Music

5 More UK Bands You Need to Check Out

by Anne T. Donahue

It comes as no surprise that the UK is home to some of the most influential and interesting up-and-coming artists, so after releasing our list of live-worthy UK bands earlier this year, it was only a matter of time before we presented our next installment. Therefore, just in time for springtime mixes and concert scheduling, here’s five more UK bands you need to acquaint yourselves with.

Chapel Club

Edgy, energetic and slightly dark (without seeming contrived), London’s Chapel Club first came to attention following the release of their debut single, O Maybe I in February of this year, having previously been an exclusively UK-oriented phenomenon. Though currently unsigned, the five-piece have been consistently building their profile, having just finished playing several dates throughout Europe, and recently embarking on an extensive UK tour that will wrap up in May.

A favourite of BBC 1 and NME magazine, the group has been championed by press, peers and listeners, having been the subject of remixes, positive feedback and general discussion, while being praised for their guitar-driven instrumentation and poetic lyrics. Maintaining the qualities that seem to set UK artists apart from the rest, Chapel Club is reminiscent of early Blur or Muse efforts, yet are still far from being impersonators, establishing a fan base that is entirely their own.

Two Door Cinema Club

From Northern Ireland emerge Two Door Cinema Club, the electro-rock trio who successfully merge the worlds of pop and indie to create the ideal soundtrack for summertime adventures or nights nonchalantly spent on the dance floor. Having garnered critical acclaim following the release of their EP, Four Worlds to Stand On, in January of 2009, the band went on to record their debut LP, Tourist History, throughout the year and released it in the US to further praise just this week.

Branded as one of the bands to watch in 2010, the group (appropriately) opened for Phoenix during the French group’s US west coast tour, and have supported other notable acts including Foals and Metronomy, increasing their listener base and army of supporters in the process. Currently headlining their own North American tour, Two Door Cinema Club will be bringing their spirited and appealing brand of pop-rock to Montreal and Toronto mid-May, where Canadian audiences can be exposed to the band’s fun and likeable musical qualities.

We Have Band

Completely reflective of the current demand for catchy-yet-substantial electro-pop, London’s We Have Band have been generating buzz unlike any other acts, earning attention for their modern take on new wave and retro-pop, and drawing comparisons to the likes of Hot Chip and The Talking Heads. Having just released their debut album, WHB, earlier this month, the three-piece are currently in the midst of an extensive tour that will see them play dates throughout Europe, South America and their native UK, including appearances at various festivals including the esteemed Glastonbury.

Signed to Naive records, the group has been getting mixed reviews on this side of the Atlantic, but is still cultivating a fan base that welcomes their cool, calm and collected approach to the electronic circuit. Already a favourite of London listeners and musical contemporaries (the group have remixed for bands like Bloc Party and host their own remix website), We Have Band will surely soon be dazzling audiences globally with their accessible musical qualities, and flair for energetic and exciting beats.

Summer Camp

Reflective of their sunshine-drenched band name, London’s Summer Camp have allowed their sweet and nostalgic brand of electro-pop to speak for itself, remaining relatively anonymous as their fan base widens and critics take notice. Like the acts of days gone by, the boy-girl duo have barely catered to press or technology, prompting intrigue with their refusal to participate in hype and “it-band” status, and offering only vintage photographs and obscure references when asked for names and hometowns.

Consisting solely of a mix of vocals, synth and keyboards (seemingly), the band’s obvious gravitation towards things of old makes for an interesting combination when paired with such modern instruments and technological manipulations. With original tracks boasting qualities of 60’s surf music and 80’s new wave, as well as a memorable cover of The Flamingos’ I Only Have Eyes For You, Summer Camp is sure to stay “secret” for only a limited time, as their increased tour dates and alluring premise have caught the attention of music fans everywhere.

Lonelady

Few people can successfully capture the essence of post-punk like Manchester’s Lonelady (Julie Campbell), who fearlessly attracts critics and listeners as she showcases songs that are incredibly relevant and reflective of her obvious understanding of the integral era. Having been praised by the likes of esteemed journalist Paul Morley, the artist continues to reject hype, praise and things in-between, instead focusing solely on the art of creating and cultivating.

Scheduled to appear primarily in Europe throughout much of spring and summer, Campbell’s debut LP, Nerve Up (released in late February), has started to make an international impact, increasing her profile throughout North America as its minimalist qualities and cryptic lyrics make for substantial and relevant new wave pop. To find out more about Lonelady, check out our exclusive interview with her here.