Alpha Maid
A respected figure in South London's DIY scene, Alpha Maid released their long-awaited debut album in 2025. Featuring 9 tracks and clocking in at just over 30 mins, Is this a queue is a masterful patchwork of sounds and ideas. Featuring contributions from fellow icons Valentina Magaletti, Coby Sey & more, Alpha Maid's vision is surreal and immersive, leaning into heavy grooves and meditative exploration. Intentionally jagged and unpolished in places, there's a welcome relatability in their music that feels entirely authentic. Having always been one to follow the beat of their own drum, the release came alongside a celebratory Q&A and exhibition of sorts, rather than a traditional touring schedule. Placing creativity at the forefront, Alpha Maid is sure to innovate further in 2026 and beyond.

Junior Brother

First landing on our radar as a guest singer with The Pogues, Kerry-born musician Junior Brother released one of the most original albums of 2025. Produced with John 'Spud' Murphy, The End is an idiosyncratic combination of traditional Irish folk music and cutting-edge alt-rock. Unashamedly unhinged in his approach, Junior Brother leans into the odd, the uncanny and the uncomfortable, delivering poignant themes through his instantly recognisable vocals. Snapped up by Pete Doherty's label Strap Originals (and we can completely see why), Junior Brother is genuinely one of a kind and is one to watch into 2026 and far into the future. Lose yourself in The End if you haven't already.

Vogues

Talented musician and real-life angel Vogues released their joyfully eclectic debut album Tender Mercies in 2025. Lead by the exceptional 'Blood Moon', which summoned comparisons to Arthur Russel and Animal Collective, the LP is an appropriately gentle take on electronic pop. Sonically full of curiosity and wonder, Vogues' lyricism is raw and exposing, perhaps most notable on melancholy banger 'Tried'. Backed by Joy of Life International, a subsidiary of End of the Road Records, and with a sold out London headline under their belt (and what a fabulous belt it is), momentum is building around Vogues and we can't think of anyone more deserving.

Ninush

Very few artists made the impression that Ninush did on us with 'The End' in late summer. Undeniably accomplished from the offset, Ninush's classically-inspired take on contemporary pop reminded us a little of Jerskin Fendrix (and he's been nominated for an Oscar now). Feeling more like a magnum opus than a sophomore single, 'The End' was ironically an incredible introduction, whilst the theatrical pop of 'I Don't Mind' cemented her talents as much more than a one-off. A natural progression from her session work playing violin for Black Country, New Road, Ninush has bags of potential and we simply can't wait to hear more.

SILVERWINGKILLER

Exploding into the recorded space at the end of the year, Manchester's SILVERWINGKILLER made an irreversible impression with 'HOLD UP (ALL FIREARMS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM)'. The duo, comprising of James Baca and Ni Yushang, make uncompromising music that pulls from their disparate musical backgrounds in metal and folk respectively, whilst aiming to do something new in the world of electronica. Matching the subtlety of its title with a frankly massive instrumental, 'HOLD UP (ALL FIREARMS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM)' harks back to The Prodigy's rave-punk and somehow goes harder. Their debut EP TRIAD FUNDED is out now and it's a mission statement if ever we've heard one.