Ordinary: The Unassuming Force of British Indie Rock

Ordinary is a British indie rock band known for crafting anthemic, guitar-driven songs with a distinctly melodic heart. Hailing from Manchester, the group achieved mainstream success with their 2010 debut album, which charted in the UK Top 10 and spawned several certified silver singles.

Early career

The band formed in Manchester in 2005, initially playing local pub circuits and university gigs. Their self-released 2007 EP, "The Start of Something," caught the attention of several independent labels, leading to a development deal with Fierce Panda Records in 2008.

Breakthrough

Ordinary's breakthrough arrived in 2010 with their debut album, "A Life Less Complicated," released on the major label imprint Parlophone. The lead single, "The Way It Goes," became a staple on UK radio, eventually earning a BPI Silver certification for over 200,000 copies sold and peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.

Key tracks

The Way It Goes — This breakthrough single defined their early sound with its soaring chorus and jangling guitar riff.

Northern Sky — A fan-favorite album track that showcases their ability to blend melancholic lyrics with uplifting instrumentation.

Signals — The lead single from their second album demonstrated a maturation in their songwriting with a more expansive, atmospheric production.

All We Have — This later-career track became a live staple, known for its anthemic, crowd-pleasing singalong quality.

Following their initial success, Ordinary released their sophomore effort, "Echoes," in 2013, which debuted at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart. They have since collaborated with notable producers like Stephen Street and toured extensively across Europe, solidifying a dedicated fanbase. Their musical style, while rooted in classic British indie rock, often incorporates elements of heartland rock and post-punk revival.

Fans of Ordinary's guitar-centric anthems and melodic sensibilities often appreciate the work of similar artists. The Wombats share a knack for crafting infectious, witty indie pop hooks. The Kooks operate in a similar vein of catchy, British guitar rock that dominated the 2000s. Two Door Cinema Club offer a comparable energy with danceable, indie rock rhythms. Courteeners embody the same Manchester heritage and lad-rock swagger in their anthemic songwriting.

The music of Ordinary maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across UK-focused alternative rock radio stations and international online rock radio streams. Their catalog of hits is a regular feature on playlists that celebrate the best of 2010s indie rock, ensuring their songs continue to reach both long-time fans and new listeners.

You can hear the essential indie rock anthems of Ordinary on radio stations featured across our network. Explore and listen to their music directly through the curated rock and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com.