Hot Right Now: Big Society
By Lily Martin
Manchester-based foursome Big Society grace this week’s Hot Right Now, with new single ’17’ marking them as ones to watch in the scene

If you’re looking for an edgy newcomer emerging from the depths of the underground indie-rock scene, look no further than Big Society, whose debut single ‘17’ was released this week. A product of the Royal Northern College of Music, these four very talented musicians radiate potential, not just by creating new sounds in an oversaturated market, but for bringing music back to an art form.
‘Marine Club Party’ and ‘Summertime’ are proof that these guys know what they’re doing. Big Society’s desire to release the very best of what they have to offer the scene is symptomatic of those who recognise that first impressions in the industry are essential, and that releasing new tracks is a carefully planned exercise that is not to be taken lightly.
The carefully structured vocals of the new single feel natural, almost euphoric; their sound drags the best of later work by The Beatles into the 21st century in a unsettlingly familiar but totally unique manner, with driven yet subtle guitar riffs and an unmistakable maturity. ’17’ is a sultry and deceptively catchy tune that carries lead singer William’s vocals within carefully mastered harmonies, feeling controlled and yet decidedly provoking. When playing live, the foursome frequently overshadow the headline acts they support with their engaging stage presence and obvious love for the crowd.
Having recently played Manchester’s own Neighbourhood Festival, their new track can be found on Spotify’s ‘The Rock List’ amongst chart-toppers Wolf Alice and Nothing But Thieves. Keep your eyes peeled on their social media for support slots in the next few weeks, and hopefully for a headline tour in the near future. They’re well worth the watch.
More Coverage
“The album couldn’t be more us if we tried”: fast-rising indie rock band Keo on authenticity, vulnerability, and recording their debut album
The frontman of the summer’s most inescapable band discusses his lyricism and upcoming debut album ‘Put A Smile On For Me’
“If everything’s heavy the whole time, then nothing’s heavy”: Meet Gurriers, Mel C’s favourite Irish noise-rockers
Ahead of the release of second album Nobody’s Coming To Save You, the Dublin five-piece talk Irish music, playing gigs in Manchester skateparks and how they found out The Spice Girls’ Mel C is a secret fan
Live review: Boomtown presents its fifth chapter, Radical Redesign
Boomtown Fair 2026 was the festival’s biggest iteration yet as it successfully diversified and grew into new genres while still keeping a space for its bass music roots
Album review: beabadoobee’s ‘Pylon’ flickers with sparks of unfulfilled potential
The London alt-rock sensation returns with a sixth album that sees her trying out a new nineties-inspired direction, but falls frustratingly short







