Hull is a gritty industrial working-class city characterised by its sense of independence and defiance. This attitude permeates the rich and diverse music scene which has remained largely undiscovered despite being central to the successful bid to become UK City Of Culture.

Instilling this attitude are certain institutions that provide a breeding ground for new ideas to flourish. For instance,  The New Adelphi Club, which was opened by Paul Jackson in 1984, has always offered a place for new talent to truly cut their teeth, whilst being a vital part of the small gig circuit nationally. And The Warren Youth Community Project provides many bands with their first place to practice and record, in addition to other counselling and education services.

The determination of such essential spaces as these has fostered a unique outlook, with musicians sharing a likeminded approach that forgoes fashion, trends and fads in favour of creating something that'll see them stand the test of time.

With interest in Hull being galvanised since winning the prestigious City Of Culture title, we take a look at the bands bursting out of the banks of the Humber and hitting a stage near you.

No Nothings

Speed garage trio No Nothings combine lacerating riffs with acerbic vocals revealing their utter contempt for everything that surrounds them making for a compulsive live experience. Their most recent gig saw them team up with The Plainviews to devastate The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch and show the capital just how it’s done.

Vulgarians

A granite hard punch of unforgiving bass lines, creepy psyche guitars and a swaggering belligerence; Vulgarians summon an overwhelming sense of menace which makes for electrifying live performances. Their impeccable gigs have seen them earn a widespread loyal following and you can catch them at Another Fest which takes place at The Lock Tavern 11 – 12 August.

Life

Politically charged post punks Life have risen to become Hull’s most highly visible band, enjoying regular airplay on BBC 6 Music curtesy of their champion Steve Lamacq who only this month invited singer Mez Green to his Roundtable. Having just released their new single ‘Grown Up’, they now hit the international festival circuit to commence their summer of fury.

Lumer

Lumer are one of the most recent bands to emerge from the cities fertile music scene and wasted no time in seizing the initiative, racing around mainland Europe to show off their blistering hot material, including their single ‘Burn/Bleed’ and their newly released debut E.P. ‘Blood On Suits’ which really show off their precocious talent.

Cannibal Animal

When a band release an EP titled ‘A Decline In Morality’, you know they are hardly going to be easy listening! Cannibal Animal create a dark cacophony exploring the nasty side of the human condition through a vicious post punk sound that leaves an impression as indelible as an acid burn. Basically, you need to know this band!

Chiedu Oraka

Grime artist Chiedu Oraka give an unflinching account of the challenges in life as a working class black youth in a predominantly white northern city. His incredibly prolific output has seen the release of a string of strong singles, each accompanied by impressive high-quality videos. Check out his EP ‘21st Kid’ right now.

La Bête Blooms

La Bête Blooms have been threatening to explode and with the release of their new single ‘Take Arms’ they might just do it. The song adds an element of krautrock to their usual indie rock style making for an infectious dancefloor filler which has already been benefitting from prominent airplay on BBC 6 Music.

Matt Edible & The Obtuse Angels

Fabled indie icon Matt Edible returns with his latest outfit; The Obtuse Angels. Signed to the Oxfordshire based independent label Farm Records for the release of masterpiece debut album ‘Stairgazing’, Edible and his troupe create country tinged indie pop which ranges from grandiose to the very intimate. Do not miss their slot on the Veterans & Virgins stage at Truck Festival from Friday 20th till Sunday 22nd of July.

Bunkerpop

Invigorating and eccentric, loveable oddballs Bunkerpop are enthused by the pulsing hypnotic rhythms of late 20th century German electronica which they channel into high energy performances where anything can happen – although its usually a conga line of gleeful gig goers.

Foolish Atoms

Impassioned and wrought with emotion, Foolish Atoms is the culmination of songwriter Chris Norrison’s many years hidden away in the attic honing his craft. Ranging from anguished to truly heart-warming, his music has seen them sign to local independent label The Adult Teeth Recording Company.

The Holy Orders

Drawing on such widespread influences as post rock, post hardcore and art rock, The Holy Orders generate an almighty wall of sound as their songs act as vignettes of the most debauched characters you would never hope to meet. Colloquially known as “Hull’s best band”, they are frequently cited as a favourite of many of their peers and have cemented their cult status right across the UK.

The Evil Litter

Dark and beguiling, The Evil Litter conjure the creative freedom and sheer power of no wave to cast their dark spell over their ever-growing audience. Intelligent lyrics are matched with nuanced song structure for a truly satisfying result, which is truly outstanding given that they have a self-imposed rule of writing all new material in a window of twenty minutes or less.