With the news of Wet Leg's self-titled album currently generating megawatts of buzz, what better time to take a look across Townsend Music at a selection of similarly electrifying artists also about to drop their debuts? From post-punk pop to psychedelic guitar rock, soulful activism and much more besides, TM Breakthrough 14 is the future of music, now.
Wet Leg - Wet Leg
For Fans Of: Do Nothing, Goat Girl
Isle of Wight two-piece, featuring Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, Wet Leg have quickly made their mark on the scene and racked up millions of streams despite having released only two songs. Following almost a decade of friendship, the pair formed the post-punk band after a tipsy ferris wheel ride and watching IDLES storm the main stage at 2019's End Of The Road Festival.
Their punchy debut single 'Chaise Longue' arrived with a bang earlier this summer and the video already boasts 1.7 million views on YouTube and over 4 million streams on Spotify too. Since then, they have performed on Later...with Jools Holland and played at a number of festivals, including Isle of Wight and Latitude. The duo has received support from BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders, been named as one of Vevo DSCVR's Artists to Watch 2022 and signed to Domino Records for the release of their self-titled album. The video for 'Too Late Now', taken from the album Wet Leg, out 8th April 2022 on Domino, is their latest track to make a splash online, being declared Hottest Record on BBC Radio 1 the second it dropped.
"As long as you're having fun, then everything will be alright, and we've told ourselves that we'll stick to that, always." - Rhian Teasdale, Wet Leg
Their debut album is available to pre-order on CD, cassette, vinyl and limited edition clear vinyl with a bonus 7". Mixed format bundles include an exclusive limited edition signed print.
PLANET - Information Overload
For Fans Of: DMA's, The Crooks
PLANET are a four-piece indie rock band from Sydney. The band comprises of lead singer and guitarist Matty Took (younger brother of Johnny Took of DMA's), guitarist Tommy Peppitt, bassist Jimmy Weaver and drummer Harry Stewart-Weeks.
Their long-awaited debut album Information Overload is set for release in March 2022. The band spent roughly two years working on the album, producing and mixing it themselves alongside collaborator Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters, U2). Lead guitarist Tommy explains: "We've put a lot of effort into it and we all feel pretty comfy with it now. Every track has its purpose and I feel Matty has definitely opened up lyrically a bit more."
Information Overload is available to pre-order on limited edition transparent orange vinyl alongside exclusive merchandise from the official store. Catch them on tour across UK and Ireland in May 2022.
Creeping Jean
For Fans Of: The Blinders, Red Rum Club
Creeping Jean are an alternative rock band based in Brighton. The band take inspiration from a whole host of bands from the late 60s and 70s, including The Doors and Led Zeppelin, along with more contemporary acts such as Jack White and The Black Keys. They have already generated a large following and have received airtime from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and Radio X.
The band's debut album When's The Blowout?, due for release in April 2022, was recorded over the course of two weeks in December 2020 at Echo Zoo Studios in Eastbourne. Speaking on why they chose Echo to record their debut album, Oliver Toole (lead vocals) explained: "We picked Echo for the vintage gear selection they have, it's like Willy Wonka's music factory with musical sweets everywhere."
Pre-order When's The Blowout? on CD and limited edition marble pink vinyl, including 12 x 12 signed print, along with t-shirts and tote bags on the official Creeping Jean store.
Poppy Ajudha
For Fans Of: Pip Millet, Eliza Shaddad
Poppy Ajudha's St. Lucian-British background has been a pivotal inspiration for her unique blend of R&B, Soul, and Pop music. The soul-singer is unafraid to stand up for what she believes in and her lyrics prove that, as she explores feminism, colonialism, gender politics, and much more.
The upcoming debut album The Power In Us features a host of stellar producers including Joel Compass (Jorja Smith, FKA Twigs), Karma Kid (Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks) and Wyn Bennett (Janelle Monet, Haim). Speaking on the album, Poppy says: “This album is made up of all the things swimming in my mind, from women’s rights to the right to cross borders, to the power of young people to inspire and be unafraid to rock the boat in the name of progress."
"There are so many boxes we put ourselves in; I want us all to break out of them.” - Poppy Ajudha
Pre-order The Power In Us on signed deluxe photo edition LP, signed CD and signed cassette to access pre-sale tickets for forthcoming UK tour dates.
Thomas Headon
For Fans Of: Alfie Templeman, Declan McKenna
Singer-songwriter Thomas Headon was born in London and raised in Melbourne, but returned to his birthplace weeks before the pandemic hit last year. With a desire to focus on music, he began writing the Victoria EP and the process of building a global fanbase. Ahead of the EP's release in March 2022, the young artist has collaborated on a new track 'Dizzy', written over a Zoom call with young rising stars Alfie Templeman and Chloe Moriondo.
The Victoria EP is an intimate reflection on Thomas' life over the past six months. "It's been quite a big step for me, putting out songs that are super honest and mean so much to me" he confides, "but it feels great and I hope there's a teenager somewhere experiencing what I did making this EP and relates to it in the same way."
The Victoria EP is available to pre-order with fan-painted cover variants across CD, coloured vinyl and cassette, offering pre-sale access to his headline shows in the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia.
Fizzy Blood - Pan Am Blues
For Fans Of: The Luka State, Tigercub
Leeds indie rockers Fizzy Blood announce their hotly-anticipated debut album Pan Am Blues. The album follows on from the release of their 2018 EP Pink Magic. The band has already generated quite a hype following on from their appearances at Reading and Leeds Festivals and Download Festival, as well as touring with the likes of While She Sleeps, Dinosaur Pile-up, Arcane Roots, and Spring King.
"It feels good to be back!", lead singer Benji Inkley proclaims, whilst speaking on the band's newest single 'Complementary'. "The lyrics, the sound, everything. It's one of the tracks on the album that you could leave on repeat and just never turn off."
"We’ve been sitting patiently on new music for a few years now and to finally be able to share it with everyone is such a buzz." - Benji Inkley
Pre-order the debut album Pan Am Blues on limited edition clear vinyl and CD from the official store, along with exclusive merchandise.