Alt-rock and the spirit of Britpop shine strong in our Liverpudlian single of the week.

Single of the Week: STONE – MONKEY SEE MONKEY DO

Frankly the monkey can do whatever the hell it likes when it sounds this bloody good. Active since 2019, and existing in an earlier form before that, STONE (not to be confused with the Finnish metal group) are further proof of the “It takes six years of grinding to get anywhere in the music biz for bands” mantra. They have toured with a wide range of great artists and played Reading and Leeds back in 2021. Momentum is now building.

Ashley Singh – Don’t Wanna Be Loved

This couldn’t be anymore 2025 if it tried. Singh absolutely captures the Myles Smith/Alex Warren vibes, but this is such a strong tune, comparisons can be shrugged off. Going places fast.

ENNA – you ruined paris

We were about to walk past ENNA at Reading Festival until she started singing, and we quickly found ourselves right down the front of her BBC Introducing set. Her voice is even stronger live, but it sounds pretty damn good on this track that has a hint of Gracie Abrams about it but very much showcases her amazing strengths.

Balming Tiger and Yaeji – wo ai ni/break it even

A crazy double A side single release by two of our favourite Korean artists, of which ‘wo ai ni’ is the pick. Over wobbly beats Yaeji’s distinctive voice cuts through before Balming Tiger jump in to slay the chorus and then do one of the greatest raps since John Barnes on ‘World In Motion’.

South Arcade – Drive Myself Home

One of the highlights of Reading Festival this year drop another great new single.

The Maccabees – Koya

Not a new creation by the recently reformed band, but a missing track from the Marks To Prove It 10th anniversary edition out soon. Typically melodic and enjoyable.

bar italia – omni shambles

bar italia are the sort of band that the NME would have fawned over for months on end before they went digital only and spent most of their time on Korean pop. Achingly hip with a touch of Bloc Party on this one.

Cat Burns – Please Don’t Hate Me

Is this Cat getting her apology out to her fellow Celebrity Traitors contestants early? I don’t know how anyone watching the show could possibly hate her. Both a true talent and a delightful human being.

Only the Poets – Thinking Bout Your Ex

Fresh of the back of a rammed free gig at The Purple Turtle in August to mark where it all began, one of Reading’s favourite groups continue towards world domination with a harmony heavy slice of soulful boy band inspired pop.

David Byrne and Hayley Williams – Open The Door

I wasn’t aware of Netflix doing a film of Roald Dahl’s The Twits prior to this but I am now absolutely there for it. This is a delightfully lush team up between the front people of Talking Heads and Paramore. Both artists have produced great solo work already this year and this is an inspired collaboration.

Also on the playlist: Kid Kapichi, Sam Fender, Militarie Gun, All Time Low and many more.