The distinctive sound of bands like Oasis and The Stone Roses, have come to define Manchester over the course of recent years but what does the city have to offer now? Perhaps it’s time for the likes of Liam Gallagher to pass the Mancunian mantle along to contemporary bands or explore what the youth of today has to offer and how they now define the Manchester music scene. Here’s a roundup of bands to watch out for in 2018…
ILL
In their own words, ‘ILL is a genre-evading band which believes in the power of disobedient noise’, and this statement is certainly accurate. This all-female band features a visceral sound in their music combined with loud and outlandish lyrics – retaining the right to be experimental and blurring the boundaries between the mundane and the surreal. ILL produces the type of music that some would consider ‘just noise’, and others would consider it to innovative and different but perhaps they are trying to convey the message that music doesn’t necessarily have to hold a deeper meaning, and it can be chaotic for the sake of chaos. ILL provides a certain release or abstinence from all rhythm and reason typically associated with Manchester bands and is rewriting what is expected/the rules of music. Definitely check them out if you’re feeling radical and alternative.
Pale Waves
Pale Waves are an Indie pop band formed in 2014 but they are rising in popularity this year. In January 2018, Pale Waves were announced as 5th place winners of the annual BBC Sound of shortlist 2018 edition and in February 2018 the band won the NME Under the Radar award at the NME Awards. The band’s sound is heavily influenced by 80’s music and artists such as Prince and Madonna, with melodic tones and rhythmic patterns, especially apparent when compared to the nonsensical sound from ILL. Although it may be unfair to compare two very different styles, Pales Waves is also female-led and more in tune with previous Manchester bands, forming a crossover of indie, synth pop, and rock genres. Pale Waves may appeal to more mainstream audiences but still retain their Mancunian authenticity and indie sound.
Dantevilles
Dantevilles are regenerating alternative pop at the same pace the city of Manchester regenerates itself. Their original style and raw sound is soulful and diverse, with clean guitars and dual vocals reimagining the city’s sound and somewhat diverting from the musical style of Manchester’s heritage and the likes of Oasis – although their moody, black and white visual imagery reminds one of this era in music. Dantevilles feature atypical arrangements in their songs, providing a fresh sound to audiences with meticulous melodies and falsetto pitched choruses. They’re also a band you should see at a live gig if you get the opportunity, with insatiable energy and memorable, engaging, and encapsulating performances. If you are looking for a reinvention of the typical Mancunian sound and impeccable technique, Dantevilles are certainly a band to watch out for in 2018.
The Maple State
Although not quite the household names of contemporary Manchester band The 1975, the return of The Maple State is still very much cause for celebration. One of Manchester music’s most highly-rated bands during the late-2000s, the alternative rockers from Macclesfield shared a new album, The Things I Heard At The Party, in March this year – nine years since their last release. The Maple State originally drew inspiration from emo-rock bands such as The Get up Kids, The Anniversary and Hot Rod Circuit and is comprised of brothers Gregory and Christian Counsell, William Pearson, and John Goodwin. Their new album features of more of an alternative rock sound, but is still a safe bet for fans of their old music.
Words by Abby Hilton.
Keep up to date on all the latest Northern entertainment news by following us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
