The band’s hypnotic 90’s rock anthems have sold millions of records. Their distinctive sound fuses metal’s rawness with European culture for an unforgettable listening experience. Listen out for them on Spotify, X, Facebook or Bandcamp and check them out today.
Historically, alternative and indie music genres were widely associated with an English guitar-pop underground that was often amateurish or too-sweet for commercial release. Nowadays however, those terms more frequently refer to generations of boring bands with soft yet monotonous music that lack tension or edge.
Commons
Nottingham’s music scene boasts a distinctive DIY vibe despite remaining under the radar (Jake Bugg aside). Beyond iconic venues like Stealth and Rock City, there is an ever-evolving network of musicians, gig/party organizers, record labels and creative catalysts all contributing their creativity in some form or another.
Nottingham’s young talent has given rise to an abundance of new musical genres. Nottingham indie has gained immense popularity over time and features catchy guitar riffs with thoughtful lyrics reminiscent of folk and electronic music genres.
Rough Trade Nottingham has long been known as a haven of alternative music, and their upstairs venue has seen many incredible acts perform over the years. Their Monuments & Melodies Festival returned this year with an outstanding line-up that included some of the best local talent – our LeftLion team was present and had an incredible day of music!
SNAKEDOCTORS have been recognized as one of Nottingham’s “most promising emerging three-pieces”. Their sound recalls classic indie-pop bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Walters with soulful warmth and daydream-esque melodies. Formed by Katie and Elliot initially, Dan later joined to add bass lines into their songs.
The House Flies should be on everyone’s radar. Their classic sound influenced by gothic and post-punk can be heard in Glimmer. Their lead singer’s powerful voice adds depth to their music. Their latest EP will certainly appeal to fans of alternative indie music while their debut album should be out this year.
Night Flowers
Alternative indie music nottingham enjoyed an unforgettable evening at Rock City when their headline show sold out with dancing and singing fans cramming into every seat in the house, dancing away to faster songs with lighters waving around and revelers sitting on each other’s shoulders, waving lighters and phones around, having the time of their lives! Claps, cheers, claps clapped back during slower parts while they went wild over faster ones – it truly showcased this talented band’s quality! It was an incredible atmosphere which served to highlight just what an outstanding quality this band offers!
Set In Motion was the opening act, providing an atmospheric guitar sound reminiscent of classic indie music with subtle vocal harmonies to bring their music alive. Parliament Square brought Golden Era Teenage Fanclub vibes while Spit In Your Eye brought early R.E.M influences into play.
Their second song, Talk To Me, leans more toward the pop end of their musical spectrum – no bad thing as this band have shown they excel in creating sweet indie-pop love songs. Fairytale On Fire takes things in another direction with clattering backdrops complemented by Mark E Smith-style vocals for added effect.
Bad Suns was up next, offering an energetic indie dance band performance that delighted and engaged their audience with catchy melodies and infectious riffs that kept people moving in unison. Their set was filled with drum machines and synths for added texture; plus there were even funk-inspired tracks which truly got everyone moving! A truly fantastic set and afterwards they were great fun to converse with afterwards too!
Parliament Square
Parliament Square lies at the heart of Westminster and boasts iconic structures like Big Ben, Parliament Hill and other iconic London structures that define London life. This stunning, grassy plaza serves as a focal point for national politics and protests, as well as being an alluring tourist attraction providing visitors an inside glimpse into British culture and history.
Parliament Square has taken on an increasingly complex role as the site of challenges to State authority since 2000, becoming a focal point of public debates and demonstrations, unlike nearby Trafalgar Square which served primarily as a tourist magnet during its peak popularity during the late twentieth century. Instead, Parliament Square became a site for public discourse and demonstrations; Reclaim the Streets temporarily converted it into an allotment during 2000; Lord Derby even held a spliff while Jan Smuts wore a cycling mask during this time!
Nottingham Indie, or English Indie as it was known in its heyday between 1980-1995, is a form of alternative rock that originated in England during this time period. Characterized by jangly guitar riffs and introspective lyrics that explore themes such as youth and rebellion, Nottingham Indie music heavily draws from post-punk, new wave styles as well as elements from folk, reggae and ska genres; notable bands that created such music include Dog Is Dead and Saint Raymond.
If you want to experience Nottingham indie music in all its splendor, visit one of its premier bars or live music venues. There, you’ll find an ideal environment for enjoying some of its top local artists perform their latest songs to an excited crowd – some venues even provide drinks and snacks as an added perk! Plus, many venues provide ample options for relaxing after work!
Spit In Your Eye
Set In Motion is an up-and-coming act in the alt scene. Forming just this year, they have already proven that they should be watched going forward; with an impeccable soundstage, tight performances and memorable songs like Break Free it is evident why.
This track features jangly guitar riffs and introspective lyrics exploring themes of youth, rebellion and nostalgia. The vocals are strong yet melodic with an edge; drums remain understated to allow the guitar to take center stage; while their style recalls that of 90s rock while remaining fresh and unique.
SnakeDOCTORS from Gdansk, Poland create music influenced by alternative indie and grunge styles. Their latest album Fairytale on Fire features catchy melodies with gritty vocals for an impressive alternative rock experience; and 2022 serves as an outstanding representation of their sound.
Parliament Square, their opening track from their album, features an energetic Rickenbacker guitar-driven tune with lush vocal harmonies reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub or early R.E.M. The guitar solo in particular stands out; and their drummer does an adorable running on-the-spot dance while they perform.
Stuart Pearce and Femur are two bands hailing from Nottingham; their name is an amusing pun on Nottingham shopping centre Broadmarsh; with their fierce and energetic live act and fantastic sense of humour, they prove an integral part of this event.
Pete Dale
Pete Dale is a musician, researcher, music teacher and academic with extensive punk-related work published in various books, journals and magazines. Currently employed in the Department of Music at University of York as well as having taught previously at several schools; his current research areas are music education and cultural theory/philosophy while his monograph entitled Anyone Can Do It: Empowerment Tradition and Punk Underground is forthcoming soon.
Wake Up!, Nottingham’s Rock City venue’s 35-year old musical celebration of indie music, featured an eclectic blend of artists – some with over one million record sales between them but all with strong DIY spirit. It was truly a night of surprises!
Set In Motion from Nottinghamshire made an appearance, as they have recently made waves with an introspective set of singles featuring frontman Alfie Wallace’s voice perfectly fitting the genre with songs like Flying Too High; guitarist Dillan Telford added depth and versatility as part of an outstanding band.
Jonny Olley and Milky Wimpshake added something new and fresh to their indie sound, leaving an indelible mark with their energetic performance. Singles such as Going Down the Plughole and Fine were catchy tunes that utilized keyboard for added warmth in their sound; Paul Davidson (bassist) and Mike Hazell (drummer) provided support that ensured their band had a stable base to work from.