Ones To Watch 2026
We’ve compiled a list of 10 artists who we think not only deserve to have a huge 2026, but genuinely will. If you don’t know them, get to know now!
Brooki
Dublin four-piece Brooki are building something quietly powerful. Since emerging in 2023, they’ve drawn attention for emotionally charged performances and a sound which blends grit with vulnerability. After coming into the spotlight after support slots with Keo last year, 2026 is the year they claim it for themselves. We will all be hoping for a first official release from the band this year.
For fans of Keo, Florence Road
Tooth
After spending much of 2025 on the road, Tooth finally dropped their debut single ‘Age of Innocence’ at the end of last month, and it more than justified the noise. The London four-pieces debut is full of thrashy guitars and lyrics about the end of adolescence. The band will head out on tour supporting Keo on a few dates of their UK tour in March as well as festivals such as 2000 Trees, State Fayre and The Great Escape this summer. We can only hope for more tracks from Tooth in 2026.
For fans of Dinosaur Jr, Wunderhorse
My First Time
My first time have spent the last couple of years whipping crowds into a frenzy with no sign of slowing down. Their newest single ‘Picture of Health’ continues their evolution into something weirder and more ambitious, while upcoming May headline shows in Leeds, Bristol and London suggest their popularity is growing. With their chaotic, electro-tinged post punk already dialled in, 2026 is looking exciting for My First Time.
For fans of Home Counties, Adult DVD
Dove Ellis
Dove Ellis ended 2025 with one of the years strongest debut albums in ‘Blizzard’, self-produced and emotionally fearless gaining strong critical acclaim. With 4 shows announced in Manchester, Dublin, LA and NYC 2026 feels like the Irish singer will push this project even further.
For fans of Cameron Winter, Westside Cowboy
MORN
Welsh four-piece MORN wasted no time making 2025 count, selling out London shows, landing a debut release via Speedy Wunderground and making their arena debut in Cardiff. Their ‘doom over beautiful chords’ sound already feels self-assured, tense and deliberate. 2026 looks promising for MORN.
For fans of Shame, English Teacher
Nothing Rhymes With Orange
Wiltshire’s Nothing Rhymes With Orange already have festival slots at Sound Factory and 110 Above, plus a Rough Trade Bristol Headline in April. Tracks like ‘Stepping Up My Spine’ and ‘Shearwater’ balance raw energy with an emotional punch. BBC introducing support has helped widen their reach and with experience on their side as well as a growing catalogue, 2026 feels like a breakout year for the four-piece.
For fans of Overpass, The Royston Club
Shale
Cardiff four-piece Shale are another part of the wave of guitar bands coming out of South Wales. After the breakout success if ‘Fuzzy Identities’ in 2024, they’ve kept the momentum ticking with new single ‘Don’t Believe It’ landing later this month. With a live show that feels bigger than their years, 2026 could shape up nicely for the indie-rock band.
For fans of Royel Otis, The Night Café
Cardinals
Cardinals are no longer a secret. With debut album ‘Masquerade’ landing this Friday and tour dates across the UK, EU and US lined up, alongside major internation festival appearances including Kilby Block Party, Rock Werchter and Japan’s Summer Sonic, 2026 is already a statement year. Their blend of traditional Irish textures and driving rock has given them a distinct identity in a crowded scene.
For fans of Been Stellar, Gurriers
SLAG
Brighton’s SLAG have been steadily building an exciting live reputation in Brighton, with debut EP ‘Losing’ dropping in March and a UK tour alongside festival slots at Ritual Union, 2000 Trees and End Of The Road, 2026 already looks huge for them. Their blend of noise, mathy guitars and melodic undercurrents thrive in sweaty rooms, but 2026 could see that chaos scale up.
For fans of Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Dry Cleaning
Bleech 9:3
Bleech 9:3 have turned lived experinces into some of the most cathartic rock coming out of Ireland right now. They will be supporting Keo this spring as their catalogue is growing. Their sound sits somewhere between post-punk and grunge, but the emotional clarity in the writing is what sets them apart. With more releases likely and their live reputation growing 2026 could be a big one.
For fans of Nirvana, Wunderhorse
