Music | Debut album out 13 November 2026
Nottingham trio GIRLBAND! are throwing open the doors to their self-titled debut album, and they’re taking the party on a run of UK in-store shows, including London and Kingston. Here are five reasons to go.
1. An album born at a house party
The record’s roots are quite literally in a house party. Single “Neighbour’s House” was written in the small terraced house where the band first came together, where rehearsals regularly turned into parties and the police were called more than once.
2. Fuzzy guitars and huge choruses
Musically, think The Breeders, Hole and The Cranberries, with flashes of Cyndi Lauper and The Bangles. Songs range from the full-throttle queer love song “5AM” to the grungy rush of “She Said” and the more vulnerable “All My Friends”.
3. BBC 6 Music fans
“Neighbour’s House” premiered on Chris Hawkins’ 6 Music show, and “5AM” was played by Craig Charles. They’ve also been tipped by NME, Rolling Stone UK and Clash, and have played Glastonbury and Isle of Wight Festival.
4. Two local in-stores
Catch them at Rough Trade Denmark Street in London on release day, Friday 13 November, or at Banquet Records in Kingston on Saturday 14 November, a great one for south-west London and Surrey music fans.
5. Pints with the band
The band want these shows to feel like being welcomed into the gang, not a standard record shop appearance. Fans who pre-order the album will be able to join them for a couple of pints at a pub near the venue, with more details to come.
In-store dates
12 November – Sound Knowledge, Marlborough
13 November – Rough Trade Denmark Street, London
14 November – Banquet Records, Kingston
15 November – Truck Store, Oxford
16 November – Rough Trade, Nottingham
19 November – Crash Records, Leeds