WRITTEN BY AYDIN VAHIDY

Beyond the West End shows and Abbey Road, London’s DIY rock scene is thriving on passionate and empowered creatives. I grew a strong affection for the community immediately after moving to London in January. What began with a secret Geordie Greep show at the legendary Windmill Brixton snowballed into five months of sweaty gigs, sticky floors, and incredible bands. Here are six of my favourites and where to start.

1. Slag

Since their inception on the shores of Brighton in 2023, this five-piece prog rock band has been turning heads. Led by the undeniable force of frontwoman Amelie Gibson, Slag channels youthful angst through sharp lyricism, complex instrumentation, and a commanding stage presence. I caught them opening for Swedish Lo-Fi act Weatherday at London’s Scala in May, and it was immediately clear that they were well prepared for the over 1,000-person venue. Gibson demanded the audience's attention through intricate guitar work and an unwavering vocal performance. That confidence already makes Slag one of the tightest bands on London’s DIY circuit. Their set was well-rehearsed yet fluid, and I have no doubt they’re only getting started. Get in early. Where to start: “Face Off” from their latest EP. Losing.

2. The Orchestra (For Now)

Prog-rock outfit The Orchestra (For Now) is about as close as London’s underground music scene gets to a supergroup. The band consists of seven members, all dedicated stewards of the Windmill scene. Their drummer, Charlie, is actually a bartender at the historic venue. TO(FN)’s music blends post-hardcore and noise rock into a sound that recalls early Black Country, New Road.

Pulling from the wealth of talented creatives within the community, including artistic direction from up-and-coming photographer Kit Vickers, they have cultivated a stellar media presence. Having just wrapped up a headlining European tour, I wouldn’t be surprised if TO(FN) breaks through to a wider audience. Be sure to keep an eye on the bands that have spun out from this project, like My Bisexual Girlfriend and Big Red, who are set to release their first EP in the coming weeks. Where to start: “Wake Robin” off 2025’s single “Skins”

3. Omertà

Don't bring your parents to an Omertà show; they'll get scared. It's impossible to talk about the London punk ensemble without talking about their live performances. Here's a taste of what I've witnessed at an Omertà show: frontman James Truss stripping naked on stage, spitting beer at the audience, delivering a people's elbow to his (also naked) drummer, and singing songs about Gay Hitler (no relation). It would be easy to assume the band relies on shock value to disguise mediocre music. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Their music is rooted in an authentic punk spirit, and that DIY attitude shines through in droves. Behind all the chaos, the songwriting and musicianship hold up, and after spending time with Truss, it's clear he takes the band seriously despite the antics. After enough conversations with Truss about reputation, performance, and image, it’s clear every outrageous moment is deliberate. Where to start: “Live at the Windmill March 2026” on YouTube.

4. Fat Dog

Electro-punk ensemble Fat Dog might be the most popular name on the scene right now, amassing 400,000 monthly Spotify listeners and opening for acts like Foo Fighters and Kneecap. You’d assume a band this successful would have left the grassroots circuit behind, but despite their mainstream success, you can still catch them playing the same small and hot venues where they built their reputation. I met member Chris Hughes at one of these shows back in May, and we ended up hanging out long into the morning. We talked for hours about the state of the music industry and how Fat Dog is positioning themselves within it, focusing on the mythos of their live sets to convert fans. Fat Dog shows are spectacularly rough and rowdy, and the band plays with an intensity that forces the audience to match their energy. Their second studio album, Cancel Me (I’m Tired), will be released on October 2nd, which undoubtedly means more touring. Where to start: 2024 single, “Peace Song”.

5. Dog Saints

Two dog bands, and another band I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with while in London. This shoegaze-adjacent four-piece, formed at The London School of Economics, has found considerable success of late, booking many of the hot local venues including the Windmill, Shacklewell Arms, and The Elephant's Head. Dog Saints shows can range from noisy, distorted affairs to stripped-back, intimate acoustic sessions. This scope is what makes their shows worth returning to. While some acts put on the same show every night, no two Dog Saints gigs are the same. Their music may feel moody and emotional, but their band image is all about friendship and community. In May, they organized Hafiz Fest, a fundraiser for their guitarist Hafiz Nazhri, who was forced to leave England and return home to Malaysia. Scores of London bands came out in support, creating one of the strongest displays of community I witnessed during my time in London. I was looking for community when I came to the city, and Hafiz Fest was the culmination of what I found. I still get stopped when I wear my festival tee out, and I never mind the excuse to talk up such a promising, emerging band. Where to start: 2025 single, “Yard”