5 UK PUNK & ROCK ARTISTS YOU NEED TO BE SHOUTING ALONG WITH IN 2020
Punk music has forever been embraced by many as an invigorating release in times of uncertainty and social change. Today with the added factor of isolation, music lovers are in great need of music that leaves you feeling energised, powerful and with a comforting sense of alliance.
So, we’ve put together a list of UK punk artists you’ll want to scream along to at full volume for a venting session in your room… you’re welcome.
As always, with a focus on female and LGBTQ+ artists.
Panic Shack (Wales)
@panicshack
Hailing from Cardiff, female-fronted Panic Shack are tamping (fuming, if you’re not Welsh) about losing lighters on nights out. And they’re not about to keep quiet anytime soon…Releasing their punchy debut single ‘Who’s Got My Lighter?’, the band laid bare their raucous riffs and simplistic, relatable lyrics as if they had bottled up all of their teenage angst and kept it safe just for the stage.
The track is reminiscent of good old-fashioned indie punk, having influences such as The Slits and The Clash and being fans of modern punk bands such as Aussie’s The Chats.
The band exploded onto the music scene in Wales and following the buzz that Huw Stephens created for them on Radio 1 last year, Panic Shack have since had airtime on BBC 6 Music and Radio 1’s Indie Show. With their first single being finally liberated onto the streaming services just over a month ago, there are promises of gigs galore around the UK… watch out for the girls!
ARXX (Brighton)
@arxxband
ARXX describe themselves as a ‘gal pal duo’ and are ALL about power to womxn. They describe their music as ‘what we do when we’re not in the kitchen’ and what could be more punk than that? Their garage rock sound is grungy and pithy, with explicit language and dirty Cobain-approved riffs. Once you listen to their second album ‘Wrong Girl, Honey’ released in late November 2019, you can’t help but absorb their attitude and be immersed in their reckless aura.
For fans of modern punk, and artists such as Deap Vally and Rews - it’s pretty vital you’re pressing ‘add’ into your 2020 playlists.
If you needed any more reasons to check ARXX out (how could you possibly?), then the fact that they fundraise for Women’s Aid and are currently donating 100% of their bandcamp download profits to the charity is a deal-sealer.
Sinead O Brien (Ireland/London)
@_sineadobrien_
Sinead O Brien is captivating. An Irish singer/songwriter/poet backed by a punk band with zesty guitar. She is the embodiment of punk, highlighted by an interview she did with NME in December last year in which she mused about constantly avoiding ‘safety and familiarity, chasing after the beautiful unknown and all the uncertainty that comes with it.’
Her lyrical accent perfectly pairs with rhythmic, rolling guitar as she passionately and repetitively expresses her opinions, yet she wants to be heard - her voice and message are always at the forefront of the track.
She gained increasing notability after opening for John Cooper Clarke on a tour and no doubt will soon be a firm favourite of indie-punk fans up and down the country.
Listening to O Brien is rousing and uplifting during this time full of the unknown, in which this artist revels!
Nova Twins (London)
@novatwinsmusic
“We are females of colour playing heavy music.”
Nova Twins speaking to The Guardian in 2016.
A defiant statement against the male-dominated music industry. This, of course, should not be a rebellious act in 2020, but London-based duo Nova Twins are doing everything they can to be heard. They refuse to be labelled - how could their sound be definitively determined when they’re heavily influenced by punk, rock, grunge and even grime.
Nova Twins are so unique - an explosive sound for a new, dissatisfied generation whose ears just await to be energised. It’s hard to put their style into words, so go and check them out to be part of their movement.
Their highly anticipated debut album was released last month, titled ‘Who Are The Girls?’ The answer? Nova Twins.
Cherym (Northern Ireland)
@cherymofficial
Cherym are a Northern Irish all-girl, garage rock/ pop-punk outfit, about to take the modern punk world by storm.
Natives of Derry, where the punk scene has been rampant since the 80’s, this trio are keeping up the tradition of their hometown and creating noisy, fun and raucous pop-punk.
Cherym self-released their first EP and gigging all around Ireland and in the UK has garnered them a following of fans. Songs such as ‘Telepathic Kelly’ are bass-heavy, tilting the spotlight away from the indie notes and giving them an all round heavier sound.
Latest single ‘Abigail’ has had ace support from national radio and they have already supported breakthrough British rock band YONAKA on several dates last month.
They are a band to get enthused about, not only for music, but for their passionate activism.
Cherym’s social media is bliss for feminist and gender rights advocates; on International Women’s Day 2020, they shared a heartfelt statement about being there for all women and praising those “who continue to fight against the gender bias mess that was left for the rest of us to clean up.”
💦 CHERYM 💦 shared a photo on Instagram: "Today, hug a sister. Tell your mum you love her. Choose feminism. Support equal rights and equal..." * See 187 photos and videos on their profile.