Much of the thriving London rock scene right now is dominated by punk, metal and hardcore. Who’s surprised? The world right now is in its most chaotic state it’s ever been in for most of our lives - politically, technologically and all sorts. So much of the best music in the underground right now is expressing the rage and anxiety which comes with living in times like these for young people - as it rightly should.

 

What Happens Next is relevant in this scene, occupying the hard rock space. They explore the same broad themes in the songs and draw on influence from all sorts of punk, metal and rock across the discography, ranging from light ballads to furious riffs.

 

The thing that keeps them sounding unique within this scene, though, is that they don't try to be dark, edgy or moody. In both the recorded music and live performances, Happens Next represents a positive escape from all of that stuff, engineered for hard rock fans. Not by avoiding it, but by:

- addressing it lyrically in the music secondarily (but consistently) to providing a song that sounds fun, catchy, melodic and satisfying. 

- wearing understated and relatable outfits, still designed to exist within a gunslinging rock'n'roll aesthetic.

- being personable with the audience on social media, in interviews and in person at gigs.

 

The mosh pits make you want to push each other around and help each other up, not beat somebody in a fit of rage. The riffs make you want to dance around the room, not punch a wall. They can do heavy - full textures, aggressive playing and dark lyrical themes - without being scary or violent. They can also do light - exploring longing and loss in songs as low-key as acoustic ballads - while sounding uplifting, not depressed.

 

Of course, the London music scene needs an expression of the pain people are facing due to the current state of the world, but What Happens Next uniquely provide the upbeat spin that people need just as much. All of this should make them one of the most valuable up-and-coming bands in the city right now with the right team - as irreplaceable as they are relevant.