SHAME
Now in their late 20s, the former enfant terribles have cemented themselves as accomplished artists.
Their latest release, Cutthroat, is arguably their strongest album yet!
Meanwhile their raucous live shows continue to garner praise for their unbridled energy.
FIND ALL THINGS SHAME HERE
SLAB
This three piece post-punk outfit are one of the most humble, most understated, yet most talented bands I have seen. Their live performances are a must see, and they have climbed the ranks from humble grassroots venues to securing well deserved support slots at larger venues.
This year saw the release of their debut album ‘Taut’ and a sold out launch at the Peer Hat.
Mastered by legendary producer Simon ‘Ding’ Archer, the record, primarily instrumental, minimal vocals, and bloody loud guitars, not to mention one of Manchester’s finest Lianne on the drums.
Go have a listen and join the Slab uprising!
FIND SLAB ON FACEBOOK
GUSTAFFSON
This band have made huge waves in recent months, a number of sold out gigs across the country, teamed with TV appearances, not to mention their exceptional album ‘Black & White Movie’.
A breathtaking collection of tracks that take you on a journey, with Andrew Gower at the helm.
Certainly one band to keep an eye on next year!
FIND GUSTAFFSON SOCIALS AND WEBSITE HERE
TOM COLLINS
Tom is an artist I only discovered in recent months, his lives and covers kept appearing on my Tiktok feed and I’ve found myself sticking around and listening for longer and longer each time!
He’s building an impressive following across social media, got an incredibly smooth voice and is building on his fanbase and live gigs too, possibly one to watch in the next couple of years!
FIND ALL THINGS TOM COLLINS HERE
DAZ CADWALLANDER
Daz has been grafting away the last couple of years and it shows by how much support he’s been getting, especially this year!
Big crowds at shows and festivals like YNOT, playing new venues and cities across 2025 and releasing some new music.
One thing that Daz has really highlighted, honestly and incredibly bravely, is his mental health and wellbeing, being this raw about his struggles is not only difficult, but incredibly admirable and shows what a strong character he is.
Daz has fully committed to his music in the last 12 months and it shows, make sure you catch him live in 2026.
See Daz’s very honest and open chat with Carl on the RGM Podcast:
FIND DAZ CADWALLANDER ON SOCIALS HERE
FORMAL SPPEEDWEAR
A truly unique talented band,
Carl first saw them a few years ago in Salfords Eagle Inn, catching his attention and then again last year at Sheffield’s Float along Festival, they seem to be gaining all the right attention!
One of Carl’s ones to watch in 2026!
CHECK OUT FORMAL SPPEEDWEAR ON THEIR SOCIALS HERE
HARRI LARKIN
Harri Larkin has released some cracking tunes this year, with some dreamy collaborations!
They’ve also played some impressive gigs and festivals, continually being recognised by BBC Introducing, releasing an EP and just being overall, bloody brilliant.
I hope to see more of them in 2026, they truly deserve the recognition!
FIND EVERYTHING HARRI LARKIN HERE
THE LAVELLES
The Lavelles have made some impressive moves this year, releasing new catchy tunes, playing a lot of gigs and gaining some fans worldwide according to their spotify wrapped!
They’ve really been pushing themselves out there in 2025, gaining attention from the likes of Scruff of the Neck, radio stations big and small and building on their loyal following – which I assume, will only get bigger in 2026.
FIND THE LAVELLES SOCIAL MEDIA HERE
CRUZ
What a year CRUZ have had, they seem to have really upped their game this year, with plenty of new music and a serious new focus and edge.
With every gig and performance they seem to get better and better and they’re working really well together as a band and the musicianship is solid.
They’re attracting a bigger fanbase and it just goes to show, that hard work certainly does pay off!
It looks they’re touring the UK for 2026, so if you have opportunity to go and see them, do!
CHECK OUT CRUZ’S SOCIAL MEDIA HERE
EVERLY PREGNANT BROTHERS
What a bloody good year for the brothers.
They’re one of the bands I’ve seen the most this year and they bring me complete and utter joy every single time.
Pure South Yorkshire grit, wit and dry, deadpan humour, with more puns and local references than you can think of, not only have they played some killer gigs this year (the last Leadmill gig with appearances from Jon and Laura McClure AND Richard Hawley, that was special!) but they’ve released an album, they’ve played gigs and festivals and they’ve made hundreds, if not thousands of us laugh and sing loudly about Chip Pans, Hendersons Relish and Buses (yes really!) in venues and fields across the region and beyond.
If you do anything in 2026 and you have a good sense of humour, then go and see them, they’re fantastic!
KEEP UP WITH THE EVERLY PREGNANT BROTHERS ANTICS HERE