It’s Friday again, which means it’s time for another round of Noteworthy Nods, our weekly dive into the indie singles that have been catching our ear. Between the latest releases and your recommendations, we’ve put together a batch that really highlights the variety and pulse of the current scene.
Last week gave us standout tracks from Kula Shaker, Shale, Electric Enemy, CQ Wrestling, and many more. This week’s picks are just as compelling, with tracks that have been on repeat in our ears including the likes of:
Florentenes – Think Twice
Florentenes’ ‘Think Twice,’ recorded with legendary producer Dave Eringa, is full of raw indie-rock energy but never sloppy. William Train Smith moves through heartbreak with a mix of cynicism and hope, while the guitars and rhythm section keep everything driving forward. Barely a year out of school, and already they’re showing they mean business in the UK’s guitar scene.
Flat Party – C4mGrrl
Flat Party’s ‘C4mGrrl’ is a taut, synth-driven exploration of online intimacy and real-world connection. Jack Lawther’s vocals cut through the production with clarity and honesty, turning a personal story into something unflinchingly relatable.
thistle. – Tied
Alt-rock trio thistle. return with ‘Tied,’ their first single since the acclaimed It’s Nice to See You, Stranger EP, and it doesn’t waste a second. Lo-fi and introspective but with a hardcore punch, the track moves between the grind of 9-5 life and flashes of optimism—the push-and-pull they always chase. Signing to REX RECS seems to have sharpened their sound even more.
Ventrelles – It’s in the Papers
Ventrelles’ ‘It’s in the Papers’ is a precise, measured indie-rock track, with Phil Knox’s steady vocals keeping the song taut and controlled. The rhythm section provides a quiet drive, letting the melodies rise without ever feeling forced. Compact but commanding, it carries a northern grit and patience that makes it immediately distinctive.
Bad Nerves – Loner
Dubbed “the best band in England right now” by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Bad Nerves have returned with ‘Loner,’ a 59-second burst of paranoia and tension. Recorded at Seattle’s Studio Litho – owned by Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard – with vocals tracked on tour shortly after Bobby Nerves visited the JFK assassination site, it’s a sharp, uneasy take on media manipulation and what’s real versus what isn’t.
And that’s just the tip of this week’s picks. Whatever your mood, the Noteworthy Nods playlist has a stack of fresh tracks ready to soundtrack your weekend.
Alongside our weekly track picks, Noteworthy Nods brings you regular videocast interviews with emerging and established artists we think are worth your attention. Catch every episode on the playlist HERE, featuring names like The Subways, The Slow Readers Club, The Lottery Winners, The Lilacs, Starsailor, Kyle Falconer, Cast, Shed Seven, Turin Brakes, Embrace, and many more.
