REVIEWS | New Music Discoveries: Indie-Folk, Surf-Pop & Post-Punk Highlights with Lucy Kate, Güdness & More
- SHOWGRAPHERS
- Dec 23
- 3 min read
In this edition of indie and alt-pop music reviews, we highlight the most compelling new music discoveries of the season. Emerging UK singer-songwriter Lucy Kate opens her world with the tender acoustic-pop ballad "Flowers", while Leicester’s Güdness deliver a vibrant surf-pop/shoegaze burst on "We’re All Good". WOOF returns with moody post-punk introspection on "Careless", and Split Second offer hook-driven, festival-ready indie-pop on "How Long?". Tasmania’s Verticoli explore reflective alt-rock storytelling on "Silverlinings", PALPITATE immerse listeners in cinematic metal on "Devour", and Devon rockers 3 Days of Wonder balance anthemic riffs with 80s-inspired energy on "Anyone Who Knows". These tracks showcase the freshest voices in new music discoveries, offering emotion, energy, and unforgettable melodies.
Lucy Kate – “Flowers”
Emerging UK singer-songwriter Lucy Kate opens her world with "Flowers", a tender ballad about the inevitability of love. Delicate guitar lines and layered vocals create an intimate, heartfelt atmosphere, blending acoustic pop and folk with effortless grace. Drawing on personal stories yet resonating universally, the track introduces Lucy’s voice as one of warmth, sincerity, and emotional clarity.
“A tender, intimate debut that captures love’s quiet inevitability with grace and warmth.”
Güdness – “We’re All Good”
Güdness deliver "We’re All Good", a playful, vibrant track that fuses the nostalgic charm of 60s/70s surf-pop with the swirling energy of 90s shoegaze guitars. Recorded collaboratively with Joel Patchett at Bam Bam Studios, the Leicester four-piece channel youthful resilience and clever commentary on life’s unsolicited advice. Sincere yet sarcastic, joyful yet dynamic, the track announces Gudness as one of the UK’s most exciting new acts.
“A joyous, dynamic burst of surf-pop and shoegaze that balances wit, resilience, and irresistible hooks.”
WOOF – “Careless”
WOOF returns with "Careless", a moody post-punk confession steeped in late-night melancholy. Distorted guitars and aching vocals, reminiscent of Joy Division and The Cure, carry a story of distance, loss, and emotional rediscovery. It’s a track made for reflective spaces, where the shadows of the past meet the fragile light of self-reclamation.
“A moody, intimate post-punk confession that turns heartbreak into haunting beauty.”
Split Second – “How Long?”
Split Second deliver "How Long?", a lively indie-pop single packed with hooks and emotional charge. Produced by Gavin Monaghan, the track blends Red Hot Chili Peppers grooves, and Blondie/Fleetwood Mac-inspired melodies into a polished, festival-ready sound. With a huge fanbase, the Bromsgrove four-piece continue to prove themselves as emerging UK mainstays, balancing youthful energy with confident songwriting.
“A hook-driven, festival-ready indie-pop anthem full of energy and emotional punch.”
Verticoli – Silverlinings
Tasmania’s Verticoli return with "Silverlinings", their third full-length album that balances heavy rock energy with reflective storytelling. Across 12 tracks, the band explores past relationships and personal growth, with lead single "See You Around" blending introspective lyrics with melodic sensibilities reminiscent of Kurt Vile and Tom Petty. The record cements Verticoli’s place in the alt-rock scene, offering grit, subtlety, and ambitious yet accessible songwriting.
“An ambitious alt-rock album that blends grit, reflection, and melodic clarity with ease.”
PALPITATE – “Devour”
Palpitate’s "Devour" is a haunting, dreamy metal ballad that lingers in the space between melancholy and introspection. Milan Skřivánek’s lyrics probe the intensity of fleeting experiences, while soaring guitars, resonant bass, and precise drumming create a rich, immersive sonic landscape. It’s a reflective, emotive release.
“A hauntingly beautiful metal ballad that wraps melancholy and introspection in cinematic sound.”
3 Days of Wonder – “Anyone Who Knows”
Devon-based rockers 3 Days of Wonder return with "Anyone Who Knows", a track that examines destructive tendencies and the thrill of surrendering to them. Musically, the song balances anthemic rock riffs with 80s-inspired energy, highlighting the band’s skill at blending youthful vitality with mature, thoughtful songwriting. It’s energetic, reflective, and undeniably catchy.
“An anthemic rock track that pairs 80s-inspired energy with raw emotional insight.”
Check out our official SHOWGRAPHERS playlists with even more songs: