[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! (51–60)
Not The American AverageAsking Alexandria
This is a track by a globally popular metal band from the UK that creates highly advanced and radical music.
The song puts their brutal elements and eccentricity front and center, making it a fresh listen.
It’s a perfect track for high schoolers who love new things.
Deja VuLionsheart
This is a band fronted by ex-Grim Reaper vocalist Steve Grimmett.
It’s from their second album, “Pride In Tact.” The bluesy, melody-driven vocals and riff work are steeped in sheer grit.
With vocals that rival Whitesnake in power and a precise guitar performance, the band’s strengths are undeniable.
Virginia PlainRoxy Music
This song was the band’s debut single and reached as high as number 4 in the UK.
They went on to release numerous hits, especially in the UK.
The vocalist was Bryan Ferry, who later had a successful solo career, and the keyboardist was Brian Eno, who composed, among other things, the Windows 95 startup sound.
Viva La RevolutionThe Adicts
Formed in the UK in 1975, The Adicts have carved out a unique place within punk rock.
With simple yet catchy melodies and crowd-engaging live performances, they’re especially memorable for the makeup and flamboyant costumes of their iconic frontman, Keith “Monkey” Warren.
Beginning with their debut album Songs of Praise, they have released numerous energetic tracks.
Their style, blending humor with a rebellious spirit, continues to influence many artists.
They’re the perfect band for anyone seeking high-entertainment punk.
[2026] A roundup of recommended British bands, featuring many up-and-coming artists! (61–70)
BreakoutSwing Out Sister
A spellbinding fusion of refined elegance and passionate groove—that is the musical world of Swing Out Sister.
Formed in Manchester in 1985, the group stands at the beautiful intersection of jazz, pop, and soul.
Their 1987 debut album, It’s Better to Travel, topped the UK charts and drew instant attention with its sophisticated collection of songs.
Nominated for several Grammy Awards in 1988, including Best New Artist, they enjoy particularly strong support in Japan.
Frontwoman Corinne Drewery’s translucent vocals and Andy Connell’s delicate arrangements create a soundscape ideal for anyone seeking a pleasantly crossover style.
BanquetBloc Party
Bloc Party is a rock band from London, England.
Fronted by Kele Okereke, whose parents are Nigerian, they are a distinctive UK band that radiates a unique presence through a blend of characteristically Black rhythmic sensibilities and stylish, UK-flavored melodies.
Beautiful OnesSuede
Suede is a British rock band said to carry David Bowie’s DNA.
Their debut album shot straight to No.
1 on the UK charts, igniting the Britpop boom of the 1990s.
Due to discord among members, they have broken up and reunited multiple times.