[2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming artists!
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!
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[2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming artists (1–10)
Figure It OutRoyal Blood
Royal Blood are a duo band attracting attention on the UK rock scene.
Formed in 2011 by bassist-vocalist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher, they’ve been winning support with their distinctive sound that fuses blues rock and garage rock.
Their 2014 debut album, Royal Blood, made a striking impact, hitting number one on the charts.
In 2015, they won the BRIT Award for Best British Group, cementing their presence as new leading figures in the British music scene.
Their innovative concept of “rock without guitars,” combined with thunderous bass lines and powerful drum beats, captivates rock fans.
Their songs are both powerful and melodic—perfect for listeners seeking energetic music.
Television RomancePale Waves
Pale Waves are a four-piece indie rock band from Manchester, UK.
Since forming in 2014, they’ve drawn attention for a sound that spans a wide range of genres, from indie pop to synth-pop.
They made a striking debut with their 2017 single “There’s a Honey,” followed by a string of hit singles.
Their debut album, My Mind Makes Noises, released in 2018, impressively reached No.
8 on the UK Albums Chart.
They proved their talent by winning Best Breakthrough Act at the 2019 Q Awards.
They’re also recognized as voices for the LGBTQ community, with vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie’s lyrics strongly reflecting her own experiences.
Hugely popular in Japan as well, they’re leading a new generation of UK rock—definitely a band to keep your eyes on!
Ode to ClioMan/Woman/Chainsaw
Man/Woman/Chainsaw, a hotly tipped five-piece based in London, dazzles as they leap effortlessly across genres from post-punk to art punk.
Debuting in July 2024, they’ve brought a fresh wind to the music scene with their inventive sound and electrifying live performances.
Each member began their career in their teens, and with over 100 live shows under their belt, they continue to captivate audiences with youthful energy and passion.
Forged in the DIY community, their experimental soundscapes are defined by Billy Ward’s vocals at the center and Cleo Starwood’s violin weaving a lyrical world.
Their music suggests new possibilities for UK rock—perfect for listeners seeking bold, boundary-pushing expression.
[2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands: plenty of up-and-comers too! (11–20)
Chaise LonguWet Leg
Wet Leg, hailing from the Isle of Wight in the UK, is a female duo formed in 2019.
They made their debut on Domino Records in 2021 and have been gaining attention in Japan, especially among indie rock fans.
On April 8, 2022, they released their eagerly awaited debut album, ‘Wet Leg.
’ Their music, infused with elements of post-punk revival and indie rock, brims with fresh fun.
Having garnered numerous awards, including Grammys and BRIT Awards, their international acclaim is soaring.
They’ve also served as a support act for artists like Harry Styles and Pulp, marking a remarkable rise.
With their unique worldbuilding and energetic performances, they’re highly recommended for anyone looking to feel a fresh breeze in UK rock.
DANCERIDLES
Idles, from Bristol, England, are a rock band formed in 2009.
Incorporating elements of punk rock and post-punk, they have forged a distinctive sound.
They released their debut album, Brutalism, in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim.
Their 2018 album Joy as an Act of Resistance reached No.
5 on the UK charts.
Known for lyrics that tackle anger and social themes and for their raw energy, they also have a strong reputation for live performances.
In 2020, they released Ultra Mono, which featured guest artists.
The following year’s Crawler saw them pursuing a more introspective and narrative-driven direction.
Idles’ music, which confronts social injustices and political issues, is recommended for listeners who question contemporary society.
Wall Of EyesThe Smile
Have you heard of The Smile, a supergroup that brings together some of the UK’s finest talent? It’s a trio consisting of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, along with jazz drummer Tom Skinner.
They released their debut album, A Light for Attracting Attention, in May 2022, which drew attention for its unique sound incorporating elements of post-punk and progressive rock.
In January 2024, they unveiled their second album, Wall of Eyes.
A psychedelic-tinged music video was also released, further boosting their profile.
It’s a band recommended not only for Radiohead fans but also for those who enjoy experimental music.
They’ve been touring across Europe and North America, and their live performances are reputed to be excellent.
StarlightMuse
Muse are a three-piece rock band from Devon, England.
Formed in 1994, they drew attention with their 1999 debut album, Showbiz.
They broke through in a big way with 2001’s Origin of Symmetry and have since produced numerous hit songs.
In June 2006, they released Black Holes and Revelations, their first album to reach No.
1 in the UK.
With expansive soundscapes and an experimental approach, they established a distinctive musical identity that also incorporates elements of progressive rock.
Guitarist Matt Bellamy’s virtuosic playing and striking vocals are among their key attractions.
A band the UK proudly presents to the world, Muse are recommended not only for rock fans but also for anyone seeking grand, sweeping music.