Ones To Watch in 2026
It's that time of year, when the Christmas chocolates have long gone and the New Year's resolutions have been broken, that we start to search for something else to help us look forward through the remainder of the winter. Hopefully I can offer a little assistance there, by sharing some bands worth your attention this year.
Please note: the following list has been compiled in a very particular order, though one devoid of logic or coherence. Therefore, do not assume their placing in any way reflects on the quality of the artist, how excited I am about them, or any other factors quantifiable or otherwise. Also, if you're reading this in an email you might need to open it in your browser for the embedded songs to work, sorry.
Kicking off with Punchlove, because they were without question my band of 2024, releasing my favourite album in a long time that year. After a couple singles early in 2025 they've gone quiet, but their label have promised more new music from the band this year.
Pink Opaque are already looking very far into the future if their most recent release is anything to judge by, and are determined to make it as sparkly and fun as possible. With only a couple singles out so far, let's hope we hear much more from them before the robots take over.
My two best finds from Tramlines Fringe weekend last year are very different, but each memorable in their own way. Junk had a fruitful 2025, getting their first two EPs out in the space of twelve months, and show no signs of slowing anytime soon.
The other outstanding discovery from that weekend were SLAP RASH, who absolutely blew me away with their intensity; don't miss any opportunity you get to catch these live.
Niche Crush I know relatively little about, other than all their songs are named after (often famous) people. So the question is, which celebrities will be gaining their praise, or scorn, this year?
Sheffield's most difficult-to-pigeonhole band may have only popped up a couple years ago, but Faint Paint have quickly built up momentum with a handful of singles already out in the world. Doubtless this will continue over the coming year, especially given the band have already sold out in advance their first show of 2026.
The newest artist on this list, The Pearl River Band have only released one single so far, but you wouldn't know it's their debut from how cohesive they already sound. I was lucky enough to catch their first ever show last autumn, which may well be an 'I was there' moment to boast about before long.
What happens when the bassist from one of the coolest noughties indie bands decides to try something noisier? He goes round the UK recruiting all the best musicians in the genre - yes, it's that simple apparently. THE NONE might technically be a supergroup, but you'll find no egos here; rather, a group of highly skilled individuals combining their strengths.
Aderyn has been drip-feeding singles and EPs for years now, playing with different sounds but characterised by her insightful and often humourous lyrics. One of those artists who you can never guess what they'll do next, but I wanted to include her latest release on this list because it's a banger.
Scarcity clearly does breed demand where Nightschool are concerned, playing (unless I've miscounted) only three shows in as many years since their debut single, with the last of these being a packed headline set. The band have hinted online about having an album in the works, though no details yet on when to expect that.
The only new recorded output from Dearthworms last year was part of a compilation of local DIY artists, and I've no idea whether or not that'll be included on the second album they've been working on. We might find out if they stop playing every show in the city long enough to finish it.
Making waves across Yorkshire since I moved here, Fuzz Lightyear have been pumping out singles, culminating in an EP at the end of last year. Already they've said they're writing more new songs and planning shows, so it's looking to be another busy year for this lot.
Nearly slipping through my (granted not very thorough) net by staying quiet almost all of last year, Goo popped back up in mid-December with the suprise gift of a new single. And it's a proper single too, with two b-sides, like you used to get on CDs (remember them?).
Hutch are the band the world needs right now. That's it. Oh, and they have a new single out tomorrow today (by the time I've managed to post this), so look out for that.
One other thing to keep an eye on: Outer Spaces launched last year, filming live sessions at unusual locations in and around Sheffield. As well as highlighting the breadth of the city's musical talent, the range of backdrops to the videos create a beautiful exhibition of the area's natural, post-industrial and modern urban landscapes. You can watch all the sessions so far on Youtube.