Originating from Edinburgh, Scotland, Fright Years are building a reputation for emotionally charged indie rock, soaring guitars, and anthemic songwriting. With growing recognition across the UK and a new chapter taking shape, this is a band worth getting familiar with.
Sometimes a band comes along with a sound that feels both familiar and entirely its own. That’s exactly what Edinburgh-based four-piece Fright Years are beginning to establish.
Formed in 2021 after vocalist Jules Kelly and guitarist Harrison MacLeod-Bonnar crossed paths through a mix-up involving rehearsal room bookings at Edinburgh College of Art, the band grew from a shared passion for creating music into one of Scotland’s increasingly exciting emerging indie-rock acts. The lineup now features Kelly, MacLeod-Bonnar, bassist Fraser Charleson, and drummer Struan Blacklock.
Their sound blends atmospheric indie rock, post-punk influences, and big, emotionally driven choruses. There’s an unmistakable cinematic quality to their music, balancing Kelly’s commanding vocals with layers of guitar, driving rhythms, and melodies that are built to resonate long after the song ends.
Their 2025 debut EP, Still Life, helped introduce the band to a wider audience. Recorded with producer Theo Verney, known for his work with English Teacher and Lime Garden, the release showcased their ability to turn personal experiences into expansive, powerful indie-rock songs. Tracks like “Stars,” “Do You Wanna,” and “Aftersun” highlight the band’s ability to move between atmospheric soundscapes and explosive, singalong moments.
Fright Years haven’t exactly slowed down since. Following festival appearances, a BBC Introducing session at the legendary Maida Vale Studios, and growing BBC Radio support, the band entered 2026 with considerable momentum. Singles “Never Been Wrong” and “Dye Star” signal an increasingly ambitious direction, incorporating an unmistakable ’80s influence while retaining the emotional songwriting that first put them on the radar.
With performances alongside established acts like Belle and Sebastian, growing headline audiences, and a new EP expected in February 2027, Fright Years are steadily moving beyond the emerging-band conversation.
If You Like…
If you like the atmospheric guitar work of Wolf Alice, the anthemic energy of The Killers, and the alternative edge of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fright Years deserve a spot on your playlist. They deliver that combination of emotional depth, memorable hooks, and larger-than-life indie rock that makes discovering a new band especially rewarding.
Bottom Line: Fright Years aren’t simply chasing the latest indie-rock trend. They’re building a sound of their own, and with their momentum continuing to grow, this Scottish four-piece is definitely one to watch.
