The New British Order

In the mid 2000s, the UK was witness to an incredibly productive, exciting time in music. The brit-pop era was long gone and there needed to be a response to the rock revival that was going on in the US with the likes of The Strokes and The White Stripes. It was the time for fast-paced, in your face, indie-rock that is still being sung around pubs and clubs today. Household names such as Arctic Monkeys and Bloc Party were being born left, right and centre.

Since then, there has been somewhat of a dry spell. Bands have come and gone, trying and failing to replicate that lightning-in-a-bottle magic that so many of the population attach fond memories to. Britain has been crying out for some innovation for years, and they are finally getting it. Here are 6 incredibly talented new artists on the rise and ready to make this the new era we will remember:

Black Country, New Road

Look out for Lewis Evans on the saxophone, often a shining moment in their catalogue

I wrote about the eclectic 7-piece band in the November issue of Dead Possum in anticipation for their debut album, and it certainly delivered. Released in early February, Black Country, New Road’s first effort was sensational. Perfectly orchestrated instrumentals providing a backdrop for singer Isaac Wood to tell witty and raw monologues over, this is a band with so much to deliver.

Recommended if you like: Slint, Modest Mouse, Wilco

Project to check out: For the First Time

Squid

Lead singer Ollie Judge (left) also provides the incredible drums

If you were to describe this new movement coming out of the UK as an explosion, Squid would be the personification of that. Thrashing drumbeats pump the heart of creative and groovy songs stamped with a new wave flare that is addicting to listen to. Their first full length album, Bright Green Field, is released at the end of May and is already creating a lot of buzz from the fantastic singles.

Recommended if you like: Talking Heads, Devo, Parquet Courts

Project to check out: Town Centre

Black Midi

Drummer Morgan Simpson won ‘UK Drummer of the Year’ in 2014

Pressing play on Black Midi’s first album, Schlagenheim, will transport you somewhere you’ve never been before. Propelling you from the loud and frenzied to the melodic and precise, the record provides a malleable basis that the young band can use to go any direction they want. The first single for their sophomore LP, Cavalcade, proves just that. It’s anyone’s guess what the album will sound like, but it’s going to be worth a listen.

Recommended if you like: Swans, Thee Oh Sees, Sonic Youth

Project to check out: Schlagenheim

Telemarkk

Telemarkk are one of the most exciting electronic acts to be coming out of England right now. The bass and synth duo have a number of singles released that keep on getting better and more versatile. Singer and keyboardist Max Berg provides smooth vocals and crooning synths kept going by Asad Siddiqui’s mellow bass lines. With relaxed cuts to high adrenaline bangers, there is something for everyone. Their hard work continues this year, with a new single coming in early May and an EP planned for late summer.

Recommended if you like: Tame Impala, MGMT, James Blake

Project to check out: all of their singles

Arlo Parks

Parks featured on Michelle Obama’s end of year playlist in 2020

It’s not hard to see why the recent album released by the 20-year-old singer has got such critical acclaim. Tight and jazzy tracks with poetic and warm lyrics that build a world for the listener to cosy themselves in to, her newest album is a perfect example of the bedroom-pop that is becoming so prevalent nowadays. Time is very much on her side, and with international connections like Phoebe Bridgers and Denzel Curry, Parks will definitely see her name move outside of the isles.

Recommended if you like: SZA, Yves Tumor, Deb Never

Project to check out: Collapsed In Sunbeams

Dry Cleaning

Shaw will lend from greeting cards and strange advertisements

Dry Cleaning bring a stylish and distinctive flair to the UK scene, with earworm guitar riffs and spoken word vocals filling their two EPs that have been released so far. Singer Florence Shaw writes in unusual ways, drawing inspiration from anything from random YouTube comments to roads signs she has seen and turning it into fragmented splinters of poetry and delivering them in such a way that leaves you unable to pin down quite what she is feeling. It really works though, and new album New Long Leg is out April 2nd

Recommended if you like: Alvvays, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Project to check out: Sweet Princess EP