Dead Stilettos - @deadstilettos Back in the summer of 23 two guys from Stoke-On-Trent met a guy from Devon over an extremely overpriced pint in Manchester and decided to get together and make some loud noises. Bonding over their love for Iggy, the Hives, Osees, Butthole Surfers & Joy Division they decided that they wanted a fat slice of the pie and Dead Stilettos was born (as they couldnt think of a better name). They met their drummer over a happy misunderstanding he approached the lead singer for a filter in the smoking area. Turns out he knew his way around a drum kit and then there were four. It was booking time in Sour Grapes Records studio to finally record their first EP where they met a guy from Huddersfield who was a sound technici who later joined on synth and sax. The puzzle was complete And then there were five. Dead Stilettos have been referred to as Stoogified Mancunian Punk and have achieved a lot in the DIY scene, recently selling out YES Basement for their debut EP launch and arranging their own guerrilla gig on a boat in the centre of Castlefield Bowl (whispers on the street are another is in the works, bigger). In a short period of time the band has been backed by BBC, KEXP, CREEM Magazine & Louder than War so they must be doing something right (or wrong) Moss Valley - @mossvalleyband Moss Valley is a Manchester-based trio blending the raw intensity of grunge with the weight of doom rock. Their sound fuses sludgy, down-tuned riffs with dynamic rhythms and haunting, layered vocals, drawing inspiration from 90s grunge, stoner rock, and modern doom. With influences ranging from Alice in Chains to WINDHAND, their music balances melody and heaviness, offering a fresh take on the genre. Formed by Zara Huxley (vocals/bass), Jack Stanley (guitar), and Jake Lafferty (drums), Moss Valley made an impact with their debut single Beyond, a brooding track showcasing their signature mix of heavy distortion and atmospheric melodies. They followed up with Creature, a hard-hitting punk-infused anthem exploring themes of non-conformity and societal conditioning. Known for their powerful live performances, Moss Valley has become a growing force in Manchesters underground scene, delivering immersive, high-energy sets that leave a lasting impression. With a commitment to pushing their sound further, they continue to carve out their place in the world of modern grunge and doom rock. Box Wine - @weareboxwine Box Wine is a Manchester-based band delivering riff-heavy, math-tinged rock with a raw, high-energy edge. Combining intricate rhythms, punchy basslines, and dynamic shifts, their sound is influenced by bands like Death from Above 1979, Delta Sleep, and Cleopatrick. Their music balances technicality with groove, blending angular riffs and off-kilter time signatures with anthemic hooks and driving energy. Formed by four friends with a shared love of making music, Box Wine thrives on the joy of collaboration and experimentation. Their songs fuse math-rock complexity with a heavier, fuzz-laden sound, creating tracks that are as infectious as they are unpredictable. Humongous Fungus - @humongousfungusnoise Desert-flavoured alternative rock quartet Humongous Fungus has a sound to match the organism for which it is named. Comprising the aggressive, distorted guitars and crooning vocals of Willow Grieves and Joseph Green, the thundering bass and dulcet tones of Selina Louise and the pounding, vibrant drumming of Venus Lee, Fungus interweaves loud, effects-laden riffs with the remnants of its sludgy, psychedelic roots, all with big smiles and a no-punk-no-gain ethos.