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

Playing FictionROAM

ROAM – Playing Fiction (Official Music Video)

A newcomer leading the 2010s pop-punk scene alongside Neck Deep.

A track from their second album, released on America’s Hopeless Records.

With quality on par with Yellowcard and Simple Plan, they’re expected to take even bigger steps forward.

KandaikiMammal Hands

Mammal Hands – Kandaiki

Mammal Hands, based in Norwich, UK, are a piano trio that, despite their unusual bass-less lineup, create a refined sound.

Formed in 2012 by brothers Jordan Smart and Nick Smart, they debuted in 2014 with the album “Animalia.” Drawing on a wide range of influences—ambient, jazz, electronic music, folk, and Sufi music—they’ve established a distinctive approach in which all members contribute equally to composition.

Their 2020 album “Captured Spirits” garnered high praise from notable artists such as Bonobo for its trance-like allure, skillfully blending improvisation with rhythmic loops.

Since April 2024, Rob Turner, known as the drummer of GoGo Penguin, has joined the band, bringing fresh energy.

Highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in a sound that is both delicate and dynamic.

BreakoutSwing Out Sister

Swing Out Sister – Breakout (Official Music Video)

A spellbinding fusion of refined elegance and passionate groove—that is the musical world of Swing Out Sister.

Formed in Manchester in 1985, the group stands at the beautiful intersection of jazz, pop, and soul.

Their 1987 debut album, It’s Better to Travel, topped the UK charts and drew instant attention with its sophisticated collection of songs.

Nominated for several Grammy Awards in 1988, including Best New Artist, they enjoy particularly strong support in Japan.

Frontwoman Corinne Drewery’s translucent vocals and Andy Connell’s delicate arrangements create a soundscape ideal for anyone seeking a pleasantly crossover style.

Your Love Is MineThe New Mastersounds

The New Mastersounds – Your Love Is Mine [Audio]

The New Mastersounds, hailing from Leeds, UK, have been laying down deep grooves for years.

Formed in 1999, the four-piece is known for a distinctive style that fuses vintage funk with jazz fusion.

Their instrumental sonic adventures began with their debut, “Keb Darge Presents The New Mastersounds” (2001).

Since then, they’ve released over 15 studio albums, evolving to incorporate contemporary elements on 2018’s “Renewable Energy.” They’ve also collaborated with Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley, and since their U.

S.

breakthrough in 2004, they’ve captivated funk fans around the world.

Highly recommended for dancers who want to surrender to the rhythm and for anyone who loves soulful music.

RelaxFrankie Goes To Hollywood

Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax (original version)

Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who shot straight to number one on the UK charts with their debut single “Relax,” continued to release powerful, distinctive hits afterward.

This song has been used in commercials and films, so some of you may have heard it, but the band’s musical style is undeniably compelling.

Last Train HomeLostprophets

LOSTPROPHETS – Last Train Home

Lostprophets are a six-piece band from Wales.

Since forming in 1997, they gained popularity for their wide-ranging sound from alternative metal to nu metal.

Following their 2000 debut album, Thefakesoundofprogress, they lit up the UK charts, with signature songs like Last Train Home and Rooftops reaching the Top 10.

Their prowess was widely recognized, including six Kerrang! Awards.

The album Liberation Transmission, released in June 2006, hit No.

1 on the UK Albums Chart.

They have also been highly regarded in Japan, with emotive melodies and a heavy sound as their appeal.

They’re a band I’d highly recommend to anyone interested in UK rock.

The MessageOMA

OMA – The Message (Nas Cover Live in Liverpool)

OMA is a four-piece instrumental hip-hop band based in Manchester, UK, gaining attention for their fresh reinterpretations of classic hip-hop.

Featuring guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums, they craft a hybrid sound that weaves in elements of R&B and electronica.

They released their debut single in 2022, and in 2023 earned high praise with the album “Bread ‘n’ Butter,” which covers timeless hip-hop tracks.

Their social media presence is strong, and they’ve earned the trust of top-tier artists—serving, for example, as the tour band for Isaiah Rashad of TDE.

Their live shows also showcase a deep connection with the Japanese music scene, including covers of beloved tracks by Nujabes.

If you’re interested in new possibilities within hip-hop or want to experience the power of live instrumentation, this is the band for you.