There is an old proverb in the corporate world that people don’t invest in businesses; they invest in people. On a cold Monday night in South London, 5,000 people didn't descend upon this landmark venue simply to hear catchy hooks; they were there to back Only The Poets, four human beings who have spent a decade refusing to sell their souls or price out their fans.

The energy at the Electric Ballroom was nothing short of electric as three powerhouses of the modern alternative scene hit Camden Town. From Belmont’s pop-punk chaos to the co-headliners Honey Revenge, with their infectious pop-rock, and Rain City Drive, with their emotional rock anthems, Saturday night was a pure delight for alternative fans.

As the iconic notes of Edith Piaf’s ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’, blasted triumphantly around The Islington Academy2 and French metalcore outfit Resolve strode onto the stage, an already thoroughly warmed up and packed out room lost their collective mind. Before the main act had even had a chance to play a note, a trio of bands with their own pull on the London crowd had their chance to impress.

Whether the timing is intentional or not, with The Only Heaven You'll Know Caskets continue a bi yearly tradition of releasing a banger of a new album, providing fans with a consistent stream of music. The Leeds metalcore outfit have continued this output through challenges that included a forced name change, struggles with imposter syndrome and band member departures.

In an era of AI and polished performances, Badflower’s performance at Here at Outernet on December 15, 2025, was a glorious middle finger to perfectionism. This was a reminder that we’re actually starving for something human, messy, and real. As their only headline show of the year and their final curtain call for 2025, they proved that this band doesn’t just play for an audience, but lives in the moment with them. This show was an unpredictable banana-smashing, hammer-swinging, drum-toppling masterclass that London won’t soon forget, showing us exactly why they’re an essential band to watch: They’re the relatable, chaotic heartbeat of modern rock.

Chants for "Three Days Grace" were so loud before they even made it to the stage. It’s wild to think this band started in a tiny 1500-person town in Ontario. They joked on stage about how you only had three options there: sports, music, or drugs. The guitarists mimicked each one, but I think we’re all glad they chose music. 

The atmosphere at the Electric Ballroom on Thursday, December 11, 2025, was absolutely dialled up from the moment the doors opened. With Of Mice & Men headlining, you knew you were in for veteran-level aggression, but the support acts turned it into an event. Gore. hit the stage first with a look into the future and a clear statement that female-fronted metalcore is just vital right now. Then GHØSTKID dragged us straight into this theatrical, industrial fever dream. By the time OM&M took over, the whole place was already cooked. This three-band punch wasn't just strong; it was a loud, aggressive reminder that heavy music is more intelligent, tougher, and more resilient than anyone gives it credit for.

After playing in Leeds and Manchester, King Princess eventually finished the UK leg of her ‘Girl Violence’ tour in London, at the Electric Brixton. The queer fan girlies were in for a treat, being introduced for the first time to another queer singer opening for KP, Susannah Joff. Both American artists were here to deliver.

Don Broco are back, and in more ways than one. It's been almost 7 years since they last graced the stage of Wembley Arena. It's also been two years since they announced during their ‘Birthday Party’ tour that they were off to write an album. At the time they admitted they tend to take a bloody age to do that and fans have been waiting patiently since. With only a couple of outings for the band in the interim, this run of shows is where Broco burst back onto a scene that has been missing them all too acutely.

Worn Out Tuesday on December 2, 2025, proved that the rawest, most vital energy in London music thrives not just in arenas, but also in the sweaty confines of  Sebright Arms. Featuring the audacious debut of Funny, the pop-punk punch of Luxury Apartments, and the politically charged headliners Buds., the night was a celebratory showcase of the UK's thriving DIY alternative scene.

The MOTH Club, usually steeped in vintage glamour, was transformed into a sweaty crucible of political urgency on November 29th, thanks to the double bill of Jools and the rapidly ascending political punk force, Hyphen. The sold-out show was electric, setting the stage for one of the most physically demanding nights the venue has seen this year.

Harpy is art, in the purest sense of the word - garnering a reaction is the aim rather than attempting to gain universal adoration. It's this idgaf attitude that frees her up to create dark, impactful nu-goth music. Whether people love it or hate it she just wants to make sure they are listening.