Croydon’s most fearless alt-rock collective, Bugeye, are tearing up the rulebook. Fusing dirty 80s synths with high-octane punk energy, this queer-led band isn't just making music—they’re building a movement. With a raw, DIY spirit and an unapologetic political edge, they’re proving that the loudest voice in the room is often the one fighting for a better future.
Bugeye’s new album, The Shape of Things, is released on 15 May 2026. Their latest single, These Walls Will Fall, is available to stream now.
W: Max Pearson. I: Kiera Anee
They are a force of nature from Croydon, merging the sharp edge of the underground with the infectious pull of 80s synth-pop. Bugeye are not just a band; they are a collective, a movement, and an unapologetic voice in the modern music landscape. Ahead of the release of their upcoming album, The Shape of Things, we sat down with Angela and Suzy to talk about DIY culture, the politics of sound, and why their latest single, These Walls Will Fall, is the rebel call we’ve all been waiting for.
"We bring the glitter to the grit. We love our 80s and 90s influences, and are constantly trying to build on what inspires us." — Suzy
To understand Bugeye, you must understand their roots. Angela explains that they are a fierce, queer alt-rock band fused with dirty 80s synths and hooky guitars. As a grassroots music collective from Croydon, they are deeply rooted in DIY culture and the energy of the local underground. As outspoken LGBTQ+ music activists, they champion independent artists and inclusive spaces, focusing on live shows that carry real meaning. For those yet to discover them, Suzy describes their sound as "Disco-Punk"—a blend of Blondie, Franz Ferdinand, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It is music defined by fearless lyrics and an energy that makes it impossible to stand still.
Their latest single, These Walls Will Fall, marks a deliberate shift toward the political. Angela describes it as a defiant, anthem-like critique of media control and the manufactured divisions that keep society fractured. It is designed to be a warning shot; beneath its driving energy and insurgent spirit lies a promise that the walls built to divide communities will not stand forever. Angela believes that when these barriers eventually collapse, unity will be far louder than control. It is a track born from a desire for collective awakening and a better future.
"It cuts across scenes rather than sitting in one. It’s 80s influence without being stuck in it, and lyrically we’re a bit more direct than most." — Angela
In an industry that often favours the manufactured, Bugeye prides itself on being completely authentic. When asked about their greatest strength, Angela notes that they are experts at cutting through the noise with strong identities and lyrics that actually say something. She stresses that their music is not meant to be background noise—it is designed to land, hit the listener in the face, and stick with them. However, the path has not been without its challenges. Suzy admits that the band has occasionally battled imposter syndrome in a male-dominated industry. By learning to trust their own instincts rather than deferring to others, the band has grown closer and more resilient.
The coming months are set to be a whirlwind for the group. With their new album, The Shape of Things, scheduled for release on 15 May, the band is gearing up for a busy season of live shows and creative expansion. Beyond the record, fans—whom the band affectionately calls 'Bugs'—can look forward to the return of their lockdown-era podcast and various new ways to connect. As they continue to balance the financial and logistical realities of independent music-making with their uncompromising creative vision, the band remains steadfast. As Angela puts it, music is in their blood, and life without it simply isn't an option.
"Music’s in our blood, and life without it just isn’t an option." — Angela