Since The Shed Project finished in 2024, Bolton’s own Yon Mon has been steadily carving out a name in the UK indie scene, and now comes the real statement: his debut album Yon Bedda Believe It. Across ten tracks, Yon Mon blends grit with heart, storytelling with swagger, and delivers an album that feels both grounded in realism and ambitious in its scope. Long-term collaborator, Danny Hayes (The Ivy Studios) has produced a mix thats crisp and dynamic, giving each track space to breathe, whilst taking nothing away from Yon Mon’s rawness; instead, it amplifies it.
Here’s the ThisIsTheMusic track by track preview
Better Days (ft. MC Tunes).The album starts off with a bang. There’s a real sense of Ian Brown within the songs soundscape, from bongo playing, striking piano’s that start off the song, hypnotic hip hop beats and a striking, Aziz Ibraham influenced guitar riff. MC Tunes’ legendary presence adds weight (and it’s also the first time he’s sung someone else’s lyrics), but Yon Mon isn’t overshadowed. Vocals are delivered with a real anger as the lyrics take a swipe at the politicians who are ruining the country. It’s a bold opener about resilience and finding hope, a clear mission statement for what follows.
Shine On is a glimmering indie anthem, that feels tailor-made for live singalongs. The soundtrack is full of euphoric guitar hooks, melodic bass lines and driving drums, making this a great indie rock anthem. There’s a certain nostalgia to the sound, evoking the golden era of Britpop, yet it remains fresh and vibrant.
Selfie Queen (ft. MC Tunes) is tongue-in-cheek and playful, with a cheeky swagger and bursting with energy. The soundscape is packed full of catchy hooks and lively instrumentals, whilst combining plenty of humour.
The collaboration with MC Tunes adds another layer of charisma and contrast. His verse complements Yon Mon’s style perfectly, trading lines with a snarl and flair that amplifies the track’s mischievous energy.
Each Day is a personal love letter from Roy to his wife Sal. It’s his most open and emotional song yet, celebrating the depth, warmth, and resilience of a shared bond. The lyrics are intimate yet relatable, capturing small, everyday moments that speak volumes about love and connection. Musically, the track matches the emotional weight of the lyrics, and allows Roy’s vocal to carry the passion and honesty of the song to the forefront.
Picture This is packed full of dreamy guitars and vivid storytelling. The song conjures images like flipping through an old photo album, equal parts nostalgic and hopeful, whilst maintaining a real upbeat feel to the musical soundscape.
Warmongers was a previous single that landed a knockout punch. With direct lyrics and sharp critique of the establishments continued disregard for the working classes, Yon Mon has delivered a raw and unapologetic anthem, channeling his frustration into sharp lyricism, proving he’s not afraid to speak his mind about bigger issues.
Bygone Times as the title suggests, this is a reflective track, that looks back on youth and lost innocence. Lyrics like £27.50 on my YTS, I lived with no worries and no stress/98p for a pint of bitter, life right now is so much shitter; really emphasise this point and show longing for those care free days. It’s tinged with melancholy, but delivered with warmth, making it one of the standout and emotional moments on the record.
The Love Book stands out as one of the album’s more introspective moments, giving listeners a glimpse of Roy’s reflective side. Unlike typical love songs that lean heavily on romance or sentimentality, this track feels grounded and thoughtful—more a personal diary entry than a conventional ballad. The lyrics suggest a nuanced perspective on past relationships: lessons learned, bittersweet memories, and the subtle ways love shapes us. This track is delivered with sincerity and charm. A stripped-back arrangement keeps the focus on the lyrics and vocal delivery.
Can’t See Me is a funk-fuelled gem that demands attention from the very first beat. With its infectious rhythm and undeniable groove, it’s the kind of track that sneaks into your bones and gets your feet tapping before you even realise it. The guitar riffs are crisp the vocals are confident and a slick bassline, create a retro influenced sound, whilst being fresh and modern. There’s s real swagger in this track, with an irresistible and infectious groove.
One Life Live It doesn’t just close the album; it encapsulates its spirit. Musically, it’s anthemic without being overblown, driving guitars, punchy rhythms, and Yon Mon’s impassioned vocals combine to create a sense of forward motion, as if urging you to step out of the shadows and as Roy sings “Enjoy the day”.
You Bedda Believe it is a debut album that blends, wit, working-class realism, and heartfelt emotion into something authentic and relatable. Danny Hayes’ production work, shines across every track: crisp, layered, and dynamic, it gives Yon Mon’s storytelling the perfect backdrop without sanding off the edges. This is one of the best debut albums of 2025 and will go down as Roy’s finest work to date and is the kind of debut that builds community around it both online and in live shows.
Gigs
Sun 9th November- Night and Day Cafe, Manchester*
Friday 19th December – The Hug and Pint, Glasgow *
*Supporting Yogi G and The Family Tree
Roy joined me on episode 152 of the ThisIsTheMusic meets podcast. Available on You Tube and Spotify.
Yon Mon Socials
ThisIsTheMusic 
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