South Arcade

As part of a new generation of daring rock bands from the UK, South Arcade have made an impressive kick-start to their career over the past three years. Formed in the middle of the pandemic and then rising to local fame via garage gigs and thanks to songs such as ‘Danger’ (2023) and ‘Riptide’ (2024), the quartet from Oxford quickly realised a completely unique style that lies somewhere between Avril Lavigne, Bring Me The Horizon, and Linkin Park. In-your-face vocals, melodic guitar lines, and a tight interplay of drums and bass transform the band’s concerts into intense, physical experiences. Other songs – such as ‘Stone Cold Summer’ and ‘Moth Kids’ (2024) – quickly shot through the roof on all platforms, taking the hype to the next level. Performances on BBC Radio 1 and in London followed, as did two sold-out tours of the UK as well as signings with LAB Music and Kobalt Music. South Arcade are now the most promising export from the UK when it comes to powerful, female-fronted alternative rock with excellent songwriting. In September, not only will they be performing material from their debut EP, ‘2005’ (2024), but they will also be bringing new songs of the calibre of ‘Supermodels’ with them. Don’t oversleep!