairs room of Clwb, while Pixie McCann offered a complete change of pace over at Tiny Rebel, showcasing her towering pop sensibilities. Menig then delivered an enrapturing performance, channelling shades of King Krule through convulsing beats and off-kilter sounds. Remarkably, it was the band’s first time performing together, though you wouldn’t have known it from the confidence on show.

A short hop between venues, and the evening’s pinball routine continued. Over at Fuel, Mould were tearing through a packed room of low ceilings and musty aromas, the close quarters only added to the impact of their chest-rattling basslines and powerful riffs. Back at Clwb, the downstairs room had quickly reached capacity ahead of Lauren Auder. Eventually squeezing my way inside, it was easy to see what all the fuss was about. Armed with a run of powerful pop hits, she commanded the room before stepping into the crowd for a moment of spiritual intensity, repeating the refrain, ‘you can change your life’, as the audience hung on every word.

Following Little Grandad's blistering three-part vocal harmonies, I was back in the sheltering warmth of Clwb’s downstairs, or what could only be described as hell by this point (please, install aircon, we're begging you). Despite the heat, Sundayclub kept things moving with their hazy guitars and fuzzy textures. But with the room’s sweaty atmosphere reaching fever pitch, it was back upstairs for some respite where Working Men’s Club brought my night to a close with their trademark pulsing electronics.

With little time to catch your breath between sets the first night was over in the blink of an eye. But with a packed schedule of new music, a few unexpected discoveries and plenty of places to hide from the weather, it was a fitting start.

Pixie McCann, Swn Festival 2026

Menig, Sŵn Festival 2026

Friday
Friday was a day of half sets with clashes aplenty, but certainly not half measures with the talent on offer. As the venues filled up with the familiar Sŵn scramble in full swing, another stacked afternoon of dashing between stages lay ahead.

Ifan got things underway in Clwb Ifor Bach with an intimate set, drawing the crowd around a table as patched-in electronics and synths added texture to his sound. Then it was a quick dash upstairs to catch the tail end of Pypi Slysh, whose hazy melodies and lo-fi alt-rock offered a fleeting glimpse of what had been unfolding.

Yoyo-ing back downstairs, Tommy Barlow delivered a powerful performance, pairing frantic strings with a striking contrast between chest-rattling basslines and softer, more intimate vocals. Elsewhere, Personal Trainer demonstrated exactly why their live shows have earned a reputation for high-octane unpredictability. Packed into the room, the crowd was treated to frontman Willem Smit’s trademark offbeat antics as the band channelled their restless energy into another wonderfully chaotic set.

Over at Tiny Rebel, Neve Cariad warmed up the room with her captivating folk melodies, bolstered by a band whose driving instrumentation gave the songs a newfound weight. It was a sound that filled the space beautifully, striking a balance between intimate songwriting and something altogether more expansive.

A short while later, it was back upstairs in Clwb for Theatre, whose grungy guitars provided the perfect counterpoint to a set of ethereal, haunting vocals. There was a real sense of atmosphere to their performance, with the band’s heavier edges giving the delicate vocal work plenty of room to breathe.

By now, and unfortunately (for me), Esmeralda Road had already reached capacity when I arrived, but the enforced detour offered a brief opportunity to refuel before heading to St John’s Church for James Emmanuel. Bringing the room to its feet, his soulful performance quickly became a communal affair with the crowd swept up in the feel-good energy. It was an uplifting change of pace, and a reminder of the unique atmosphere that Sŵn’s more unconventional venues can bring to a live set.

Opting to save my tired legs for Saturday, I stuck around for Honeyglaze who provided the evening’s rockier edge, their towering guitar layers crashing against thrilling percussion as their sound soared to every corner of the room. A great end to a day that offered everything from hushed intimacy to full-throttle live energy, even if the packed schedule meant there was always another set happening just around the corner.

Ifan, Sŵn Festival 2026

Pypi Slysh, Sŵn Festival 2026

Tommy Barlow, Sŵn Festival 2026

Neve Cariad, Sŵn Festival 2026

Theatre, Sŵn Festival 2026

James Emmanuel, Sŵn Festival 2026

Saturday
There’s always a certain nostalgia that creeps in on the final day of Sŵn. With two days of discoveries behind you and the last remaining names on the schedule, Saturday brought that familiar yearning to squeeze every last drop out of the weekend before it all came to an end. Thankfully, there was still plenty left in the tank, with another packed day of new music awaiting.

Spanish Horses kicked things off at Clwb for Bach with a high-octane display of thrashing percussion, wasting little time in getting the final day underway. A short while later and Dermot Henry followed with an incredible vocal performance, drawing Clwb's crowd in with his commanding delivery. Already showing remarkable songwriting prowess, his talent in switching between guitar swinging melodies and earnest, deep cutting lyrics only enhanced the quieter moments - it was just a shame in 2026 we're still having to listen to the chatter from the crowd - nobody gives two shits about what you're having for lunch, alri!

A short hop across the road to Fuel offered some welcome respite from the heat with their well endowed air con where Pyncher were throwing out their punchy, angular pop. With another clash-centric day it was then a mad dash over to St John's Church for Blood Wizard, who settled in to sounding right at home in the more spacious surroundings. Their off-kilter melodies and towering hooks crashed around the room, creating a mesmerising wall of sound that only grew more impressive as the set unfolded.

It was then time to get the steps in with a stroll down to Canopi, where Alice Costelloe was making waves with her soft, all-encompassing pop. The band were quick to share their affection for Cardiff, declaring it one of the nicest cities they’d played. When asked where the worst place was, the response prompted a few nervous laughs before a story emerged of a particularly sleazy Berlin show above a strip club that also served curry. An establishment I'm sure you could probably find on St Mary's if you looked hard enough

Back at St John St, Murkage Dave was proving that few settings suit a communal singalong quite like St John’s Church. With the congregation abandoning their pews to gather at the front, his soulful, spoken-word-led songs were brought to life by a live band, transforming the space into something altogether more lively. It was a brilliant reminder of the unexpected settings that make Sŵn such a special festival.

With the queue for Wyatt already snaking down the stairs at Tiny Rebel, it was back to Clwb to catch Cardinals deliver a brilliant display of towering alternative rock. Their expansive sound filled the room, providing another highlight before attention turned to the final big show of the weekend, where all roads led to Tramshed. Manchester’s Westside Cowboy had become one of the most talked-about acts of the festival (and just about anywhere in general). And as the room filled it was clear to see why. Rowdy, buoyant and brimming with energy, their set was driven by pitch-perfect vocals, infectious melodies and the kind of scrappy charm that makes a band feel like they’re on the verge of something much bigger. Tracks like Pin Up Boys landed brilliantly, with the crowd bouncing along as the room threatened to erupt around them.

Dermot Henry, Sŵn Festival 2026

Blood Wizard, Sŵn Festival 2026

Alice Costelloe, Sŵn Festival 2026

Westside Cowboy, Sŵn Festival 2026

And that’s the beauty of Sŵn. Year after year, it continues to unearth hidden gems and bring exciting new music to the forefront, placing emerging artists in front of eager crowds ready to lap it all up. From intimate performances in tucked-away rooms to packed-out venues buzzing with the next big thing, there’s a real sense of discovery at every turn. Another stellar year for Cardiff’s champion of new music, and one that left plenty of names to keep an eye on once more. I think it's safe to say, if they could just get some air con fitted to Clwb, and perhaps bring in some more venues to its close proximity circle, it would be pretty much the perfect inner-city music festival.

*****

Willie J healey - Benjamin

2026-10-23T08:59:21.209+01:00

Photo credit: AJ Stark

Willie J Healey has returned this week to announce his new album Lucky, set for release on 12th March 2027 via V2, coinciding with a run of UK headline tour dates. Alongside the news, the Oxford songwriter has unveiled his latest single Benjamin, giving us an exciting taste of what's to come with its bright melodies and infectious hooks. On his album return and new single 'Benjamin', Willie says: "It felt good for me to get back to some real deal stuff. I really sat down and worked through everything on an acoustic guitar, feelings too - which is why most of the songs have very little electric guitars on them. I moved house and live by a park now, I set up my studio in the back of the house and wrote most of the songs in that little room, pretty isolated in a nice way. I wrote Benjamin really quickly, it was one of those gifts. Just came right to me! We tracked all of these acoustic guitars and I did this big gasp at the beginning because I think the song kinda feels like somebody who’s asking to be saved by whatever’s out there saving things. It's got this hopeful desperation thing going on. There’s nothing too fancy about the recordings we got, which I’m very happy about. I felt slightly caught up in making things slick - I didn’t want to do that this time.. I couldn’t be bothered. To me it feels direct and simple! Which is weirdly hard to do sometimes." Take a listen below along with the full list of upcoming tour dates.

Willie J Healey 2027 UK headline tour dates

Sat Apr 10 - The Cavern, Exeter, UK
Sun Apr 11 - The Globe, Cardiff, UK
Mon Apr 12 - KOLA, Portsmouth, UK
Wed Apr 14 - O2 Academy, Oxford, UK
Thu Apr 15 - Arts Centre, Norwich, UK
Fri Apr 16 - Future Yard, Birkenhead, UK
Sat Apr 17 - King Tut's, Glasgow, UK
Mon Apr 19 - The Foundry, Sheffield, UK
Tue Apr 20 - Parish, Huddersfield, UK
Wed Apr 21 - Band on the Wall, Manchester, UK
Fri Apr 23 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
Sat Apr 24 - The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge, UK
Sun Apr 25 - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, UK
Tue Apr 27 - Castle & Falcon, Birmingham, UK
Wed Apr 28 - KOKO, London, UK
Thu Apr 29 - Electric, Bristol, UK

i: https://www.instagram.com/williejhealey/

Slate - The Grandfather Clock

2026-10-22T14:12:12.573+01:00

Photo credit: Sam Stevens

Returning with their first new music since their widely acclaimed 2024 debut EP, Deathless, Welsh outfit Slate have today shared details of their much awaited second EP The Grandfather Clock. Coinciding with the announcement, the band have unveiled the title track, a brooding, atmospheric piece that builds around crashing guitar layers and pummelling percussion. “The Grandfather Clock is about cherishing the unconditional love you are given and not taking it for granted,” Shephard explains. “The items described throughout the song - the rocking horse, the garden patch, the pink marble elephants - are all objects that were in Jack’s grandfather's house.” Take a listen below with the accompanying video directed by Aled Victor and Sam Stevens.

The Grandfather Clock EP arrives physically on 12” vinyl, via Dinked’s Early Doors series, and digitally on January 22nd, 2027, via Brace Yourself Records.

i: https://www.instagram.com/slatecaban/

Chalk - Heaven / Hell

2026-10-21T12:30:24.403+01:00

Photo credit: Ada Senelli

Belfast post-punk and electronic duo CHALK have this week announced double single ‘Heaven/Hell’. Premiered by BBC 6 Music Huw Stephens last night, the track's pulsing electronics and stadium ready sound stand them in good stead ahead of their upcoming Fontaines D.C. support slots. Featuring Sarah Barthel from acclaimed US duo Phantogram and Belfast producer cosign the single arrives at a pivotal moment for the duo as they enter an exciting new chapter, whose debut album, Crystalpunk, has already propelled them onto an international stage. To accompany the release of ‘Heaven/Hell’, CHALK have launched an immersive, interactive microsite (here) that invites fans to choose between two opposing paths: Heaven or Hell. Detailing the accompanying visuals, director Benedict Goddard explained: “We’ve always wanted to make a double music video if we ever released an A/B-side, so this felt like the perfect opportunity. We were really drawn to the idea of fallen angels, exploring the contrast between heaven and hell, and the space somewhere in between. The video is presented as an old-school cinema double feature, complete with an intermission between the two tracks.” Take a watch/listen below.

Live Dates
21 OCT - MEO Arena, Lisbon (PT)*
22 OCT - Madrid, Movistar Arena, Madrid (ES)*
24 OCT - Barcelona, Sant Jordi Club, Barcelona (ES)*
26 OCT - Unipol Forum, Milan (IT)*
28 OCT - Hangar Luka Beograd, Belgrade (RS)*
30 OCT - Forum Karlin, Prague (CZ)*
31 OCT - Atlas Arena, Lodz (PL)*
02 NOV - Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin (DE)*
05 NOV - Hovet, Stockholm (SE)*
06 NOV - Spektrum, Oslo (NO)*
08 NOV - Royal Arena, Copenhagen (DK)*
10 NOV - Amsterdam, Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam (NL)*
12 NOV - AFAS Dome, Antwerp (BE)*
13 NOV - Accor Arena, Paris (FR)*
20 NOV - M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool (UK)*
21 NOV - AO Arena, Manchester (UK)*
22 NOV - OVO Hydro, Glasgow (UK)*
24 NOV - First Direct Arena, Leeds (UK)*
25 NOV - Utilita Arena, Birmingham (UK)*
27 NOV - The O2, London (UK)*

*supporting Fontaines D.C.

i: https://www.instagram.com/chalkband

SAM FENDER announces the PROPER MASSIVE STADIUM TOUR

2026-10-21T12:16:03.884+01:00

Credit: Melissa Gardner

Following a teaser this week, Sam Fender has officially announced the Proper Massive Stadium Tour 2027 - including his biggest headline shows to date. The tour will call at six cities, which kicks off with two nights at Newcastle’s St. James’ Park, before hitting Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, two nights at Wembley, a show at Edinburgh’s Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, and two nights at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. The tour also stops at Dublin’s Marlay Park on 1st July, before Sam’s first European festival headline slot at next Summer’s Rock Werchter in Belgium on Saturday 3rd July.

Ticketing Information:
To receive access to ticket pre-sale for all UK/Irish headline dates, fans can pre-order Sam’s fourth album now from the official Sam Fender store before 9:00am GMT on Monday 26th October. A unique presale code and link will be sent out via email by 8:00pm on Tuesday 27th October ahead of the ticket pre-sale opening at 9:30am on Wednesday 28th October at 9:30am. Maximum purchase is 6 tickets per person. Entry to presale does not guarantee tickets.

Tickets will go on general sale from 9:30am GMT Friday 30th October.

Sam Fender Live:

3rd June – St. James’ Park, Newcastle*
5th June – St. James’ Park, Newcastle*
10th June – Principality Stadium, Cardiff*
18th June – Wembley Stadium, London*
20th June - Wembley Stadium, London*
1st July – Marlay Park, Dublin
3rd July – Rock Werchter, Belgium (festival headline)
8th July – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh*
15th July – Etihad Stadium, Manchester*
17th July – Etihad Stadium, Manchester*

*support from Wunderhorse.

i: https://www.instagram.com/sam_fender

Cyn Cwsg - Katter

2026-10-20T21:13:02.660+01:00

Photo Credit Sam Stevens

Following their return in August with Mobius, Cardiff via North Wales bilingual outfit Cyn Cwsg are back with their latest single Katter. Taken from the band's forthcoming new EP ‘Let A Thousand Blossoms Bloom’, due 26th January 2027, the twitchy cut pairs jagged guitar riffs with bobbing melodies and off-kilter lyrics as they continue their collaboration with producer Tom Rees (Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, The Bug Club, Do Nothing, Panic Shack). Speaking about the track, Obed Powell-Davies (vocals/guitar) shares: “A wiry little song that owes Television a pint. The lyrics try to make sense of the merry-go-round of Westminster politics, occasionally interrupted by Bob Katter shouting from the chorus.” Take a listen below.

Upcoming Live shows:
23 OCT // Brighton, Mutations Festival
24 OCT // Bangor, BANG festival (w/ The Bug Club and GANS)

i: https://www.instagram.com/cyncwsg

Mouth Ulcers - Lady Rust (Official Video)

2026-10-15T15:22:42.273+01:00

Photo Credit: Jamie Waters

London outfit Mouth Ulcers have today shared their darkened, goth-tinged new single Lady Rust. Coinciding with the announcement of their debut album ‘You’re Not In Heaven’, due April 23rd via LAB Records (Friendly Fires, Basht), the track builds towards a frenetic climax as it's propelled by rumbling basslines and jagged guitar melodies. On their new single, frontman Zak Watson added: “‘Lady Rust’ tells the story about an ancient vampire thatguards the land of a former Manor House. The house is slowly deteriorating, walls are falling apart and collapsing like the skin on her bones. ‘Lady Rust’ continues to live on as a legend of the land with many trying to visit the house but few managing to escape.” Take a listen for yourselves below.

Live Dates
16 OCT - SWN Festival, Cardiff (UK)
17 OCT - Neighbourhood Festival, Manchester (UK)
23 OCT - Mutations Festival, Brighton (UK)
24 OCT - Dark Scene @ Rae's, London (UK)
29 OCT - They’re Gonna Be Big Festival, Paris (FR)
30 OCT - Grenswerk, Venlo (NL)
31 OCT - London Calling Festival, Amsterdam (NL)
6 NOV - Kentish Town Forum, London w/ The Mission (UK)
7 NOV - The Warehouse, Leeds (UK)
18 NOV - The Hope And Ruin, Brighton (UK)
28 NOV - Post Punk Strikes Back Festival, Porto (PT)
8-11 JAN - Rockaway Beach Festival, Bognor Regis (UK)

i: https://www.instagram.com/mouth.ulcers

Gone Future - PIG!!

2026-10-14T21:52:27.998+01:00

Photo credit: Saga Westlund

Swedish outfit Gone Future have this week shared details of their debut EP, Signs, ahead of its December 4th release via Stockholm label PNKSLM Recordings. Featuring fellow labelmate ShitKid, the band’s latest offering ‘PIG!!’ delivers another dose of raucous energy, pairing charged-up vocals with a towering wall of sound. “When I wrote these lyrics, I could just hear Åsa’s voice singing them with me,” explains the band’s Nicki Dar. “I hadn’t seen Åsa in years, but I still considered myself a friend of hers, having first met her at the beginning of both our careers, when we played together at a music festival in the summer of 2016. When we got to the venue, she had finished all the beer in her own dressing room and almost all the ones in ours. At first, I was furious. I had met my superior. Giving it just a little more thought, I realised we’d probably be better friends than enemies. I reached out to her with the demo of ‘PIG!!’ and asked if she wanted to come over to our studio and try a verse with me. Luckily, she loved the song and made it 1000 times better with her vocals. Such a special moment with a fellow rock legend.” Take a listen below.

i: https://www.instagram.com/gonefutureband

Dummy - N of 1

2026-10-14T21:02:10.408+01:00

Dummy by Kyle Berger

Los Angeles-based outfit Dummy (Alex Ewell, Emma Maatman, Nathan O’Dell, Joe Trainor, and Lance Umble) have this week shared N of 1, the final single/video from their new album, do you love the color of the sky?, out Friday via Polyvinyl. "I liked the idea of taking glacial guitar drones and cutting ‘em up into a new context of the jungle inspired drums,” says Trainor of the new single. “To me, so much of the record is like the remixed versions of pop songs you'll never hear." Maatman adds, “‘N of 1’ is a plea to both the proprietors and the more complacent subjects of the ever-encroaching surveillance state. Typically our videos aren’t so direct of a visual representation of the meaning of the song, but I had just gotten it into my head that the zooming action on Street View would go perfectly with the meter and energy of the song, and the rest sort of fell into place after that." Take a listen for yourselves below.

Dummy Tour Dates:
Tue. Oct. 13 – Fresno, CA @ Tower Lounge *
Wed. Oct. 14 – San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel *
Thu. Oct. 15 – Sacramento, CA @ Café Colonial *
Fri. Oct. 16 – Reno, NV @ Holland Project *
Sat. Oct. 17 – Arcata, CA @ Miniplex w/ Dilies
Tue. Oct. 20 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios *
Thu. Oct. 22 – Vancouver, BC @ The Wise *
Fri. Oct. 23 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern *
Sat. Oct. 24 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux *
Mon. Oct. 26 – Salt Lake City, UT @ International Bar *
Tue. Oct. 27 – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive *
Wed. Nov. 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ Sid The Cat Ballroom

Thu. Jan. 21 - Bristol, UK @ Strange Brew
Fri. Jan. 22 - Leeds, UK @ The Attic
Sat. Jan. 23 - Dublin, Ireland @ Bello Bar
Mon. Jan. 25 - Edinburgh, Scotland @ Mash House
Tue. Jan. 26 - Manchester, UK @ YES Pink Room
Wed. Jan. 27 - Birmingham, UK @ Hare and Hounds
Thu. Jan. 28 - London, UK @ Moth Club
Sat. Jan. 30 - Paris, France @ Le Chinois
Sun. Jan. 31 - Tourcoing, France @ Le Grand Mix
Mon. Feb. 1 - Bruges, Belgium @ Cactus
Wed. Feb. 3 - Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso Noord Tolhuistuin
Thu. Feb. 4 - Berlin, Germany @ Kantine am Berghain

* = w/ Golomb

i: https://www.instagram.com/notdummy

Marika Hackman - 33 (Official Music Video)

2026-10-14T20:19:37.210+01:00

Photo Credit: Jono White

It feels like it's been an age since I last featured any music from Marika Hackman, so I'm very excited by today's news that she's made her very welcomed return with new single 33. Taken from False Dogs, her fifth studio album, to be released on 19 February 2027 via Chrysalis Records, the track's rousing instrumentation and cathartic rise gives a blistering introduction to this latest chapter. "33 grapples with the dull ache of nostalgia, the apprehension of the future and the celebration of the moments in between - keep pushing, it’s worth it." Marika shares. Across the album the multi-disciplined instrumentalist plays almost everything herself, from guitars, piano and drums to bass, mandolin and synth. "I think this truly is the first record that I have fully inhabited my creative skin right up to its edges". The official video for 33 was created by JOFI Films and conceptualised with Marika, beautifully captures the push and pull of growing up and time moving on. Take a watch/listen below.

Tour Dates
Fri 26 February – London, Royal Festival Hall
Mon 1 March – Bristol, Bristol Beacon
Tue 2 March – Glasgow, St Luke’s
Wed 3 March – Manchester, Stoller Hall
Sat 6 March – Amsterdam, Tolhuistuin
Sun 7 March – Brussels, Botanique
Tue 9 March – Paris, Le Trabendo
Thu 11 March – Cologne, Gebäude 9
Fri 12 March – Hamburg, Molotow
Sat 13 March – Berlin, Heimathafen
Tue 16 March – Copenhagen, Vega
Wed 17 March – Stockholm, Debaser

i: https://www.instagram.com/marikahackman

Big Thief Launch 'Big Thief Live Archive'

2026-10-14T19:41:01.872+01:00

Following the release of their album Double Infinity last year, Big Thief have announced the unveiling of the Big Thief Live Archive, a new website dedicated to documenting the variety of the band’s live performances. Launching with 10 recordings captured by front-of-house engineer Alice Wilder and monitor engineer Aleda Deroche, and mixed by 4AD’s in-house engineer Fabian Prynn, the archive will expand with a new live recording added on the second Tuesday of every month. Fans will be able to build their own sets, creating playlists of their favourite live takes across the ever growing collection of live shows. In addition, they release a special live performance of one of ‘Incomprehensible (Live at 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland April 29 2026)’ which is available across all streaming services.

The band share, "Dear friends, For the last couple of years we’ve been creating a Big Thief Live Archive website, where you can find full, mixed concerts from the recent and distant past. Every show we play holds a different energy. The songs are always changing and sound different every night, and we spend so much more time on the road than in studios, and so we felt a desire to create something that captures the ever-undulating aliveness of our music through time. In around 2019 we started recording all of our shows. There are 10 shows up right now and we will be adding new ones to the archive on the second Tuesday of every month hopefully forever. It’s all free. We made the website interactive so that you can choose tracks and make your own playlists. Thank you so much to all who have come out to our shows over the years, it’s been such a treat revisiting these. We love you so much! Warmly, Big Thief".

Check out the site here - https://archive.bigthief.net/.

i: https://www.instagram.com/bigthiefmusic