With a dramatic penalty shootout win last weekend in the FA Cup against Gillingham, attention turns back to league matters. With Bonfire Night taking place on Wednesday, this week's Matchday Playlist features songs associated with the likes of Kasabian, Ian Prowse, Fall Out Boy, Johnny Cash, Pitbull, and more!
This week's featured artists:
Thousand Times – Sahaji
Formed in Japan by brothers Shotaro Nishida (vocals/guitar) and Youshirou Nishida (guitar), the rock band SAHAJi brings a distinctive fusion of classic British rock and contemporary melodic energy. Influenced by iconic acts such as Oasis, The Beatles, Tom Petty, and Jimi Hendrix, SAHAJi blend sweeping anthemic choruses and guitar-driven melodies with a modern rock production aesthetic.
Their debut EP, launched in January 2024, features the lead single “Future in the Sky”, a soaring track packed with guitar riffs and sing-along choruses. In an era where Japanese rock bands often dominate domestically, SAHAJi stand out for their cross-cultural ambitions, bringing J-rock roots into the UK and broader Western rock scene. Their mixture of Japanese craft and British rock sensibility gives them a unique position, appealing to fans of both heritage rock and modern rock anthems.
Steel City – Alchemy
An up-and-coming indie rock band based in Derbyshire, England, formed in the summer of 2023. Their sound is rooted in guitar-driven indie rock, drawing on both classic and contemporary influences, with inspiration ranging from Kings of Leon to Radiohead.
The band’s debut single “Blessings” was released on New Year’s Day 2024 and has since been played on BBC Introducing East Midlands and other local radio shows including The Indie Show on Newport City Radio. Since then, they’ve released a range of new singles, including “Chains”, which also made its BBC Radio debut in February this year.
They pride themselves on having a diverse sound, ensuring each track keeps listeners engaged. Known for their emphatic live performances, they’ve recently expanded their reach by playing venues in Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, and London, quickly attracting a growing fanbase. Steel City is taken from their new EP, which is out now.
Rhythm of Yourself – The Molotovs
Formed in London, the rock duo The Molotovs comprises siblings Mathew Cartlidge (lead vocals/guitar) and Issey Cartlidge (bass/backing vocals). The pair have been tearing up the UK live circuit since their formation around 2020, gaining a reputation for high-energy, no-holds-barred performances.
By early 2023, they had already played hundreds of gigs, including a sold-out show at London’s Dingwalls and a support slot for The Libertines. The band describe their style as rooted in late 1970s and early 1980s punk, mod revival, and new wave, drawing influence from acts such as The Jam, Green Day, and Sex Pistols.
What sets The Molotovs apart is their youthful intensity combined with a deep respect for punk rock’s heritage. Their live shows are described as “explosive” and “an experience” — not just another band on stage. Despite their age, they’ve already clocked hundreds of performances and are well positioned for a breakout moment in the UK rock scene.
Check out the full playlist below:
