Eclectica’s One’s to Watch in 2026

Dove Ellis

I first saw Dove Ellis at YES basement in Manchester last August. At the time, his catalogue consisted of a handful of fuzzy DIY tracks uploaded to Bandcamp. In the few months since, Ellis has garnered comparisons to Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke and man of the moment Cameron Winter, even opening for Winter’s band Geese on their US tour. The release of his debut album was thus hotly anticipated, and Blizzard more than affirms the buzz that has surrounded this indie folk enigma. The record flits from the gently plucked guitars and soft drums of opening track ‘Little Left Hope’ to the energetic strings and accordion of the Irish trad-inspired jig ‘Jaundice’, and even a festive turn with ‘It Is a Blizzard’. Ellis weaves a unique tapestry of folk, pop and indie which is driven by a consistently beautiful and melodic character. This astounding debut signals immense promise.

Ellis weaves a unique tapestry of folk, pop and indie which is driven by a consistently beautiful and melodic character.

TTSFU

Wigan-born TTSSFU (or Tasmin Stephens) has taken the Manchester scene by storm with her angsty brand of dream pop. In 2024 she joined the likes of Geese and Fontaines DC on the Partisan Records roster. Last August she followed up on the success of Me, Jed and Andy with the EP Blown. Her latest single, ‘Upstairs’, tells a tale of obsession through blown out guitars and a repetitive beat. The mesmerising track has earned Stephens heavy BBC 6 Music rotation. You can catch TTSFU live at Birmingham’s Hare & Hounds on 24 March.

Adult DVD

Leeds has produced some big hitters in recent years, including Mercury Prize winners English Teacher and witty post-punk outfit Yard Act. Adult DVD look set to be the next success story from West Yorkshire’s capital, bringing an infectious dance beat to indie rock. I was blown away by their set at last year’s Greenman festival, their energetic blend of synths and thumping drums had the whole crowd moving. Give them a listen and I guarantee you’ll be dancing too.

Westside Cowboy

Another highlight of Greenman festival, these darlings of the Manchester scene recently released their second EP So Much Country ‘Till We Get There. Across five tracks Westside Cowboy cement their place in the lineage of great British Indie, but their folk and punk influences shine through forming their own unique sound, which they have described as ‘Britainicana’. They’ll be supporting Geese on the Getting Killed tour, which will no doubt endear them to many more indie heads.

Across five tracks Westside Cowboy cement their place in the lineage of great British Indie…

Truthpaste

Truthpaste are a multi-instrumentalist five-piece crafting a melodic blend of folk, pop and electronic sensibilities. Incorporating sax, guitar, violin, the result is a gentle, whimsical sound that feels playful but heartfelt. The band formed at university in Manchester but have since made the leap to London, ingratiating themselves with the Windmill scene which will likely bring them much deserved wider attention. So far, they’ve released two singles: ‘See You Around’ and ‘Bleary Eyes’ and hopefully more is in the works!

Madrah Salach

Irish folk sextet Madrah Salach have announced themselves as a fresh addition to the alternative folk revival. Their debut singles ‘I Was Just a Boy’ and ‘Blue and Gold’ lovingly reimagine Irish folk traditions, injecting them with their own gritty, contemporary edge. The band released their debut EP It’s a Hell of an Age on 23 January and will tour the UK in March, including a gig at Birmingham’s Hare & Hounds.

Fcukers

Fcukers consist of vocalist Shanny Wise and Jackson Walker Lewis (bass/keys/production). Their impossibly cool brand of DIY dance pop ranges from club bangers like ‘Bon Bon’ to more lo-fi leaning tracks such as ‘Homie Don’t Shake’. Born of the New York underground, Fcukers have quicky risen to acclaim, their bouncy ear worms earning them a cult following, a collaboration with James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, and opening slots for Tame Impala. Their debut album Ö, Produced by Kenneth Blume (FKA Kenny Beats), lands on 27 March via Ninja Tune.