This week Northern Exposure announced their shortlisted 20 bands for the INMusic Festival slot in Croatia. To win the competition and play alongside the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Nick Cage & The Bad seeds, the twenty bands have to impress a team of independent industry professionals.
The top six will be announced on Monday 15th January. The bands will then have to play a show at Sheffield Hallam Union on February 10th, where the final winner will be announced.
Newcomers The Receivers have had an impressive debut year, releasing their debut EP, getting singed to Alya Records and earning themselves a loyal fan base across Yorkshire. Their sound is characterised by ferocious guitar riffs, relentless percussion and infectiously catchy choruses.
Known for their gutsy brand of post-punk guitar rock, FALSE HEADS are one of the hottest bands on the independent circuit at the moment. Their sound is loud and gutsy frenzy of romping guitar riffs, gritty bass and manic drums.
Suncharmer are a no-frills indie group, whose songs are embellished with soulful vocals, giving their sound a three dimensional depth. In the past they've supported the likes of Yak and The Magic Gang are set to support INHEAVEN in February.
Italian rockers The Valium have an impressive sound that draws influences from punk, pop, garage and 60s rock. In 2015 they released their first English album, 'AMAZING BREAKDOWNS', allowing their music to be appreciated and loved by a wider audience.
With big hair and an even bigger sound, it's impossible to not fall in love with the feel-good tunes of Mint. The group have been highlighted as ones to watch in 2018 by Fred Perry Subculture and will be playing 'The Big in 2018' festival with This Feeling.
Merseyside natives 'The K's' kicked off 2018 by announcing that they had been signed to Republic Music Management. With a handful of sold-out headline shows already under their belt, their tongue-and-cheek indie tunes are earning them a loyal fan base and plenty of buzz.
London four-piece Rosko have been gaining popularity with their raw, DIY tunes that draw parallels with the likes of RAT BOY and Jamie T. They've also been pinned as ones to watch by Fred Perry Subculture and This Feeling, so 2018 is sure to be a massive year for the band.
New kids on the block MADDOX have been snowballing their way to success, with recognition from BBC Radio and It's all Indie. Their debut single, 'Just Like You', is akin to Weezer (but with a sarcastic British wit), and incorporates a grunge undertone, channeling a mellow aura with plenty of attitude.
2017 was a massive year for Brighton punk duo SONS, releasing four singles that all had airtime on Radio X and BBC Introducing, as well as appearances in 'Metal Hammer', 'Kerrang!' and 'Classic Rock' magazine. The two piece are also set to play 'This Feeling Big in 2018' later this month.Their sound is driven by riotous riffs, bolshie vocals and witty lyrics that discuss everything from mutants reptiles to love.
If the Happy Mondays were a modern indie group - they'd sound like The Americas. They're quirky, fun and upbeat.
THE FRANKLYS
Thrashing guitar driven rock, elevated with hypnotic vocals and a "give no fucks" attitude - The Franklys are the bad-ass female role models that the music scene needs.
With live performances that are as poignant as they are visually stunning, 'Hands Off Gretel' embody the grit of the 90s grunge scene with a refreshing modern twist.
JORDAN ALLEN
After venturing out on a 16 date UK tour (with seven sold out shows) Jordan Allen is skyrocketing into a success. With a charming bank of feel-good indie tunes, Jordan Allen is loved by an ever-growing crowd.
DEEP CITY DIVER
Deep City Diver radiate an endearingly nostalgic vibe, that will reignite the fire in any classic indie lover's belly. Their happy-go-lucky attitude is paired with pop-y melodies and enthralling guitar riffs, creating a warm, easygoing sound.
HIMALAYAS
Welsh indie-rockers 'Himalayas' radiate an angsty energy with riffs and choruses that pack a Herculean punch. They're the insuperable kings of the Welsh rock scene and it won't be long until their ballsy tunes are cemented as iconic anthems.
THE ASSIST
After playing countless festivals and supporting the likes of Blossoms and RAT BOY, The Assist have established a reputation for lively pulsing indie tunes with a strong dance beat. A cocktail of influences from all over the indie genre are evident in their music, from the Arctic Monkeys to The Wombats to Jamie T, there's a something to suit a wide variety of tastes.
BERRIES
London three piece BERRIES have been surrounded by a deafening buzz. Renowned for their bold riff-driven rock and suave vocals their music has a gorgeously rich and sating sound that oozes a cool and carefree vibe.
THE VELVET HANDS
Garage rock group The Velvet Hands opt for a 'bread and butter' rock sound - simple punchy riffs, energetic drums and bellowing vocals. Something to play loud and go wild to.
HIGHTOWN PIRATES
After receiving universal praise for the debut album, most notably from Paul Weller and GQ magazine, Hightown Pirates are going from strength to strength. Drawing influences from soul, Britpop, gospel and acid house, Hightown Pirates have a vibrant and enlivened sound.
Serving up a hearty dose of organic bluesy rock is Kent group Tarot Rats. Whether they're playing stripped back, poetic acoustic numbers, or bashing out ballsy rock tracks, the Tarot Rats never fail to enthrall audiences.
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