[2026] A roundup of the best UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts!

StayNo Devotion

No Devotion – “Stay” (Official)

A band formed by former members of Lostprophets and members of Thursday.

Compared to the bands they previously belonged to, it’s a completely different entity, offering a unique, danceable alternative sound with a hint of new wave.

Its gothic melodic sensibility has a curious texture that gently seeps into the listener’s ears.

Don’t Look Back Into The SunThe Libertines

The Libertines – Don’t Look Back Into The Sun (Official Video)

The Libertines are a British rock band and one of the groups that shone in the garage rock revival movement.

Influential not only for their music but also for their fashion, they have been plagued by constant troubles and have followed a path of breakup and reunion.

You Will RiseSweetback

Sweetback – You Will Rise

Sweetback continue their refined sonic adventure.

Formed in London, UK in 1994, the group is a project by three members of the world-renowned band Sade.

They pursue “global soul music” that dissolves genre boundaries, from acid jazz to trip-hop.

Their debut album, Sweetback, was released in 1996, with tracks like “Softly, Softly” attracting attention.

In 2004, they released Stage 2, their first album in eight years.

Their distinctive approach of featuring guest vocalists on each track testifies to their meticulous musicianship and sophisticated musical sensibility.

Perfect for those seeking both dancefloor euphoria and soothing relaxation.

Your Love Is MineThe New Mastersounds

The New Mastersounds – Your Love Is Mine [Audio]

The New Mastersounds, hailing from Leeds, UK, have been laying down deep grooves for years.

Formed in 1999, the four-piece is known for a distinctive style that fuses vintage funk with jazz fusion.

Their instrumental sonic adventures began with their debut, “Keb Darge Presents The New Mastersounds” (2001).

Since then, they’ve released over 15 studio albums, evolving to incorporate contemporary elements on 2018’s “Renewable Energy.” They’ve also collaborated with Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley, and since their U.S.

breakthrough in 2004, they’ve captivated funk fans around the world.

Highly recommended for dancers who want to surrender to the rhythm and for anyone who loves soulful music.

Retreat! Retreat!65daysofstatic

65daysofstatic – Retreat! Retreat!

Formed in Sheffield, UK, in 2001, 65daysofstatic are a band known for their distinctive blend of post-rock and electronic sounds.

Characterized by heavy, progressive guitar work and beat-making driven by programming, they earned high acclaim with their 2004 debut album, The Fall of Math.

They went on to release numerous acclaimed records, including One Time for All Time, and in 2016 they scored the video game No Man’s Sky.

They explored an innovative approach in which the music changes according to in-game situations, creating experimental soundscapes.

Their fusion of dense instrumentals and electro-acoustic elements is sure to captivate anyone interested in post-rock or electronic music.

KandaikiMammal Hands

Mammal Hands – Kandaiki

Mammal Hands, based in Norwich, UK, are a piano trio that, despite their unusual bass-less lineup, create a refined sound.

Formed in 2012 by brothers Jordan Smart and Nick Smart, they debuted in 2014 with the album “Animalia.” Drawing on a wide range of influences—ambient, jazz, electronic music, folk, and Sufi music—they’ve established a distinctive approach in which all members contribute equally to composition.

Their 2020 album “Captured Spirits” garnered high praise from notable artists such as Bonobo for its trance-like allure, skillfully blending improvisation with rhythmic loops.

Since April 2024, Rob Turner, known as the drummer of GoGo Penguin, has joined the band, bringing fresh energy.

Highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in a sound that is both delicate and dynamic.

The MessageOMA

OMA – The Message (Nas Cover Live in Liverpool)

OMA is a four-piece instrumental hip-hop band based in Manchester, UK, gaining attention for their fresh reinterpretations of classic hip-hop.

Featuring guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums, they craft a hybrid sound that weaves in elements of R&B and electronica.

They released their debut single in 2022, and in 2023 earned high praise with the album “Bread ‘n’ Butter,” which covers timeless hip-hop tracks.

Their social media presence is strong, and they’ve earned the trust of top-tier artists—serving, for example, as the tour band for Isaiah Rashad of TDE.

Their live shows also showcase a deep connection with the Japanese music scene, including covers of beloved tracks by Nujabes.

If you’re interested in new possibilities within hip-hop or want to experience the power of live instrumentation, this is the band for you.