DIY's essential guide to the latest music.
Neu Bulletins serve as DIY's resource for discovering the best and most exciting new music. This is your all-in-one destination for hot new bands and rising stars, showcasing some of the tracks we've been enjoying at high volume over the past week. Additionally, we have a convenient Spotify playlist featuring our favorite Neu tracks, allowing you to savor all our recommendations in one place! Jump in…
Westside Cowboy - Shells
Following their victory in Glastonbury's 2025 Emerging Talent Competition, Manchester's Westside Cowboy display their impressive range with 'Shells', taking a more measured approach compared to their debut single 'I've Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)'. Vocalists Reuben Haycock and Aoife Anson O’Connell exhibit tenderness in the soft opening verse, but this gentle vibe is soon disrupted as drummer Paddy Murphy drives the song forward with energetic beats. Produced once again by Lewis Whiting of English Teacher, this second release confirms that Westside Cowboy has both the talent and necessary support to become the Next Big Thing. (Peter Martin)
Jacob Alon - August Moon
Jacob Alon represents a new chapter in the rich tradition of UK folk music, and ahead of their debut album 'In Limerence', they've unveiled the ethereal 'August Moon'. This track highlights a beautiful blend of vocals and guitar, with its strength found in its simplicity; it allows listeners to be truly immersed in Alon's unique sonic universe. (Chris Connor)
Humour - Plagiarist
With a blend of feedback, sharp guitars, and passionate vocals, Glaswegian band Humour delivers the straightforward intensity we expect from them in their latest single 'Plagiarist'. This song narrates the plight of a frontman out of ideas to appropriate, encapsulating the struggle to cleanse oneself of a lingering odor—it's sharp, driven by guilt, and, above all, outstanding. (Dylan McNally)
Florence Road - Caterpillar
Despite having just two releases, Florence Road is already making a name for themselves. The Wicklow four-piece presents 'Caterpillar', a dreamy and emotionally charged piece of indie-pop produced by the renowned Dan Nigro (Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan). With shimmering guitar melodies and Lily Aron’s subtly powerful vocals, 'Caterpillar' embodies the transitional experience of growing up and self-discovery. Its beauty lies in its understated nature, echoing the softness of Wolf Alice and the emotional honesty of early Phoebe Bridgers. (Gemma Cockrell)
The Itch - The Influencer / Co-Conspirator
After their impressive debut, The Itch tackles themes of influencers and online distance in their new double single ‘The Influencer/Co-Conspirator’—their first release with new label Fiction/I OH YOU. Both tracks are interconnected, sharing the same audio foundation, yet 'The Influencer' continues their politically charged dance-punk, while 'Co-Conspirator' invites listeners into the club atmosphere, with an infectious energy. Though two tracks, they represent a unified concept. (Dylan McNally)
Ugly - Next To Die
Following the success of last year’s EP 'Twice Around the Sun', the Cambridge band Ugly introduces fresh material with 'Next to Die', redefining their sound. This track combines their artsy, intricate style with a tighter, pop-driven vibe. The contrast between Samuel Goater’s guitar riff and the harmonious vocals of Jasmine Miller-Sauchella and Tom Lane creates a captivating chorus that lingers in your mind. With an album on the horizon, Ugly is establishing themselves as one of the most thrilling new acts in the UK. (Peter Martin)
Nxdia - More!
Shifting from themes of unrequited love in ‘She Likes A Boy’ to celebrating gender expression in ‘Boy Clothes’, Nxdia has emerged as a compelling voice among new queer artists. In her latest single, the Egyptian-Sudanese talent presents a bold and unapologetic exploration of early romance in 'More!'. The track features raw guitar riffs, electronic hooks, and an expressive switch to Arabic, marking a signature of the Cairo-born artist. It's an exhilarating celebration of all that Nxdia embodies. (Emily Savage)
Chloe Qisha - Modern Romance
Rapidly rising star Chloe Qisha fuses traditional elements with modern pop sensibilities in her aptly titled track 'Modern Romance'. With a relaxed yet engaging narrative, a lively electronic beat underpins the music; while there are acknowledgments of pop icons like Chappell Roan and Dua Lipa, Chloe uniquely infuses her sound with a playful and refreshing modernity. (Phil Taylor)
Nell Mescal - Thin
Nell Mescal's smooth vocals, floating over gentle guitar strumming, have been sorely missed since her 2024 debut EP ‘Can I Miss It For a Minute
The band has just put out a new single titled ‘Girl Band Starter Pack’.
The event, which spans multiple venues, is held in Norwich and honors up-and-coming bands and artists.
The ultimate guide by DIY to the top new music.