Sounds of 2022
Last year, we made some predictions on who you'd be binge-listening to for the next 12 months. Not saying we're psychic or anything, but we were pretty spot on - with artists like cleopatrick, Black Honey, The Luka State, Coach Party and Lauran Hibberd all making the cut.
Since it worked so magically last year, we thought we'd crack out the crystal ball once more and see what's manifesting musically in 2022. So grab a notepad and scribble these names down - you'll want to remember them!
The Mysterines
Liverpool quartet The Mysterines return to our ones to watch list again in 2022, as we gear up for the release of their debut album Reeling on March 11th. Having supported the likes of Royal Blood and The Amazons and regularly selling out their own headline shows (including London's Garage), the broodingly dark post-grunge rockers are headed straight to the top. This past year saw the band release a steaming-hot slew of singles, including the deliciously devilish In My Head, lust-laden revenge anthem Hung Up, as well as their most recent stomper The Bad Thing - and if these tracks are anything to go by, the LP is set to be nothing short of a masterpiece.
Sick Joy
Despite not releasing any music since 2019, Brighton-based Sick Joy have been busy this year. Somewhere between supporting both cleopatrick and Kid Kapichi on tour, collaborating with AA Sessions, and headlining their own show at the Green Door Store, our favourite Geordie trio found time to record their debut album. Those of you lucky enough to have caught them live this year will have heard a lot of the upcoming material, including aggressively invasive ear-worms Don't Feel Like Dying and Talking To The Drugs, and if you're anything like us, will be ravenous for more of that grungey goodness.
Wet Leg
Seemingly appearing out of nowhere in June, Chaise Longue was the song of the summer and the track that put Wet Leg's name on everyone's lips. Isle of Wight duo Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers hit the mark with their debut single, earning over 2 million views on YouTube and currently approaching 6 million Spotify streams. But Wet Leg are no one-hit-wonders, with each of their singles continuing their reference-stuffed, tongue-in-cheek indie-rock sound. Their debut album Wet Leg arrives on April 8th.
Lime Garden
With Clockwork earning one of the spots on our Top 10 Singles of the Year, the effortlessly cool Lime Garden are undoubtedly one of our Sounds of 2022. The Brighton quartet delivered three very different, yet equally tasty singles in 2021: dreamy alt-pop bop Sick & Tired, thumping 90's-tinted banger Pulp, and the hypnotic Clockwork. We were lucky enough to catch them supporting the fabulous Katy J Pearson in the summer, and were mesmerised by their set - trust us, Lime Garden have some more enticing tracks on the way for 2022 and you won't want to miss them.
Himalayas
Last year Cardiff's Himalayas kept us speculating about a debut album, but this year we're pleased to report that the 4-piece will finally be bestowing an LP upon us in 2022. The band spent November tucked away recording, so we expect to be hearing lots of new things from them soon! 2021 saw them soar to new heights - after the not-so-surprising success of their scorching 2017 single Thank God I'm Not You (with a whopping 27 million streams on Spotify alone), in September they supported fellow Welsh legends Manic Street Preachers at a sold out Motorpoint Arena, as well as selling out their London headline show at The Grace - so expect to be hearing their name a lot more often!
SNAYX
Brighton/Seaford noise-makers SNAYX were one of our favourite finds of 2021. So much so that we went down to see them play three different shows - each sweatier than the last. With three equally smoking bangers and shows with Tigercub, Nova Twins, and Kid Kapichi under their belts, we can confirm that the hype around SNAYX is well deserved - just like their place on our Sounds of 2022. Their latest track False Friends even claimed its place on our 2021 Wrapped. This won't be the last time you see us gush about SNAYX, as they've just announced new music is coming on the 7th of January. 2022 will be their year.
Lambrini Girls
Fiery punk trio Lambrini Girls have been busy tearing up the Brighton music scene and earning a name for themselves as one of the fiercest live acts around - so obviously they've caught our attention. Raucously witty, raw, and chaotic, Lambrini Girls are intoxicatingly commanding and unapologetically feminist. What's not to love? Sarcastic thrasher Big Dick Energy and anger-fuelled rager Homewrecker secure Lambrini Girls' place one our Sounds of 2022. We can't get enough of their riot grrrl garage-punk.
Pixey
First catching our eye with Free To Live In Colour, 2021 was a great year for Liverpool's Pixey, aka Lizzie Hillesdon. Self-described as "the indie Britney Spears", the multi-instrumentalist's music blends dreamy noughties-esque britpop soundscapes with saucy riffs and punchy rhythms. Signed to Chess Club Records, last year saw her release two EPs: Free To Live In Colour and Sunshine State, playing her first headline show in Liverpool, supporting Cassia in Manchester, as well as starring in In A Sunshine State - a documentary about what it’s like to be a woman in music during the current climate. On top of all this, it was announced she'll be playing at Truck Festival next year - we can't wait!
LoftRiot
Appearing out of nowhere in November, Seattle trio LoftRiot have already proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to producing filthy alt-rock bangers. Debut single ARSON is just that - a blazing, fuzzy dalliance into the flames that showcases their ability to make a shit-tonne of succulent, cohesive noise. Follow-up DARK takes us from light into the shadows, reflected in its slightly more vulnerable lyrics and ominous vibe. You know we lap that shit up. Their debut EP BANT drops on January 7th, so keep your eyes and ears peeled!
Prima Queen
Gripping us with their latest single Chew My Cheeks, produced by icons The Big Moon, alternative rock duo Prima Queen are ones to watch in 2022. Treading between vulnerability, light-hearted lyrical imagery, and a swooning indie-rock soundscape, Prima Queen have toured with the likes of Pip Blom and Billy Nomates in 2021 and show no signs of slowing down. Having signed to Nice Swan Records, we know Prima Queen are in good company on their roster.
Kynsy
Dublin-based Ciara Lindsey, aka Kynsy, exudes charming wit and glistening indie-rock with her infectious tracks like the ultra-cool Mr. Nice Guy and the hauntingly catchy Happiness Isn't A Fixed State. On her 2021 debut EP Things That Don't Exist, Kynsy placed herself among the indie elite with her glittering alt-pop edge, wearily nostalgic lyricism, and devil-may-care affliction. Take a listen to Kynsy's indie-laden riffs and fuzzy basslines, then you'll see why we've hotly tipped her as one of our Sounds of 2022.
Wine Lips
Settled somewhere between punk, garage, and psychedelic rock, you'll find Toronto's Wine Lips. Fusing aggressive drums, spiky guitars, and gritty rhythm, the Ontario quartet hooked us with their fast and frenzied tracks Eyes and Get Your Money ahead of the arrival of their ridiculously titled debut album Mushroom Death Sex Bummer Party which came crashing into our eardrums in late 2021. Gloriously riotous, Wine Lips are one of our Sounds of 2022. Now to get them over to the UK so we can witness their punky mayhem live.
Queen Cult
Self-described as 'femme queer rock', Queen Cult are everything we love. Formed by Maisie Johnson and Leila Jacklin, Queen Cult have grabbed us with their politically-charged alt-rock anthems. Infectious bop Show & Tell takes aim at our poor excuse for a British government, while A Song About Consent tackles misogyny and gendered assault. With their debut EP on the way for early 2022, we'll be keeping a close eye on Queen Cult. We'll even be witnessing their rock bangers live as they support LibraLibra on their January tour with Revive Live. Tickets on sale now.
M(h)aol
Intersectional feminist post-punk band M(h)aol (pronounced male) perfectly captured our rage earlier in the year with their venomous single Asking For It. Released in the wake of Sarah Everard's murder, all profits were donated to Women’s Aid Ireland. Based between Dublin, London, and Bristol, the 5-piece's debut EP Gender Studies landed in our ears on the 29th October, discussing hard-hitting topics including violence against women, misogyny within the music industry, and navigating societally enforced gender roles - all the while effortlessly dismantling the traditionally male-dominated post-punk scene. We're obsessed.
The Golden Age of TV
Leeds-based alternative band The Golden Age of TV are as loud as they are sharp. Merging fuzzed-out basslines, angled guitar riffs, and witty lyricism, the five-piece have crafted many a sleek rock tune including 2021's What I've Been Through which has been swimming round in our heads since we first heard it. If you're looking for your guitar music fix in 2022 (and of course you are, you're at the Coven), then keep an eye on The Golden Age of TV.
Listen to our Sounds of 2022 playlist now!
Article by Chloe Robbins and Courtney Myers
