[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 emerging acts too! (21–30)
Common PeoplePulp
They were a band that debuted in 1983, but it wasn’t until this song, ten years later, that they finally reached No.
2 on the UK charts.
They created their own brand of modern pop music and caused a sensation across the UK at the time, but unfortunately they disbanded four years later.
Stayin’ AliveBee Gees
This number, an indispensable disco classic from the late ’70s, was released in 1977 by the British trio of brothers, the Bee Gees.
In Japan, it was also featured in a Honda Odyssey commercial.
Its quintessential ’70s sound is easy to dance to, and its popularity shows no signs of fading even today.
[2026] A roundup of recommended bands from the UK, featuring many up-and-coming acts! (31–40)
Cosmic GirlJamiroquai
A jazz-funk band formed in 1992 and led by Jason Kay.
Jason’s instantly recognizable voice and the irresistibly danceable, overwhelming groove—Jamiroquai is practically a genre unto itself.
This particular track distills the band’s appeal.
The crisply ticking hi-hats and the laid-back, tension-filled bassline leave a strong impression.
Everything Must GoManic Street Preachers
Manic Street Preachers are a British alternative rock band.
As their reputation as a band was growing, they went through a difficult period when their guitarist Richey disappeared and was later declared dead.
However, they overcame this and have continued to build their career to the present day, becoming one of the top bands.
ConcordeBlack Country, New Road
A seven-piece band formed in London in 2018 that has brought a fresh breeze to the UK rock scene.
Their appeal lies in an original sound that fuses a wide range of styles, including post-punk, math rock, jazz, and klezmer.
Their 2021 debut album, “For the First Time,” received high acclaim, and their second album, “Ants From Up There,” released in February 2022, reached No.
3 on the UK charts.
Known for irregular song structures and rich instrumentation, they also have a strong reputation for live performances.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys musical experimentation.
In A RoomDodgy
A three-piece band from London.
Their hallmark is a traditional rock style reminiscent of The Who, Cream, and The Beatles.
It’s included on their third album from 1996.
The sound is a perfect hit for fans of 1960s music.
Hung AroundKing Nun
King Nun, a five-piece band formed in London in 2013, captivates with their DIY spirit and raw sound.
They fuse the momentum of indie punk with the heaviness of grunge, and have experience supporting the Foo Fighters.
Fronted by vocalist Theo Polyzoides, the members handle everything themselves—from artwork to production.
They debuted in 2016, and their 2019 album Mass was hailed by NME as “ferocious and fantastic.” Rolling Stone named them “Best Rock Newcomers” at the Bonnaroo festival, a testament to their prowess, and their raw live performances are not to be missed.
Carrying the spirit of ’90s grunge, their sound is sure to enthrall rock fans far and wide!