There’s something stirring in Cheshire. Unit 17 are fast becoming one of those names being talked about in indie circles, the one that as soon as hear them, you end up telling all your mates about. With their latest single “Bitter”, the five-piece deliver another punch of Northern attitude and melodic swagger that confirms they’re a serious prospect for 2026.
The band — Jonah Shaw (vocals/guitar), Jack Day (rhythm guitar), Tom Greenwood (lead guitar), George Phipps (bass) and Ben Riddle (drums) — have crafted a sound that thrives on chemistry and cohesion. From the first chord, “Bitter” bursts into life with jangling guitars, driving percussion and an undercurrent of restless energy, perfectly encapsulating that mix of frustration and defiance hinted at in its title.
The pace is brisk but unforced — carried by Riddle’s tight, propulsive drumming and Phipps’ melodic basslines that lock everything into place. Greenwood’s lead work shines brightest: biting riffs and chiming hooks that soar above the rhythm section, adding layers of colour and tension. Meanwhile, Day’s rhythm guitar gives the song its backbone, that solid crunch and strut that gives “Bitter” its Britpop punch.
Frontman Shaw delivers a vocal that’s equal parts grit and emotion — a rasping, heartfelt performance that channels the attitude of Oasis and Stereophonics, yet lands with a modern confidence closer to The Royston Club or Sam Fender. His voice drives home the song’s message: youthful defiance wrapped up in melody and meaning.
The soundscape feels widescreen but grounded. There’s polish in the production, but it never smooths over the edges — the band’s energy remains raw and immediate, the kind that makes you long to hear it echo through a packed venue. It’s the sound of a band stepping up, sharpening their identity, and refusing to blend in.
Following I Need A Taste and Tongue Tied which have already brought in over 6,000 Spotify streams, “Bitter” is the boldest statement yet from Unit 17. Confident, punchy, melodic and undeniably infectious, it’s a track that cements their place among the new breed of British guitar bands set to light up the grassroots scene and beyond.
Bitter is released on Friday 14th November
Gigs
12 December Jacaranda, Liverpool (Supporting The Zangwills)
Unit 17 Socials
ThisIsTheMusic 
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