W: Rachel June

Born from the lecture halls of university and fuelled by a shared obsession with the "dreamy landscapes" of shoegaze, The Youth Play are carving a unique path through the 2026 music scene. Composed of four friends—Alex, Harrison, Fin, and Diego—the band describes their sound as a heavy yet melodic cocktail of pounding drums, thumping bass, and shimmering guitars. While they cite pillars like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive as early inspirations, their sonic DNA is far more complex. It’s a genre-bending mix that pulls from 60s psychedelia, Deftones-inspired grit, and modern electronic textures, resulting in an electric indie-rock abyss that refuses to be pinned down to any single London sub-scene.

Behind the "dreamy" exterior lies a band defined by grit and a relentless work ethic. Navigating the brutal overheads of London life, the members balance full-time careers with the "second full-time job" of being in a rising band. From splitting the cost of rehearsal spaces to funding their own tours, the financial hurdles are real, yet they view these obstacles as a testament to their chemistry. Their creative process is a democratic, evolving cycle: ideas are born in weekly rehearsals, recorded, and obsessively reworked until they find the perfect balance of harmony and noise. It’s a grind, but one they embrace with a shared drive and a pre-show ritual that occasionally involves tequila and a deep-cut Phil Collins singalong.

As they look toward the horizon, the momentum is only building. With their new EP, Someday, Forever, slated for release on August 15th, and an upcoming headline show at Diego’s local haunt, the Mascara Bar, The Youth Play are moving with intention. They aren't just playing at being a band; they are constantly demoing new material to ensure their "current momentum" never stalls. In a landscape that can often feel derivative, The Youth Play are betting on their differences, their discipline, and a sound that prioritizes feeling above all else.