British Bloke Bands

Claire Sawayanagi, Staff Writers

If you’re the retired belieber or so over the Bruno Mars craze (if that’s actually possible), or just eager to find some new singers to crush on and music to jam out to, here are some new rising bands that you shouldn’t hesitate to add to your playlists. They’re not only bands, they’re British boy bands; the new mania that has teenagers all over the world drooling. Is it their accents? Or could it be their British vintage fashion and bed-head hair? Regardless, these British lads have invaded the American music scene.

It’s no surprise to see One Direction on this list. These five cheeky young men were hand-picked by Simon Cowell and have won countless awards. They have released three albums and had three world tours in just three years. Their twitter account gains about 30,000 followers each day. “Story Of My Life” may be stuck in your head for hours from hearing it on the radio so much, but it doesn’t hurt to listen to some of their new rock songs; for example, “Alive” or “Little White Lies.” As they age, their music taste has changed, and they now have more mellow songs. The acoustic version of “Happily” co-written by Harry Styles, shows his deep, raspy voice and Zayn Malik surprises fans with his extremely high note at the end.

Thanks to Taylor Swift, the indie pop band The Vamps is beginning to gain more popularity. These four young boys opened for Taylor Swift’s Red tour for her London shows. Recently in February, they released their debut single “Wild Heart.” Their cutesy, innocent look makes it impossible to dislike them. In just a few years there’s no doubt they will be selling out stadiums everywhere, so try to see them now.

Probably the most intriguing boy band is The 1975. They have struggled as a band for several years, but now they have finally made it. Their hit single “Chocolate” is a unique song, however, lead singer Matty Healy says that it’s just a song about hanging out with his best mates, his band mates. The band consists of four edgy looking boys who aren’t afraid to have some fun. Their alternative/indie rock vibe is impossible to ignore. They were noticed by One Direction when they sang a live cover of “What Makes You Beautiful.” I admit that it may actually be better than the original.

Next is, you guessed it, Bastille. Everyone has heard their catchy song, “Pompeii,” which has gotten the most promotion and demand. Unlike other bands, they often use string instruments such as violins and cellos that add to their indie rock sound. They have only been a proper band for two years, however, they were nominated for four Brit awards this year. Without surprise, they ended up taking home the Best Breakthrough Act award. Tired of hearing their same song over and over? I highly recommend listening to their acoustic cover of TLC’s “No Scrubs.” It will make you want to dance and you will fall in love with Dan Smith’s voice.

So if you haven’t become a fan of these dishy boys (British slang for “good-looking”), you might want to chivvy along (“hurry up”) and start listening now—it’s only a matter of time until they take over the States!