NE HOT IN 2025

After immersing myself in countless playlists of various genres, watching bands throughout 2024, and diving deep into the world of emerging bands, I’ve curated a list of up-and-coming artists to watch in 2025. These bands are set to bring fresh sounds and unique styles that are sure to get you moshing, swaying or tapping your feet through this year. In no particular order, we start with…

DREAM BOY

Dream Boy is an up-and-coming alternative rock/shoegaze band hailing from Dublin, Ireland, made up of a girl-led quartet inspired by Men I Trust, NewDad, Slowdive, and My Bloody Valentine. Their sound weaves a dreamy, eerie soundscape of haunting vocals, wistful harmonies, and reverb-soaked guitars. Their debut single, “Crying Wolf,” perfectly captures their unique blend of shoegaze and dream pop elements, Dream Boy’s live performances are just as mesmerising as their recordings.

FUZZ LIGHTYEAR

Fuzz Lightyear is a noise-grunge band based in Leeds, UK. Known for their intense and energetic live performances, they’ve made a name for themselves playing in dingy basements and DIY venues around the city. Their sound is a blend of grunge, post-punk, and noise-rock, creating a raw and powerful musical experience. With hard-hitting song-writing and a strong DIY ethos, they’ve recorded in basements and bedrooms across Leeds. The band has received praise from BBC Introducing and the Brudenell Social Club, further cementing their place in the local music scene. If you’re into loud, gritty music with a post-punk edge, Fuzz Lightyear is a band to watch out for.

LAUREN MAYBERRY

Lauren Mayberry, the dynamic lead singer of CHVRCHES, is making waves as a solo artist in 2025. Her debut single, “Crocodile Tears,” from the album Vicious Creature, showcases her vibrant and anthemic style, proving she can shine independently. With an extensive US tour for 2025, Mayberry is poised to be one of the year’s most sought-after performers. Expect more exciting surprises from this talented artist as she continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

CARDINALS

Cardinals are yet another amazing Irish guitar band from Cork, known for their atmospheric sound reminiscent of Echo and the Bunnymen and the scratchy vibes of Yo La Tengo. They embrace a DIY approach, often performing in unconventional venues. Their debut EP showcases a range of styles, from brooding intensity to softer, melodic touches. Notable for their single “Roseland,” which features a waltz-like quality, they also incorporate unique instruments like the accordion. In 2025, they plan to release their debut album and perform at the ESNS festival in the Netherlands, along with a series of live shows in Ireland and potentially a run internationally.

MAN / WOMAN / CHAINSAW

Man/Woman/Chainsaw’s sound is really up my street, it’s a thrilling and innovative blend of genres, primarily rooted in experimental rock and post-punk. Their music is characterised by chaotic yet carefully crafted arrangements, drawing comparisons to bands like Black Country, New Road, and Black Midi. They incorporate a variety of instruments, including violin and piano, which add unique textures to their sound. Their debut EP, “Easy Peazy,” showcases their dynamic range, from scrappy, high-energy tracks to more melodic and atmospheric pieces. The band’s approach is eclectic, often blending disparate influences and styles to create an unpredictable sound.

BRÒGEAL

We have a few fans of Brògeal at NE, emerging from Falkirk, the dynamic quintet Brògeal has quickly established themselves as one of 2024’s must-see live bands. Infusing their music with a distinct blend of folk and rock, they proudly embrace their Scottish heritage. Tracks such as “Witchy Emerald Eyes” and “Girl from NYC” channel the indie rock vibes of the early 2000s that influenced their formative years. Their December performances at Glasgow’s O2 Academy , opening for fellow Scots The View, showcased their live energy and raw talent. With a knack for creating catchy tunes and vivid narratives of small-town life and eccentric characters, Brògeal has fans eagerly anticipating their debut album, having already released a few compelling EPs.

PASTEL

2025 looks set to be Pastel’s year after quickly making a name for themselves on the indie circuit. Their debut album, “Souls In Motion,” is set to be released on January 17th, 2025. Drawing inspiration from iconic Manchester bands like The Roses and early The Verve, as well as modern influences like The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Pastel’s music blends classic rock with contemporary sounds. Their previous EPs have topped the vinyl charts, with infectious melodies and evocative lyrics, “Souls In Motion” received a five-star review from myself (you can read it here), showcasing their unique sound and storytelling prowess. Fans are eagerly awaiting the album, which features fan favourites and new tracks alike.

WESTSIDE COWBOY

West Side Cowboy is a Manchester-based band that came with a tinge of interest after their debut single, “I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)“. From bedroom jams from the drummer Paddy Murphy, they’re now signed to Nice Swan Records. The music is a love for guitars combined with a carefree, fun-loving attitude. They’ve worked with Lewis Whiting of English Teacher on their first release and have upcoming live dates across the UK and Ireland.

WHITEHORSE

Whitehorse is the new band fronted by Thomas Haywood, previously of The Blinders. They’ve impressively stamped their mark on the Manchester/Sheffield music scene late in 2024. The band’s sound has moved away from the raw post-punk of The Blinders with Whitehorse adopting a psychedelic direction in melody. They create a very unique blend of psych and balladry, playing only a couple of gigs so far. Whitehorse is already generating excitement and anticipation for their upcoming album, due out this spring.

LUVCAT

Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Liverpool, alternative rock artist Luvcat, also known as Sophie Morgan, has swiftly caught the public’s attention. Luvcat’s music is a dark blend of theatrical rock and emotive storytelling, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like The Cure, Leonard Cohen, and Tom Waits. Her distinct aesthetic, characterised by red lipstick, crucifixes, and black lace complements her deep, melancholic sound. The release of her debut single “Matador” on May 31, 2024, marked the beginning of what promises to be an intriguing musical journey. Sophie’s stripped-back performance at The George Tavern in East London showcased her raw talent and ability to captivate audiences with her poignant lyrics and compelling stage presence. As Luvcat continues to carve out her niche in the music world, anticipation is building for her future releases, with fans eagerly waiting to see how she evolves as an artist in 2025.

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