The best new up-and-coming bands in 2025

Discovering the next big thing in music is one of the most exciting parts of being a fan. There’s something special about catching a band on the rise - whether it's bragging rights among your friends, the enticement of supporting the underground, or hearing people craft something entirely unique that leaves your ears buzzing.

But let’s face it: finding those hidden gems can be time-consuming and a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best new UK bands to watch in 2025, saving you the legwork. From fresh, buzz-worthy acts to future headliners, these are the names you’ll want on your radar.

Ready to discover your new favourite band? Scroll down to check out our picks for the best up-and-coming bands of 2025!

Man/Woman/Chainsaw

Over the past few years, South London art-rock quintet Man/Woman/Chainsaw has created poetic chaos with their experimental mix of violin-fused post-punk, which has one foot in the capital’s Windmill scene and another in something uniquely fluid and heavier.

With a sensational debut EP, Eazy Peazy, released at the back end of last year, we reckon - as many others do - that Man/Woman/Chainsaw are a band destined to have their day in 2025.

The Pill

Raw, raucous, and roguish, Isle of Wight punk duo, The Pill, are turning life's awkward and absurd moments into tongue-in-cheek punk anthems for frustrated women, and we can’t get enough. 

From being caught naked through the window by the scaffolder to scintillatingly sarcastic strikes against the stereotypes of women drivers, Lily (guitar) and Lottie (bass) are sticking their fingers up to the patriarchy and having an absolute blast doing so. The most fun band on this list and one we can’t wait for more tunes from in 2025. 

HotWax

HotWax are a Hastings-via-Brighton trio that have toured over 150 shows in their two years, including dates with Royal Blood and Frank Carter, leaving a raucous trail of sweat-soaked, mosh-worn devotees in their wake. 

With a debut record, Hot Shock, to be released in March, we can’t help but see its release propel the trio - Tallulah Sim-Savage (vocals/guitar), Lola Sam (bass), and Alfie Sayers (drums) - into one of 2025’s most talked about alternative rocks acts, listen to their single 'She’s Got A Problem' above.

UGLY

A wildly unique London-based collective who have crafted a choral post-rock sound with vocal harmonies and beguiling instrumentation that effortlessly meanders through genre; UGLY are a rare band who have created a style that feels entirely their own.

With their debut EP, Twice Around The Sun, released early last year, and extensive touring following, they are continually striding forward and we simply cannot wait to hear what they bestow on us in 2025. 

Cardinals

The next in Ireland's seemingly endless conveyor belt of excellent guitar bands, Cardinals have burst from Cork's burgeoning music scene, gaining plaudits from the likes of Grain Chatten along the way.

With an air of DIY scrappiness that gives their evidently thought-out tracks - that range from brooding and intense to soft and heartfelt - an edge that can be hard to come by, we reckon these lot could be one of the next big guitar bands. Go listen to their new EP and let us know if you agree! 

The Orchestra (For Now)

After spending last year curating a fervent buzz across London’s underground live scene, as well as winning the illustrious Green Man Rising competition, and releasing their debut excellent debut single ‘Wake (Robin)’; The Orchestra (For Now) are truly one of the most exciting bands in the UK right now. 

Their orchestral (duh) and proggy brand of post-rock is scintillating in texture and complexity, and their lengthy tracks are teeming with originality and life. The only way is up for these guys in 2025.

Witch Post

Montana and Scotland collide in this live wire duo channelling the ethos of 90s alt-rock and transforming it into a sound all their own; Witch Post, despite only having two singles released at the back end of the year, are on their way to the top. 

They are a spiritual band, both in name (their moniker comes from 17th-century carvings meant to scare off witches) and in nature, with a real buzz around what they're doing. Make sure to keep an eye out!

Westside Cowboy

Despite only having a single track to their name so far – the sprawlingly titled ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ – Mancunian’s Westside Cowboy are proving that Northerners can do emotive and instrumentation-heavy post-rock just as good as those in London - if not better. 

We are frankly biting for more music from this lot, and they’re a band we will most definitely be looking to catch them live. 

Ain’t

London quintet Ain’t have built a devoted underground following with a series of support slots and gigs across the south, captivating audiences with their Sonic Youth-inspired ocular storytelling. 

Across their two released singles, the group seamlessly weaves personal and mythical narratives, drawing listeners into imaginative realms with remarkable finesse. These guys are only going one way, make sure to listen!

Martial Arts

A Manchester-based five-piece with a captivating mix of spaced-out and searing abstract punk, Martial Arts have quickly earned widespread acclaim and attracted tens of thousands of listeners since their debut single last year.

Boasting three guitars, their sound thrives on a dynamic push and pull that feels almost hypnotic. Each track delves into fresh sonic territory, from the ethereal, shoegaze-inspired tones of Defector to the thunderous intensity of Triumph. Their impressive versatility has set the stage for an exciting 2024, and we can't wait to see what they deliver next.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.