New Faces: The UK's Indie Rock Phenom

New Faces is a British indie rock band that emerged from London's vibrant underground scene in the late 2010s. The group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2022 debut album, Modern Echoes, which charted in the Top 20 in the UK and received a silver certification for sales exceeding 60,000 copies.

Early career

Formed in 2017, New Faces originally consisted of vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance, bassist Maya Singh, and drummer Sam Carter. The trio honed their sound playing in small venues across East London, self-releasing their first two EPs, City Lights (2018) and Static (2019). Their energetic live performances and melodic songwriting caught the attention of several independent labels.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2021 after signing with indie powerhouse Rough Trade Records. Their third EP, Neon Signs, spawned the single Fever Dream, which became a sleeper hit on alternative radio and streaming platforms, eventually peaking at number 35 on the UK Singles Chart. This momentum set the stage for their full-length debut.

Key tracks

Fever Dream — This breakthrough single defined their early sound with its driving bassline and anthemic chorus, earning them their first major radio play.

Chemical Reaction — The lead single from Modern Echoes became their highest-charting track, reaching number 28 in the UK and receiving heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1.

Midnight Drive — A fan-favorite album track noted for its expansive guitar work and dynamic structure, often serving as the climax of their live sets.

Glimmer — This 2023 collaboration with producer Paul Epworth showcased a more polished, synth-inflected direction for the band's evolving indie rock style.

The success of Modern Echoes led to extensive touring across Europe and a slot at the Glastonbury Festival in 2023. New Faces began working on their sophomore album in late 2023, with sessions reportedly involving mixer Alan Moulder, known for his work with Arctic Monkeys and The Killers. Their music continues to blend sharp post-punk rhythms with accessible melodic hooks, securing their place in the current UK guitar music landscape. For fans of the genre, similar artists include Wolf Alice, who share a similar dynamic range between quiet introspection and explosive rock. The 1975 also come to mind for their blend of indie rock with modern pop production. The lyrical directness and driving energy of Shame provides another compelling parallel. Fontaines D.C. offer a similar raw, poetic intensity within the guitar band format.

The music of New Faces is a staple on alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations featured on our network. Their hits and deeper cuts are regularly featured in daytime and evening programming, reflecting their broad appeal within the indie rock genre.

Listeners can discover the discography of New Faces through dedicated playlists and featured artist segments on the alternative and indie rock radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their defining tracks and latest releases across our curated station lineup.