One of the UK’s most exciting new guitar bands, Bolton’s bright new teenage rock four-piece Florentenes kick start 2026 with their new single ‘Madeline’.
With ‘Madeline’, Florentenes sharpen their focus and lean into the instinctive, guitar-led sound that’s fuelled their rapidly growing live following. Captured through a performance led video, the single highlights what has made the four piece one of the most talked about new bands on the live circuit.
Rooted firmly in the North’s rich tradition of storytelling and live music culture, Florentenes have quickly built a reputation for razor-sharp songwriting, fully live, tight musicianship and performances that connect instinctively with real audiences. Fronted by songwriter William Train Smith, alongside Luke Holding (guitar), Harry Stubbs (bass) and Liam Fiddy (drums), the band’s chemistry is unmistakable and their songs have earned them high profile airplay and on air praise from Radio X’s John Kennedy & BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins.
With coveted spots on the bill at grassroots venues, festival stages and live shows across the UK in 2025, Florentenes have cemented their place at the forefront of a new wave of modern indie rock charging into 2026. Fresh off the back of performing at Chris Hawkins Awesome Friends night at Deaf Institute in Manchester on 17th Jan, the band will be special guests of Justin Hawkins at his Rides Again (again) tour on tonight (28th Jan) in Crewe.
Momentum around Florentenes continues to build at pace. With growing streaming support, regular playlist additions across Spotify & Apple Music and tastemaker endorsements. BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins has hailed them as ‘One of the most exciting guitar bands in the UK right now…Arctic Monkeys meets Pink Floyd via the Libertines’ while renowned journalist and author, John Robb captures their rise perfectly.. ‘with a sold out show, full of teen energy and the thrill of high octane guitar rush, there is already a sophistication and musicianship way beyond their years, slotting neatly into that northern lineage that runs from Buzzcocks to Arctic Monkeys. The band are on the fast track to breakout. They have the songs, the cheeky charm and the musical nous that has already caught them a fevered following.
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