With the recent sad passing of Mani from The Stone Roses, the theme of this week's Matchday Playlist is focused on Manchester and the music scene that his band were at the forefront of for many years. We hear songs from the likes of The Charlatans, Joy Division, Courteeners, Happy Mondays, Doves and more.
Red Sea by Ophelia's Beard
Ophelia’s Beard are a folk-rock/folk-punk band based in Cardiff. Their music blends traditional UK folk roots with modern angst and energy, often described as “female-fronted folk with a bite.” Their sound draws on folk influences, but they’re not afraid to inject modern intensity and emotion, giving familiar folk tropes a fresh and sometimes gritty twist.
Their new single Red Sea is described as a persuasive manifesto for their brand of “folk with a bite,” with a breezy roots arrangement that gradually morphs into something altogether more sinister. It was released on Wednesday via Dirty Carrot Records and is available to stream wherever you get your music.
Please Don't by I Love My Friends
I Love My Friends is a Welsh indie-pop band known for turning everyday moments into shimmering, heart-on-sleeve anthems. Formed in the hills of Wales, the group built their sound on warm guitars, nostalgic synth lines and lyrics that feel like late-night conversations with the people who know you best.
What began as a home-recording project between friends quickly grew into a full band with a loyal following. Their songs blend the earnestness of classic Welsh indie with a modern, youthful glow — melodies that lift, harmonies that comfort and choruses that feel like they were written to be shouted together in tiny venues or open fields.
This song is the first from their second album Bedroom Tapes, which was released on Friday.
The Place I Wanna Go by Civic Green
Civic Green are a melodic alternative/indie rock band from the former mining villages around South Yorkshire, England. The band was formed in late 2015 by childhood friends Danny Hall (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Andy Lowman (bass guitar, backing vocals).
Civic Green’s music is marked by anthemic, melody-driven rock with soaring choruses, guitar-led arrangements and a strong emotional or communal vibe. Their songs often explore themes of escapism, hope, identity and longing, reflecting their working-class roots and the experiences of life in former mining communities.
The band cite influences from 90s indie and alternative rock, along with Britpop sensibilities, blending them with a more contemporary indie-rock energy.
