From the return of Oasis to the rise of hyper-pop collectives, bands and groups are very much back in Vogue -Whether you’re into guitar anthems or precision-drilled pop, there’s loads of fresh faced heroes to plaster on your wall in 2026
KATSEYE
Hands up if you love a pop group who can really sing. This LA six-piece, already backed by Spice Girl Mel C mastered tight harmonies and razor-sharp performance skills after being hand-picked and polished through a rigorous global K-Pop–style training system. It shows – their vocals, choreography and stage presence are flawless. You’ve likely already heard viral smash Gabriela and punchier tracks like Gnarly. The group has no fixed frontwoman, which has strengthened their bond with fans. As Megan Skiendiel told us: “I think, for us, it wouldn’t be very fun if we didn’t really show who we each are individually and also our dynamic as six.”
THE GUEST LIST:
This Manchester quintet deliver turbo-charged, thoughtful anthems that refute the idea that caring for others means being “woke.” Their brilliant EP, When The Lights Are Out ponders everything from climate change to men’s mental health. Frontman Cai Alty reveals: “We want to make music which people really connect to. Sometimes that means you’ve got to sacrifice a bit of the commercial value of the song.” They’re a force live too, recently selling out a run of UK dates including a big hometown moment at New Century Hall. Catch them live.
VILLANELLE
The swagger emanating from this trio is hardly surprising when you learn they are fronted by Gene Gallagher (Liam and Nicole Appleton’s son). Rather than lean into Britpop, the Villanelle’s inspirations come from over the pond diluting Seattle grunge with classic hard rock and punk riffs. Fans have already got their teeth into two meaty singles Hinge and Measly Means, with a debut EP to follow in the coming months. Guitarist Ben Taylor said: “It was indie rock for a long time. Then it plateaued into an almost ‘pop’ bandy culture. We wanted to bring something back.” Liam’s no doubt had an impact as he allowed Gene to cut his teeth opening up for him on tour in 2024 before entrusting Villanelle with supporting Oasis at some of the reunion shows.
DECEMBER 10
Say hello to Simon Cowell’s latest bid to reinvent the boyband and he may have struck gold again. Formed via his Netflix series, The Next Act the seven-piece group were designed to be the whole package – strong vocals, tonnes of personality and that all important er…X Factor? December 10 have a a contemporary K-pop feel; while there are echoes of classic Cowell success stories, their sound and presence should thrive in the streaming era. The TV show has given them a ready-made following desperate for original music which they have promised is arriving “soon”.
EIGHTY EIGHT MILES
Leading a new generation of female fronted bands, this Midlands quintet where their indie/folk inspirations on their sleeve. Led by bluesy Ellie Grice, echoes of The Mamas and The Papas, Fleetwood Mac, Duran Duran and Blossoms are sprinkled all over their magical tunes. Some of those idols – including Lindsey Buckingham and Blossoms – have already championed songs like Always On The Run which genre-hops from indie to Californian folk via a little synth pop.
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