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

Hung AroundKing Nun

King Nun – Hung Around

King Nun, a five-piece band formed in London in 2013, captivates with their DIY spirit and raw sound.

They fuse the momentum of indie punk with the heaviness of grunge, and have experience supporting the Foo Fighters.

Fronted by vocalist Theo Polyzoides, the members handle everything themselves—from artwork to production.

They debuted in 2016, and their 2019 album Mass was hailed by NME as “ferocious and fantastic.” Rolling Stone named them “Best Rock Newcomers” at the Bonnaroo festival, a testament to their prowess, and their raw live performances are not to be missed.

Carrying the spirit of ’90s grunge, their sound is sure to enthrall rock fans far and wide!

WonderwallOasis

Oasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)

When it comes to the strongest British rock band representing the 1990s, most people would immediately name Oasis.

Formed in 1991 around the Gallagher brothers from Manchester, they achieved worldwide success with landmark albums like Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?.

As pioneers of Britpop, they proudly foregrounded their working-class roots and frequently made headlines with their big-mouthed remarks and sibling spats, yet still notched up eight UK No.

1 albums and eight UK No.

1 singles.

They have won numerous awards, including 17 NME Awards, and boast over 100 million records sold worldwide.

They’re a band that not only UK rock fans but also newcomers to Western music should definitely listen to.

Bohemian RhapsodyQueen

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video Remastered)

A song released in 1975 by the British rock band Queen.

In their home country of the UK, it spent nine consecutive weeks at number one and is regarded as the best-selling song in the UK.

It is also famous as the first song in the world to have a promotional video produced.

Considered an iconic track for Queen, it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 2002 as the “Greatest Single of All Time” in the UK.

AlwaysThe Snuts

The Snuts – Always (Official Live Music Video)

The Snuts are a four-piece indie rock band formed in 2015 in West Lothian, Scotland.

Made up of friends from their school days, they released their debut album, W.

L.

, in April 2021.

It reached No.

1 on the UK Albums Chart, marking the first debut album by a Scottish band to do so in 14 years.

Their anthemic and sometimes edgy sound deftly blends pop/rock with indie rock.

In September 2022, their second album, Burn the Empire, also charted highly, reaching No.

3, steadily growing their popularity.

Their music, which resonates with young listeners, is recommended for anyone who wants to know what UK rock sounds like right now.

CreepRadiohead

Radiohead – Creep

They’re a British alternative rock band that’s a regular at Summer Sonic and Fuji Rock in Japan, and their vocalist Thom Yorke once studied Japanese.

Known for their experimental sound, they dramatically change their style with each album.

This is an early classic and one of their most pop-leaning songs.

How Soon Is Now?The Smiths

The Smiths – How Soon Is Now? (Official Music Video)

Fronted by vocalist Morrissey, The Smiths produced numerous hits in the UK and are known for their distinctive voice.

Although they debuted in 1981 and disbanded after only six years, Morrissey has continued his solo career, and more recently he handled the soundtrack for the Leonardo DiCaprio–starring film Inception.

Can’t Kick Up The RootsNeck Deep

Neck Deep – Can’t Kick Up The Roots (Official Music Video)

A pop-punk band formed in 2012.

They also performed at Warped Tour, one of the largest rock festivals in the United States.

With their worldwide activity, they are one of the bands that represent the pop-punk scene.

A classic track from the album “Life’s Not Out To Get You.”