Bands from Liverpool: Monks (Photo Credit: Dylan Mead)
Liverpool venues like the Cavern Club and Eric’s became central to Liverpool’s music hub in the 1980s, following Beatles-mania. Today, the city has a vibrant psych-rock scene, homing the annual Liverpool Psych Fest as well as plenty of upcoming talent which is shown at Liverpool Sound City music festival. To keep you up to date with the upcoming bands from Liverpool, one of the world’s most celebrated cities for music, here are the ones to watch.
Bands from Liverpool that you need to check out
Monks
Liverpool’s five-piece psych rock band Monks prove the city is a strong contender for modern psychedelic-inspired music. Combining elements of dream-pop, jazz and plenty of psych, the bands’ sound is groovy, dreamlike and fresh. Imagine the Flaming Lips went for a modern pop summer makeover.
Follow Monks on Facebook here
The Mysterines
Already receiving much praise from BBC Introducing, the Mysterines’ indie rock is confident and punchy. Lia Metcalfe and George Favager take the spotlight with their forceful riffs, bold vocals and immensely catchy songwriting. Having caught the attention of Domino Records (Alex G, Fat White Family, Pavement), the band is definitely a force to reckon with.
Read our full Q&A with the Mysterines here and follow them on Facebook here
Seatbelts
Known for their collaboration with Hooton Tennis Club members James Madden and Ryan Murphy, art rock quartet Seatbelts are making their mark on the Liverpool scene. With elements of art rock, garage rock and post punk, the band recalls the sounds of Parquet Courts and Bodega. They are certainly ones to watch.
Follow Seatbelts on Facebook here
She Drew the Gun
Louisa Roach aka She Drew the Gun’s psych pop takes inspiration from underground folk legend Malvina Reynolds and contemporary poets such as Kate Tempest and Toria Garbutt. The result is dark, melodic, hypnotic and psychedelic. The brutally honest lyrics of Roach’s folk approach to songwriting is complemented by retro-fuelled guitars.
Follow She Drew the Gun on Facebook here
Chicken Man and the Bad Eggs
Despite the unserious name, Chicken & the Bad Eggs are making some serious waves with their new wave punk. Having been featured on BBC Introducing Merseyside, with only a couple of singles, the band clearly has some great things up their sleeve.
Follow Chicken Man and the Bad Eggs here
Zuzu
Indie-rock singer/songwriter Zuzu burst onto the scene in 2018 with her EP Made on Earth by Humans. Her grungy guitar-pop – filled with infectious scouse vocals, witty lyrics and fun punchy riffs – is reminiscent of 90s Brit pop from her hometown, whilst bringing a fresh modern twist.
Follow Zuzu on Facebook here
Strawberry Guy
Rising star Alex Stephens aka Strawberry Guy’s dreamy psychedelic pop is always gorgeously soothing and warm. Whether he’s playing keyboard for the Orielles, or busy songwriting, his talent for both is prominent. Twirling synths, emotional vocals and soft guitars result in a delicate arrangement, echoing inspirations of Beach House.
Read our full review on Strawberry Guy
Bill Nickson
Flying high the flag for the new wave of bedroom producers and celebrating lo-fi sounds of 90s bands like Pavement is Bill Nickson: a bedroom producer of delightfully jangly indie rock. With his raw vocals and lo-fi guitars, his music has a warm, nostalgic feel.
Follow Bill Nickson on Facebook here
The Floormen
The city has been known for its psych-rock scene with its annual Liverpool Psych Fest, and one of our favourite bands from Liverpool is the Floormen. They infuse psych rock with krautrock, garage and blues, making it lushly retro inspired whilst keeping it modern. Tumbling guitars and wonderful visual displays make this band stand out.
Follow the Floormen on Facebook here
Eyesore & the Jinx
Credited as Scouse’s indie next big thing is Eyesore & the Jinx. Their political post punk, covering issues from Brexit to consumerism, is also compared to London’s rising stars Black Midi. Propulsive beats, tone deaf guitars and stomping bass lines give the band all the hype they deserve. Definitely ones to watch.
Follow Eyesore & the Jinx on Facebook here
Pizzagirl
Liam Brown aka Pizzagirl’s lo-fi bedroom pop combines electro-pop and synth-pop into fresh sounds that will hook you from the start. Whilst spreading the good vibes from 80s and 90s soft rock, with elements of Mac Demarco and even some disco, he’s making his mark far beyond Liverpool.
Follow Pizzagirl on Facebook here
