Artists you need to know about right now
It's no secret that the U.K. has birthed some of the most exciting artists in the last few years, with IDLES, slowthai, and Fontaines D.C among an impressive list of recently emerging talent from the British music scene. 2020 will be no different, with talent popping up from all around the country. Here at Slow Motion Panic Masters we are happy to present our very first instalment of a new monthly series: 'Ones to Watch', highlighting our favourite up-and-comers from up and down the country.
A Portsmouth indie quartet totally ready to be your new favourite band. Despite only having released four singles thus far, the band have hit over 200k streams on Spotify alone and received critical acclaim from BBC Introducing and sold out hometown shows. Support slots with bands like Jaws, Swim Deep and Spinn have proved they’re not just your standard, run-of-the-mill indie boppers. Shimmering guitars meet pounding drums, while frontman Matisse Moretti belts out infectious hooks of the quality you would (and should) expect to hear at your favourite summer festivals. With their next single on its way, Flowvers have also announced a headline UK tour in March and April. I’ve been following these guys since the start, and I don’t know what I’m more blown away by, the amount they’ve progressed in a few years, or what they’ve got in store for us.
Highlight: ‘Nosebleed’
Catch them on tour:
After the bedroom-pop revolution of the late 2010s, young musicians across the world began releasing intimate tracks from comfortably amateur environments, channelling lofi sounds into often deeply personal music. Singer-songwriter Abbie Ozard began independently releasing music in 2018, fusing the characteristics of bedroom-pop with big indie hooks. Her debut EP, ‘Growing Pains’, features one of the most enjoyable songs I have heard from a new artist with the bouncy ‘Heartbreak Radio’. Abbie’s soft vocals croon over crunchy guitars and driving, retro percussion. The chorus is definitely an ear-worm, and will be ringing in your head for days.
Despite only having a small number of tracks on major platforms, what she lacks in quantity she makes up in quality. With so much potential already displayed, I am excited to see where Abbie can go from here. With a February tour around the corner, as well as a recently announced performance at Truck Festival 2020, this year is looking to do big things for her. Her next single, ‘Crocodile Tears’ is out on February 7th.
Highlight: ‘Heartbreak Radio’
Catch her on tour with Lauren Hibberd (see entry no. 4):
Have they released a single? No. Have they been around longer than 18 months? No. Are they going to take over Bristol? I think they already have.
Grandmas House are an all-female punk trio hailing from the land of Bristol and fuck me, they are *crushing* it. Their live shows are raucous, sweaty and undeniably fun. 'GH' play every show like it's Glastonbury, pumping in every speck of energy they have into an intoxicating live experience unlike any other. Gigs with bands like Gender Roles and Frankie Cosmos have cemented their status as perhaps the most exciting band to come out of the Bristol scene since IDLES. BBC Introducing have already shown them love by spinning their debut single ‘Devil’s Advocate’ (out on February 7th). If you’re still sleeping on these, wake the fuck up and go see them live. Thank me later.
Highlight: ‘Devil’s Advocate’ - out on all platforms February 7th
Follow them on Instagram for show news: @grandmashouseband
Weezer meets pop with a punk ethos. Sound like your cuppa tea?
Hailing from the Isle of Wight, Lauran (not Lauren) Hibberd is taking the UK by storm with a slew of infectious singles, blending witty lyricism with fuzzy guitars. After a massive 2019, with a UK/EU tour with The Regrettes, playing Glastonbury AND releasing her debut EP, Lauran is showing no signs of stopping. Lauran has her first tour of the year in February, and has already released another single, ‘Bang Bang Bang’. Its only just turned February and she’s already announced slots at Truck Festival, Kendall Calling, Bath Festival, Teddy Rocks… the list goes on. Oh, and she’s been making music videos and was probably in the studio when ‘Bang Bang’ was released. Lauran’s impeccable work ethic and passion for her craft sets her apart from her contenders, and 2020 is sure to bring her even more excitement and success.
Highlight: ‘Shark Week’
Catch her on tour:
James Mellen is a very bored student in his final year of compulsory education, waiting to study music production and performance at degree level. He is passionate about music, guitars and music. He also watches films sometimes.
Thanks for reading! Slow Motion Panic Masters is a music, arts and culture blog created and edited by Ben Wheadon, a literature student and musician based in London, England.
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