Snõõper
In the briefest of descriptions, Snõõper is a band who, in a 33 1/3 rpm world, make 45 rpm music they play at 78 and it completely works. Even at this incredible speed, Snõõper (the kinetic duo of musician Connor Cummins and visual/video artist, Blair Tramel) is super precise instrumentally and skillfully melodic vocally, even though, again, they’re flooring it almost the entire time. The overall effect is a megadose of extremely cool and unique songs that while at the speed of tomorrow, would lose their overwhelming fun factor if played any differently. Featuring one of the wildest liveshows out there, as well as the most promising punk debut in decades.
SPRINTS
After releasing two acclaimed EPs and building a fearsome live reputation, SPRINTS’ debut album ‘Letter To Self’ is out there and not to be missed. Inspired by Savages, their sound matured into energetic and abrasive garage-punk, synthesising influences ranging from early Pixies, Bauhaus, Siouxsie Sioux, IDLES and LCD Soundsystem. The album is exhibiting their most vulnerable moments and imbuing their visceral garage-punk with a palpable sense of catharsis that we can all benefit from. As singer, guitarist and lead-songwriter Karla Chubb tackles her inner turmoil head-on, and uses her platform to address inequality and issues close to her heart. Women’s ongoing fight for bodily autonomy, struggles with self acceptance, identity, mental health struggles, sexuality and catholic guilt for example.
Bumble B. Boy
Bumble B. Boy is a fast-emerging art-punk artist and failed children's entertainer, pushing boundaries and pulling in shocked, awe-struck crowds with his unique blend of theatrics, storytelling and electric punk energy. If you’re looking for a musical rollercoaster ride to flip you on your head, take some surprising turns and bring you back safely to earth, then make sure you don’t miss this.
The Vices
The Vices deliver a contrasting mix of Britpop and surf rock. Imagine the love child of The Strokes and Cage the Elephant with a live energy reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. These are great names, but above all, The Vices are uniquely themselves. With childlike fun and deadly serious ambitions, they can play tight and explosive just as easily as they are playful and danceable.
Zimmer90
Enter Zimmer90, a place of warmth and softness. Under a hefty layer of synths, bass, and electronic drums, the German electro-indie popduo creates light-hearted and optimistic music in which they combine their love for art, music, and architecture. “Sometimes we like to think of songs as spaces. Spaces created by music, that carry out countless possibilities.” If you haven’t heard of them yet from the viral TikTok hit ‘What Love is,’ you’re bound to soon because the band is gaining popularity at lightning speed. Fans of Tame Impala, Beach House, or Men I Trust: make sure to add Zimmer90 to your list.
Walt Disco
With a generous infusion of synths, punchy drums, and elements of glam rock/new wave, Scottish band Walt Disco could easily be mistaken for a product of the 1980s. The band is turning stages into a retro dance floors, delivering queer art-pop anthems that echo the style of David Bowie. They portray themselves as the band they longed for while growing up, emphasizing self-expression and self-love. Their newest cinematic glam ‘The Warping’ is enriched by classically trained orchestral musicians, and takes listeners on a journey of vulnerability and self-discovery while exploring themes of change, growth and gender dysphoria with radical honesty.
Somebody's Child
Fan of Arctic Monkeys or Foster The People? Give Somebody’s Child a listen, the alias of Cian Godfrey. A groundbreaking voice in the Dublin music scene, Somebody’s Child hast fast become one of the hottest prospects in Ireland. His early singles and snappy and energetic live show has been creating a word-of-mouth buzz, and resulted in sold-out headline shows in the UK, a support slot for Kaiser Chiefs and an appearance on The Late Show. The songwriting often reflects on difficult mental health experiences, as well as the endearing happenings of a youngster growing up in Dublin.
The Royston Club
As often happens with great guitar bands, the members of The Royston Club met at school and ended up making music together. Now, the four-piece indie band has assembled millions of streams with their singles 'Mrs Narcissistic' and 'Cold Sweats', sold out their UK tours, and played a support slot for Miles Kane. A fan of The Wombats, The Strokes, Car Seat Headrest, or Franz Ferdinand? Make sure you don't miss this show!
Gustaf
Gustaf's goal is one that shines in its simplicity: to make you mosh. The female-fronted band can rightfully claim a spot as one of the favorites in the New York underground scene, but they're also making waves beyond. They already played to sold-out venues supporting acts like IDLES and Dehd. Their music is danceable art-punk with disco beats and ripping guitar lines, akin to the likes of Talking Heads, ESG, and Parquet Courts. Their debut album, Audio Drag for Ego Slobs (2021) is just as enjoyable as its title suggests and it’s follow-up Package Pt. 2 (2024) is equally a total joy to hear. The hooks, riffs, and rhythms dig in instantly. But it’s the larger questions Gustaf asks about how we deal with ourselves and one another that make these songs so repeatable. The band finds the space between the good-times rock gig and the late-night philosophizing that happens when it’s over. Sing along, read along, dance along: Gustaf works on whatever level you need it.
BLUAI
This 3-piece girl band from Antwerp started as Catherine Smet’s initimate bedroom project. With Caitlin Talbut (bass) and Mo Govaerts (drums), the project has evolved into a full-fledged indie band. BLUAI won Belgium’s three major music contests in just a few months time and made it to a billboard on Times Square as ambassadors for Spotify’s Equal campaign for more women in music. They are making their way through the Belgian music landscape while continuing to challenge each other to keep experimenting.