[2026] A roundup of the best UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts!
In Japan, both now and in the past, bands from the UK have been especially popular among Western music.
As fellow island nations, there’s a shared sensibility—those slightly damp, melancholic melodies and lyricism resonate perfectly with Japanese tastes, and many people are also drawn to the distinctly European worldview.
In this article, we’ve researched recommended UK bands.
The first half spotlights up-and-coming and new artists you should watch to understand the “now” of Britain, while the second half takes a broader look—centered on rock—at veterans and mid-career acts you ought to know.
It features plenty of bands that are great for beginners to UK rock and Western music alike, so be sure to check it out!
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[2026] A roundup of recommended UK bands: plenty of up-and-coming acts too! (11–20)
What You KnowTwo Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club, a Northern Ireland-based indie rock trio, formed in 2007.
They released their debut album, Tourist History, in March 2010, which reached number one on Ireland’s Independent Albums Chart.
Garnering high praise from the start—including a spot on the BBC’s Sound of 2010—the band is known for a sound that blends electronic sophistication with guitar-driven hooks, establishing a unique style that fuses post-punk and dance music.
With tracks featured in EA Sports’ FIFA series and appearances on popular American talk shows, their international presence has been remarkable.
Continually pursuing new musical directions, their music is recommended not only for UK rock fans but also for lovers of dance music.
John Lblack midi
black midi are a three-piece rock band formed in London in 2017.
While rooted in math rock and progressive rock, they incorporate noise and avant-garde elements into an experimental sound that’s shaken up the UK music scene.
Their debut album, Schlagenheim, released in June 2019, reached the UK Albums Chart top 50 and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
They’ve also earned high praise for their live performances, and toured Japan in 2019 and 2022.
Their unbounded musicality and unpredictable staging make them perfect for music fans seeking something new and stimulating.
AccordionAbstract Orchestra
Hearing the name “Abstract Orchestra” might make you imagine an avant-garde classical ensemble, but they’re actually a big band that bridges hip-hop and jazz, launched in Leeds, UK in 2011.
Led by saxophonist Rob Mitchell, their large lineup is acclaimed for reconstructing beats—like those of J Dilla—through live performance.
Their approach of reviving masterpieces with a powerful ensemble that includes brass and strings is stunning, as heard on the album Dilla and on Madvillain Vol.
1, which takes on MF DOOM’s tracks.
With projects like their 2020 collaboration with Slum Village, they go beyond mere covers to offer true reinterpretations.
If you want to enjoy hip-hop’s groove and jazz’s improvisational spirit at the same time, this band comes highly recommended!
Mirror MusclesSOFT PLAY
Soft Play is a punk rock duo from the UK.
They formed in 2012 and initially performed under the name Slaves.
Their debut album, Are You Satisfied?, was released in June 2015 and reached number 8 on the UK Albums Chart.
It also received critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Mercury Prize that same year.
Their second album, Take Control, produced by Mike D of the Beastie Boys, showcased an even more refined sound.
In December 2022, they changed their name to the current Soft Play, marking a new chapter.
If you’re looking for punk rock that’s both intense and polished, this band is a perfect fit.
Up&UpColdplay
Coldplay, from the United Kingdom, is a world-renowned rock band formed in London in 1997.
They shot to prominence with their 2000 debut album Parachutes, with the single Yellow becoming a huge hit.
Since then, they have continued to captivate fans around the globe, winning Brit Awards and Grammy Awards.
Their musical style spans from alternative rock to pop, and they are also known for creating moving atmospheres in their live performances.
In 2018, a documentary was released to mark their 20th anniversary, underscoring their immense influence.
They’re a highly recommended band for anyone who wants to be moved by emotional lyrics and beautiful melodies.
Beautifully UnconventionalWolf Alice
Wolf Alice, a four-piece band formed in London in 2010, has been drawing attention as a new generation British rock act.
Rooted in alternative rock, they incorporate a diverse range of styles including shoegaze and dream pop.
Their debut album, My Love Is Cool, released in 2015, reached No.
2 on the UK Albums Chart.
Their 2017 album, Visions of a Life, won the 2018 Mercury Prize, and in 2022 they also took home the Brit Award for Group of the Year.
Vocalist Ellie Rowsell is known for her political statements, openly supporting the Labour Party, which has brought attention to the band beyond their music.
Blending innovation with traditional rock, Wolf Alice is a band highly recommended for UK rock fans.
[2026] A roundup of recommended UK bands: plenty of emerging acts too! (21–30)
WonderwallOasis
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.