If You Don’t Know, Get To Know! - thistle.

thistle. | by Lisa Ooijevaar

If You Don’t Know, Get to Know! is our weekly dive into the best rising acts you’ll want to discover before everyone else does. This week focussing on Northampton alt-rock trio thistle.

Northampton alt-rock outfit thistle. have carved out a space of their own with a sound that sits somewhere between lo-fi melancholy and guitar chaos, the kind of push-and-pull that feels instantly lived in. Formed in 2023, the trio of Cameron Godfrey (vocals and guitar), Lewis O’Grady (drums) and Judwyn Rushton (vocals and bass) released their debut EP it’s nice to see you, stranger in July this year and followed it with their sharpest work yet in the new single Tied. This release marks their first step with new label REX RECS.

In just over a year, thistle. have gone from newcomers to one of the most exciting young voices in the UK alternative scene. They have just toured the country supporting Humour and have shared stages with acts like Westside Cowboy and Man/Woman/Chainsaw. Their music swings between soft spoken vulnerability and full-on distortion, a balance that makes even their heaviest moments feel strangely tender. What could feel scattershot instead lands with intention, as if they are already assembling their own blueprint. With each release, thistle. sound more assured, more distinctive and more ready to step into the spotlight they are quickly earning.

thistle. are heading out on a UK headline tour early next year as well a headline show at The Lexington in London just before Christmas.

Upcoming dates include:

17th Dec - The Lexington, London

26th Jan - Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
28th Jan - The Lodge, Manchester
29th Jan - Oporto, Leeds
30th Jan - Zerox, Newcastle
31st Jan - Mash House, Edinburgh
1st Feb - Voodoo Daddy’s, Norwich

28th Mar - Ritual Union Festival, Bristol
11th July - 2000 Trees Festival

Watch the Music Video for new single tied