Many releases this week, Reading Indie Life sifts through for the good stuff on your behalf.

Single of the Week: Mumford and Sons – ‘Rushmere’

Like Coldplay, Mumford and Sons seem to generate an unnecessary amount of hate to counteract the devoted love they also receive. This initial taste of their first album in seven years, also called Rushmere, has everything you would expect; an epic chorus, great harmonies and tinkling banjo. If you love them you will love it, if you don’t you probably won’t. Here is hoping for a tour that takes Kingfishr on support and is called ‘The Duelling Banjos Tour.’

The Weather Station: ‘Mirror’

Dropping the same week as the new album Humanhood ‘Mirror’ comes in with intriguing keyboard keys, developing into a funk groove when the drums and saxophone are added. Another fine vocal performance from Tamara Lindeman completes a mature and thoughtful song.

Baby Said: Mean Girlz

These young sisters from Portsmouth are going to be rapidly going places. What really stands out is the ridiculously accomplished guitar players they already are, with a proper understanding of classic rock riffing. Playing Reading at the Purple Turtle in February.

HotWax: One More Reason

Hotwax are another in the new crop of great indie hopes currently doing the rounds in small venues. Playing Reading at the Face Bar in March.

Central Cee ft. 21 Savage: GBP

I haven’t quite made my mind up about Central Cee. I was going to watch a bit of him at Reading Festival but got bored when his hype-man DJ wasted the first 10 minutes of his set time, so I went elsewhere. There is definitely ability and this is another slickly made track. If rappers going on about money and girls is a turn off, then this is unlikely to convince you to change your mind. If you liked ‘Sprinter’ then you will enjoy this.

The Lottery Winners ft. Frank Turner: Dirt and Gold

Another quality collaboration between these two following on from 2023’s excellent ‘Letter to Myself.’ The Lottery Winners are quietly staking a claim to be the countries best feel-good indie band with their eye for a high quality pop-tinged track.

Alessi Rose: IKYK

The incredibly on-trend Alessi Rose looks like being a homegrown competitor to the likes of Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams. This track comes off an EP packed with tunes.

Doves: Cold Dreaming

I had been quite ready to write off a Jimi Goodwin-less Doves as unnecessary, however this impressive single has made me re-think. This Andy and Jez Williams fronted track gives a taste of what their imminent tour will sound like with the brothers taking on lead vocal duties between them.

Half Moon Run: Boots of Spanish Leather

A gorgeous little track from a rising talent.

Spiderwebs & Foam: Rinse, Repeat.

High quality Interpol-esque track from this Frankfurt based indieist of indie bands.