BY STUART GLOSSOP
Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Cork, Cliffords are fast becoming one of Ireland’s most electrifying new guitar bands. With a sound that channels the emotional intensity of The Cranberries and the sonic ambition of Wolf Alice, they’ve carved out a space that’s both nostalgic and fiercely contemporary. Their debut EP Strawberry Scented (2024) introduced a band unafraid to blend shimmering alt-rock textures with lyrical vulnerability. Tracks like “Bittersweet” showcase Lynch’s emotive vocals and the band’s knack for building cathartic crescendos. Their latest release, Salt of the Lee, continues that trajectory, with songs like “My Favourite Monster” and “Dungarvan Bay” offering cinematic scope and poetic grit. Cliffords aren’t just riding a wave—they’re helping shape it. Their music speaks to a generation caught between introspection and rebellion, and their rise reflects the collaborative spirit of Cork’s music scene.
7th November Headrow House, Leeds
Du Blonde is the musical moniker of Beth Jeans Houghton, a multi-disciplinary artist from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Known for their gritty blend of glam rock, punk, and garage pop, Du Blonde writes, performs, and produces music that’s raw, cathartic, and fiercely independent. Beyond music, Houghton is also an accomplished animator and visual artist, having directed videos for acts like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ezra Furman, and Laura Marling’s LUMP project. Their work often explores themes of mental health, identity, and surrealism, using humor and vivid imagery to challenge stigma and spark conversation. Du Blonde’s latest album, Sniff More Gritty (2025), continues their streak of emotionally charged, genre-defying releases, following the critically acclaimed Homecoming (2021). Part of Live At Leeds In the City 15th November
Florence Road is a four-piece indie rock band from Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, formed in 2019 by childhood friends Lily Aron (vocals/guitar), Emma Brandon (guitar), Ailbhe Barry (bass), and Hannah Kelly (drums). Known for their emotionally resonant lyrics and expansive, grunge-tinged sound, the band blends elements of alternative rock and pop with a raw, youthful energy. Their debut EP Fall Back (2025) features standout tracks like “Caterpillar” and “Figure It Out,” produced by Dan Nigro, and explores themes of anxiety, transformation, and adolescence. The band’s sound is marked by acoustic textures, anthemic choruses, and introspective storytelling. Florence Road distills the anxieties and triumphs of young adulthood into music that’s both personal and universal. With a major label deal from Warner Records and a growing international fanbase, they’re poised to become one of Ireland’s most compelling new exports.
Part of Live At Leeds In the City 15th November
Lacuna Coil is a gothic metal band from Milan, Italy, formed in 1994 by Andrea Ferro and Marco Coti Zelati. Originally known as Sleep of Right and later Ethereal, the band adopted the name Lacuna Coil—meaning “empty spiral”—to reflect their introspective and atmospheric vision. The band is renowned for its signature dual-vocal style, blending Cristina Scabbia’s soaring melodies with Ferro’s gritty growls. This dynamic has become a hallmark of their sound, which fuses gothic imagery with alternative metal, mid-tempo riffs, and emotionally charged lyrics. Lacuna Coil has released ten studio albums, including Comalies (2002), Dark Adrenaline (2012), and Black Anima (2019), with Dark Adrenaline peaking at #15 on the Billboard 200. Their music has evolved from ethereal gothic tones to heavier, down-tuned compositions, reflecting both personal and stylistic growth.
25th November, Stylus, Leeds
Beth McCarthy is a York-born singer-songwriter whose emotionally charged pop-rock anthems have made her one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars. Blending catchy melodies with raw vulnerability, her music explores love, identity, and the messy brilliance of being a twenty-something. Beth first gained widespread attention with her 2021 single “She Gets The Flowers,” which racked up over 30 million streams and became a viral sensation. Her follow-up EP No Hard Feelings (2022) cemented her reputation for honest, relatable songwriting. Her 2024 EP IDK How To Talk To Girls marked a turning point—an unapologetic, guitar-driven exploration of queer identity and emotional growth. The title track alone has amassed over 25 million views across social media, with the full EP surpassing 100 million views. A proud voice in the UK LGBTQ+ community, Beth uses her platform to challenge norms and celebrate self-expression. Her influences include Avril Lavigne, Miley Cyrus, and P!nk.
26th November, Stylus, Leeds
