Idyllic – Side Eye (2026)
With a growing reputation for energetic, enthusiastic and infectious live performances, Idyllic are considered one of the most exciting emerging acts on the UK live circuit. The group’s Spotify discography began with 2025’s ‘Big City Blues’; however, they have been turning heads and winning hearts with confident stage presences, rave reviews, playlist adds and even an interview with Joe McGrath on BBC Manchester. This is our introduction to Idyllic, so join us as we jump into their latest single, ‘Side Eye’.
Following the well-received single ‘Check The Meaning’, ‘Side Eye’ drags us back a couple of decades to the sounds of The Strokes and The Killers, with a side of Dodgy dancing along. While there are comparisons, I would hardly consider Idyllic to be a carbon copy of any of these larger names. Instead of focusing on retro alternative rock and Britpop, there is a unique contemporariness to their music – particularly with ‘Side Eye’.
Recorded and produced with Ben Harper at Motor Museum Studios, ‘Side Eye’ is a harmonic swirl of music; a sonic whirlwind rearing up around you with your hair floating in the wind and a smile set on your face. The thing is, while each element works in unity, they also offer individuality. Ben Rogers and Megan Lee soar across with their guitars, kicking up with a classic rock crescendo and indie-rock vibe. Harry Armitage’s drums pulsate with a crashing beat – the solo midway is particularly intriguing as it grabs you by the chest and holds you close. Add Niall Doolan’s vocals, and you have a song that brims with confidence, but also a gritty vulnerability and raw passion.
Melodically, ‘Side Eye’ is an indie-rock feast, but the lyricism increases that full-bodied nature. Penned with Joshua Peters, Idyllic explains:
“’Side Eye’… tackles ideas regarding societal grouping and the classist system in which we live and have grown immensely used to. The division of wealth is a major factor within this song… relating to us all looking the other way and ignoring what’s blatantly in front of us…. relates to the rising unemployment rate with no positive end goal ever being in sight… this is our approach at venting social commentary with everyday issues which we look aside from.”
Find out more about Idyllic on their official website, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Knight PR.
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