Music of a wonderful world

[2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming artists!

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

In Japan, both now and in the past, bands from the UK have been especially popular among Western music.

As fellow island nations, there’s a shared sensibility—those slightly damp, melancholic melodies and lyricism resonate perfectly with Japanese tastes, and many people are also drawn to the distinctly European worldview.

In this article, we’ve researched recommended UK bands.

The first half spotlights up-and-coming and new artists you should watch to understand the “now” of Britain, while the second half takes a broader look—centered on rock—at veterans and mid-career acts you ought to know.

It features plenty of bands that are great for beginners to UK rock and Western music alike, so be sure to check it out!

[2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands. Many up-and-comers included! (111–120)

Time Of The SeasonThe Zombies

Zombies – Time Of The Season HD

Time Of The SeasonThe Zombies

The Zombies are a rock band that represents the United Kingdom.

Formed in 1962, they are one of the leading bands of the 1960s British Invasion.

Their debut single, “She’s Not There,” reached No.

2 in the U.

S.

They followed it up with a string of hits, including “Tell Her No.” Their 1968 album Odessey and Oracle later received high acclaim and was ranked 100th on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

With their distinctive melodies and harmonies, they continue to captivate many fans.

In 2019, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Highly recommended for those drawn to a psychedelic atmosphere and refined musicianship!

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[2025] A roundup of recommended British bands: plenty of rising artists too! (121–130)

Red Red WineUB40

UB40 – Red Red Wine (Official Video) VideoMusic

Red Red WineUB40

This band, formed by a mix of white and Black members, is well known worldwide for its reggae-style sound.

This song is a cover of Neil Diamond, but since their tracks are all slow-tempo and laid-back, listening when you want to relax should have a soothing, healing effect.

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Silly Love SongsWings

Wings – Silly Love Songs (Official Music Video)

Silly Love SongsWings

When you listen to this song, many people might think, “Whose voice is this?” That’s right—it’s Paul McCartney.

This band was formed after he left the Beatles, and they created songs that showcased Paul’s individuality, producing many hits.

The keyboards are handled by Paul’s wife.

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BulletproofYoung Guns

Young Guns – Bulletproof (Official Video)

BulletproofYoung Guns

Included on the alternative rock band’s fourth album released in 2016.

Chris Kamrada (ex-There For Tomorrow) also took part.

Praised by the magazine Kerrang!, their genuine talent delivers a rich, immersive sound.

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Standard Tuningbdrmm

bdrmm – Standard Tuning (Official Audio Visualiser)

Standard Tuningbdrmm

Beadroom, a shoegaze band from the UK, released their debut EP “If Not, When?” in 2019.

Centered around lead vocalist Ryan Smith, their appeal lies in a distinctive sound that draws inspiration from ’90s shoegaze while incorporating elements of dream pop and new wave.

In 2020, they released their debut album “Bedroom.” In 2023, they signed with Mogwai’s label, and on their second album “I Don’t Know,” they embraced a broader palette, including ambient and trip-hop influences.

Ryan’s melancholy vocals and outstanding guitar work are striking, and their lyrics address socially conscious themes such as addiction and mental health issues.

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Why Are We Sleeping?Soft Machine

Soft Machine-Why Are We Sleeping?

Why Are We Sleeping?Soft Machine

Let me introduce Soft Machine, a progressive jazz-rock band from the UK.

Formed in Canterbury in 1966, they began with psychedelic rock and gradually shifted toward jazz fusion.

Their band name is said to derive from a novel by William Burroughs.

In the 1970s, they released albums such as Third and Fourth, pursuing a fusion of jazz and rock.

Although the lineup changed frequently, their innovative musical approach and experimental spirit had a significant influence on later generations.

In 2015, they reunited under the name Soft Machine Legacy.

Highly recommended for those interested in experimental music.

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The CutterEcho & the Bunnymen

ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN – The Cutter [Official Video] HD

The CutterEcho & the Bunnymen

Echo & the Bunnymen are a quintessential British post-punk band.

Hailing from Liverpool, they formed in 1978.

Their 1979 debut single “The Pictures on My Wall” and 1980 debut album “Crocodiles” drew major attention.

Their sound, with its dark and psychedelic elements, is captivating.

In the 1980s they produced many hit songs, growing into one of the defining bands of the UK music scene.

By 1987 they were popular in the United States as well, and their influence spread worldwide.

The distinctive guitar sound and Ian McCulloch’s striking vocals create a unique world that continues to fascinate fans today.

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