Neu The Neu Bulletin (THEATRE, Essence Martins, Chloe Slater and more!)

They may only have two singles out in the world, but already THEATRE are on a mission to prove that the future of alternative music is in safe hands. ​‘You Are’ calls back to the dreamy soundscapes of ​’90s shoegaze, incorporating a slight tinge of grunge with lyrics soaked in nostalgia, as vocalist Maeve O’Shea revisits moments from her childhood in West Cork. Guided by intense guitar, she sways between something powerful and soaring, and a poignant gentleness, showcasing exactly why this group are so exciting. (Minty Slater-Mearns) 

Opening with gentle, finger-picked guitar, ​‘Can We All Slow Down’ offers a moment of meditation, as Essence Martins’ soft vocals entrance the mind and soothe the soul. Grounded by a stripped-back, textured instrumental, she critiques the fast-paced nature of modern existence; just take a step back, though, and the overwhelming nature of the digital disappears for a moment and sunlight peeks through the blinds, a reflection of what could be ​“if we all slowed down”. (Esther Akinborewa) 

A sharp, evocative critique of modern society, ​‘UGLY’ tackles political and social issues with striking transparency. In just two and a half minutes, the track exposes the grip of capitalism and materialism, urging listeners to reconsider what truly matters. At only 23, Chloe Slater has emerged as an energetic young voice; driven by heavy guitar riffs and her commanding melodic vocals, this latest single is both catchy and confrontational, demanding attention from its audience. (Izabella Draczkowska) 

Have you heard that Westside Cowboy are releasing an album this time? With two EPs to their name, the Manchester band have become an essential name in modern indie-rock, their warm, wistful ​‘Britainicana’ quickly winning over those guitar music fans seeking something more tangible. Now, the quartet have announced their debut LP with a ​’70s-infused single, ​‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’. Full of that scrappy energy that has come to define Westside Cowboy’s sound, it’s a near-perfect album opener, driving and dynamic. The influence of The Velvet Underground is palpable, but ​‘Kick Stones’ never feels derivative. Rather, it’s a reintroduction to Westside Cowboy as they hurtle towards one of the most highly-anticipated debuts of 2026. (Elle Palmer)

Enjoying a foray into acoustic guitar-led balladry while still majoring on intensity and emotion, here Chloe Qisha allows herself to enter a deeper zone of introspection. ​‘Surprise Surprise’ is packed with clever lyrical flourishes and built on an irresistible and strikingly beautiful melody, creating a brilliant set of contrasts. Hearing the lyric ​“It’s not your fault you’re a dumbass” sung with clarity and precision alongside ringing guitars and ethereal synths is an ear-catching experience, but one that, in fact, comes as no surprise at all — Chloe is one of our most innovative pop voices. (Phil Taylor)

How do you turn a simple, catchy tune into an alt-pop banger? London-based riser Alfreda embraces grandiose simplicity on her latest single, ​‘Patsy’. Co-written with The xx’s Oliver Sim, the track pairs an infectious hook with ultra-groovy, minimal production, achieving what every good hit should aim for: it sticks in your head, feels bold, and makes you nod along. Top it off with diva attitude and a tasteful, quirky instrumental outro, and you might just get the answer to the million-dollar question above. (Gabriele Naddeo)

Imbued with a creeping, Midsommar-adjacent folk-horror quality, ​‘New Muscles’ — our latest preview of mary in the junkyard​’s incoming debut LP ​‘Role Model Hermit’ — traces a new-found strength born from self-care, intimidating in its confidence. Clari Freeman-Taylor’s breathy, unhurried vocal delivery adds an unsettling calm to give the track its eerie edge, while additional strings and low, moaning backing vocals clash with the somewhat whimsical lyrical imagery, creating a fascinating tension. As each of their album singles pushes further outward, the trio’s upcoming UK tour is shaping up to be essential viewing. (Kai Marshall) 

The ​‘Magic’ of Marsy​’s latest EP is cast at the doorstep of its titular track – one that reflects a moonlit silhouette and an afterglow that spurs the embers of the remaining songs. Angelic and pure, yet earthly and earnest, an organ humbly blankets Hannah Rodgers’ spirited vocals, while a jangled guitar loop climbs up and down the knolls of her lyrical daydream. Here, Marsy fold vulnerability into each emotional tug, taking in nostalgia, childhood, and ​“someone else’s life”, as the track’s enchanting, folk-like melodies shelter the choral glory of friends singing, dry from the rain, knowing nothing of time. (Ilya Semple) 

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Alfreda, Chloe Qisha, Chloe Slater, Essence Martins, Listen, Marsy, mary in the junkyard, THEATRE, Watch, Westside Cowboy