Whether it be classic fan favorites (The Beatles, obviously) or some lesser known artist, we owe a lot of our music to our good friends from across the Pond. In fact, some people actually believe that the beginning of rock & roll originated with the first wave of the British Invasion which brought us artists like The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks, and many, many more. The second wave wasn't too shabby either; giving us The Police, Dexy's Midnight Riders, and Modern English, just to name a few. But it's a new millennium with new music and artists who should be recognized for their talents. Here are six beautifully British bands that have been just my cup of tea this summer.
1. Arctic Monkeys
Hailing from Sheffield, United Kingdom, the Arctic Monkeys have been taking the alternative world by storm since their first official album in 2006. That being said, if you haven't heard their music yet, get out from under that rock, you're missing out on a spectacular band! Their most recent album, AM, is the perfect album to play when Fireside with your friends.
2. The Struts
Starting in Derbyshire, England, The Struts have been called the new Queen (mighty big shoes to fill in my opinion); their single "Could Have Been Me" is definitely an anthem for all those that have been replaced by another and sounds like something Freddie Mercury himself would have marched across the stage performing. The Struts embrace glam rock in their live performances, leaving you feeling like you've been transported back to the 70s. Tracks from their debut album, Everybody Wants, have been making their way into my summer playlists, and they should be in yours too.
3. The 1975
A techno-bedroom pop hybrid that calls Winslow, United Kingdom home. The 1975 have risen to the top of almost every summer chart and earned themselves a massive following with just two studio albums. Frontman, Matty Healy, presents a myriad of songs that make you question your entire existence, but also gets you dancing. Their first single, "Love Me" from their 2016 release i like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it is the perfect song to blast while poolside with some friends.
4. The Wombats
Up-and-coming alternative group from Liverpool, The Wombats specialize in energetic, synth-infused tunes that make you want to dance around your room in your underwear. (Or maybe that's just me?) Only having produced two albums, The Wombats have found themselves on an impressive number of music festival lineups, including: Austin City Limits and Reading (a massive United Kingdom festival). The Wombats are definitely a band to look out for in years to come.
5. Royal Blood
This band doesn't quite fit with the theme of the other bands on this list, but should be recognized nonetheless. Rather than upbeat alt-pop, Royal Blood focuses on abrasive guitar riffs and angry lyrics that are reminiscent of early Queens of the Stone Age. The Brighton (UK) band has one studio album that is cohesively loud and aggressive in the best way possible. Whether you're screaming the songs in a mosh pit, or alone in your car, Royal Blood is the perfect band to get your ears ringing.
6. Catfish and the Bottlemen
Last, but certainly not the least, I couldn't compose a list of top-notch bands from across the Pond and not include Catfish and the Bottlemen. This indie rock band from Llandudno, Wales is all I can find myself listening to this summer. I highly suggest you do the same. Catfish and the Bottlemen use a D.I.Y style when making their music, the result being somewhere between a polished alternative album and something that was made on a computer in someone's garage studio. It sounds like it doesn't work, but I can assure you, it works on every level.
So when discovering new music, don't be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone. Just because it sounds a little foreign, in all senses of the word, doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Imagine life without The Beatles, Iron Maiden, or any of the other iconic bands we got from the different waves of the British Invasion.
