English Teacher

They won the prestigious Mercury Prize with their debut album and became leading figures of London’s Windmill scene – not overnight, but, as it were, as the latest step in a steady evolution: On “This Could Be Texas” (2024), English Teacher demonstrated how contemporary indie can literally be combined with chamber-orchestral touches, post-punk and a band’s subcultural reference catalogue, transcending all stereotypes. Eclectic in every respect, yet stylistically incredibly focused – that’s exactly how they are. Born out of experiences of oppression, the musical themes are also richly varied. From class struggle imposed from above and the rampant inequality that goes hand in hand with it, through the catastrophic state of British society, to unscrupulous politics – but also the resulting, desperately needed rebellion and its creativity – English Teacher take a roundhouse swing and land a series of bewitchingly precise direct hits. Of course, it’s flattering to be compared to acts like Alt-J and Black Country, New Road. But this beast of a band refuses to be tamed or contained. They deliver a bittersweet brand of art-punk fuelled by pure autonomy and inspiration – in every line, every song and at every gig.