Expect the unexpected this week in single land, and a whole lot of Reading Festival bands. A few tracks from the previous week that I have since heard and enjoyed as well.

Single of the Week: Sparks – Do Things My Own Way

Bands whose key members are 80 and 77 either tend to be retired or knocking out the greatest hits with less vigour than they used to. A few buck the trend as Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney’s recent gig runs attested to. However, in terms of consistently knocking out decent new albums Sparks feel like they are on a whole different planet. The last couple of albums were great and this first taste of a new one, accompanied with another tour, is brilliant. They have been doing things their own way for 50 odd years now, long may it continue.

Bring Me The Horizon – WONDERWaLL

Of all the things I had on my 2025 bingo card BMTH doing a cover of ‘Wonderwall’ was most definitely not on it. Once I had finished picking myself off the floor from shock, I very nearly gave it single of the week. Even Liam gave it the seal of approval with “I f***ing LOVE it” being the social media verdict. This is a ridiculous amount of fun and has been 100% transformed into a pure hit of BMTH. Could make for a fun Reading Festival moment.

Tom Grennan – Shadowboxing

I have loved Tom Grennan ever since he first popped up on a Chase and Status track in 2016. His voice has a distinctive edge, he has a good ear for a tune, and he just seems like he would be a decent bloke to find yourself down the pub with. Maybe not his best work, but it still has a typically huge chorus.

The Kooks – Never Know

‘Inside In/Inside Out’ was such a massive 2006 debut album. Their 2017 best of highlights plenty of other strong singles as well. More recent offerings haven’t scaled the same commercial hights but have rounded out their position as one of the countries better, though still possibly underrated, bands. This comeback single is another polished slice of indie guitar music. So far TRNSMT and Reading/Leeds are the only places they are confirmed for this year. I will be there to enjoy their Reading performance.

The Certs – Turn Back

The highly talented new Guildford band said they would get ‘Turn Back’ out by the end of January and they indeed delivered. The acoustic version should feature in the new Bridget Jones movie. This version is indeed ‘More Certsy’ and is a great addition to the new singles this week.

Sofia Isella – Dog’s Dinner

Championed by Taylor Swift but with more of a darker edge than that would suggest. This excellent new track gave me a bit of a Nick Cave with a jazzier drumbeat vibe. Another one I will be seeking out at Reading Festival.

Black Country, New Road – Besties

A baroque opening morphs into an almost Beatles-esque jaunt. Enjoyably uplifting chaos.

Venbee – this one’s different

‘Messy in Heaven’ has now crashed through 135 million streams on Spotify. This is a solid effort with a proper drum and bass undertone.

MØ ft. Biig Piig – SWEET

A Danish producer teaming up with yet another talented Irish artist (a Biig Piig/ Kneecap colab anyone?) on a glorious electro-stomp.

Joy Orbison and Joe James – bastard

Joy Orbison has been about since 2009, Joe James is ANOTHER very talented British rapper. The outcome is well worth a listen.

Greentea Peng – Stones Throw

Is this one of the best names in music right now? Greentea is most definitely peng and we approve this message.

Benitt – Wooden People

Laid back groove with a strong vibe and a very good vocal performance.

Nico Play – You Don’t Know

Solid, low key, man and his guitar strumming moment.

The Horrors – More Than Life

Holding down the goth fort for a long time in the absence of The Cure, this is the fourth single from their new album and every track has been very, very strong so far.

The Five Hundred – New World

A cracking metal track to finish the week on. They are playing The Face Bar in Reading on March 14th, I have my ticket.