Where else would you see a list that varies from Welsh speaking locals to Swedish folk metal? January has flown by and to end the month we decided to put together a list of bands to keep an eye on for the rest of 2018. If we survive the rest of 2018.
Frauds
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary then Frauds are it. This off-the-wall duo caught some eyes on tour with Jamie Lenman and their videos are also something to behold. The energetic Frauds have put some humour back in the music scene, their debut album With Morning Toast & Jam & Juice came out in December and they kick off their UK tour with JOHN in February.
Knocked Loose
After relentless touring with Every time I Die in the states and UK Knocked Loose seem to be drawing in f€ans like moths to a flame. The band are smashing down boundaries with their beatdown hardcore and work hard ethic that has been rewarded with a recent Kerrang! cover!
Feed The Rhino
With their new album The Silence finally out February 16th after teasing us with singles for quite some time Feed The Rhino, a menacing wrecking ball of a band, will be ones you don’t want to miss this year. With a headline tour also in February shows are sure to be, as they’d put it themselves, “Loud as fuck”.
Vorna
It’s been fairly quiet in the Vorna camp as of late but that doesn’t mean they’re not up to much as according to their last facebook post, they are “making plans, writing and working”. If their new music is as good as their two previous standalone singles then we’ll definitely be in for a treat later on this year.
Chroma
Chroma are nothing but fun and inspiring. The friendship they display on stage is to be admired and their constant push to the alt-rock Welsh music is welcomed. From introducing slots at Reading + Leeds to local club shows they’re a band worth your time. Their latest video for single Vampires is out now.
Bad Sign
This trio from London are open about their ambitions to become one of the biggest UK bands and show nothing but pride in what they do. Their winsome live shows are just a small step helping them get to where they want to be and winning fans over. Light hearted rock with a Biffy appeal, choruses to scream back to and room to grow. Catch them on tour with Feed The Rhino this February.
Dream State
Another alt-rock band from South Wales with energetic and passionate appeal. Their vigorous sound isn’t going amiss as they continuously push for attention and recently signed a major deal with label UFND. Featured in countless places as an upcoming band in 2018 this year is sure to be one for Dream State to remember.
Grimner
Our friends in Grimner are back with another great new album (which even features a guest performance from Erik of Månegarm on one of the songs!) and they are even going to be gracing our fine shores in March for a four-date tour. When we saw them at the tail end of 2015, they were absolutely fantastic live, so be sure to get yourself down to one of their upcoming shows.
Palm Reader
Founded in 2011 Palm Reader are a fierce brute force. With the current state of the world and their new album out in 2018 let’s bury our sorrows into Palm Reader’s DIY music. Their live shows are just as frantic as their music as well – if they haven’t got your attention in the past now’s the time to take notice.
The St. Pierre Snake Invasion
Bristol based noise outfit The St. Pierre Snake Invasion have been around the block for quite some time with their witty yet rowdy punk rock. But once you’re hooked you’re never leaving their side and their live shows are just as raucous as their music. With a new album in the works and playing quite the sarcastic tease on Facebook go give them a follow.
Courtesans
Not so much newcomers but a band we feel deserves some more attention. Courtesans are a genre mashing trip hop rock band hitting on serious issues. Strong and poetic it’s a refreshing sound. The group are set to go on tour with King 810 this February. Be sure to get down early.
Verikalpa
This talented Finnish folk metal band are currently gearing up to release their awesome debut album and if you like your music fun, catchy and energetic, trust us when we say you’re going to love this release. And with such a great album under their belts, the sky is the limit for Verikalpa in 2018!
Full of Keys
The vehicle for Swedish singer/songwriter Anni Bernhard Full of Keys have only released two albums. Yet their myriad of music videos are compelling enough to be contenders at the Sundance Film Festival. Hopefully this year will see a new album but if not I’m happy with last years single Don’t Look Back on repeat.
Witnesses
Witnesses are like a new kind of Arvo Pärt. Exploring simple themes with defiant bravado. The New York duo are preparing to release their next opus simply titled II this year. Keep your eyes closed and your ears open for it!
Rie a.k.a. Suzaku
I don’t speak much Japanese but I’m fluent in Locrian and I understand a good shredding when I hear it. Fresh and decidedly colourful Rie a.k.a. Suzaku is gearing up for something awesome this year if Google translate is to be believed and it couldn’t soon enough.
