The Twang: The Brash Heart of British Indie Rock

The Twang are an English indie rock band from Birmingham, whose raucous blend of guitar-driven anthems and observational lyricism captured the spirit of mid-2000s British guitar music. Their 2007 debut album, Love It When I Feel Like This, crashed into the UK Albums Chart at number 3, cementing their status as one of the era's most talked-about new guitar acts.

Early career

Formed in the working-class suburbs of Birmingham in 2004, The Twang's original lineup consisted of vocalist Phil Etheridge, guitarists Martin Saunders and Stu Hartland, bassist Jon Watkin, and drummer Matty Clinton. The band quickly built a formidable local reputation through a series of energetic, sweat-drenched live shows in pubs and small venues, channeling the spirit of Britpop and baggy Madchester into a contemporary, laddish sound.

Their early demos, including the track Wide Awake, generated significant online buzz and led to a fierce bidding war among UK labels. This grassroots hype culminated in the band signing with the influential independent label B-Unique Records in 2006, a home to other successful British acts like The Ordinary Boys and Kaiser Chiefs.

Breakthrough

The Twang's major breakthrough arrived in 2007 with the release of their debut single, Wide Awake, which charted at number 35 in the UK. The momentum skyrocketed with the follow-up, Either Way, which reached number 24, setting the stage for their debut album. Released in June 2007, Love It When I Feel Like This was a commercial smash, debuting at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and achieving a Silver certification for over 60,000 copies sold.

The album's success was fueled by relentless touring and a wave of media attention that anointed the band as leaders of a new, earthy indie movement. Their honest, sometimes humorous tales of everyday life resonated with a wide audience, making them a staple on music television and radio playlists throughout the year.

Key tracks

Either Way — This anthemic second single became their first Top 40 hit and defined their early sound with its driving bassline and chant-along chorus.

Wide Awake — The raw, breakout demo-turned-single that ignited industry interest and remains a definitive fan favorite at live shows.

Cloudy Room — A slower, more melancholic album track that showcased the band's depth and Etheridge's distinctive, emotive vocal delivery.

Barney Rubble — A later single known for its infectious, danceable groove and playful lyrics, highlighting their more experimental side.

Mainline — A driving, guitar-heavy track from their second album that demonstrated their ability to craft powerful rock hooks.

The band followed their debut with 2009's Jewellery Quarter, which entered the UK chart at number 18. After a hiatus and lineup changes, they returned independently, self-releasing albums like 2014's Neon Twang and 2019's If Confronted Just Go Mad, maintaining a loyal fanbase through consistent touring and a direct connection with their audience.

Fans of The Twang's brand of British indie rock often gravitate towards similar guitar acts from the UK scene. The Libertines share a similar raw energy and poetic, if ragged, approach to songwriting. The Streets mirror The Twang's narrative focus on everyday British life, albeit through a garage and hip-hop lens. The Music offer a comparable fusion of indie rock with danceable, baggy rhythms. The Coral also deliver a distinctly British, melodic, and sometimes psychedelic take on guitar music.

The Twang's catalogue remains a staple on a variety of radio formats, from classic indie rock FM stations to modern alternative rock radio stations that celebrate guitar music's legacy. Their anthemic singles are regularly featured on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations dedicated to guitar-driven sounds, ensuring their music continues to reach both nostalgic and new listeners.

Listeners can discover the authentic sound of The Twang, from their chart-busting anthems to their later independent work, by tuning into the rock and indie radio stations featured on onairium.com. Their music is regularly broadcast across our curated network of stations, offering the perfect way to experience this enduring British indie rock band.