Catfish and the Bottlemen

Catfish and the Bottlemen are a Welsh alternative rock band from Llandudno, North Wales, formed around vocalist and guitarist Ryan «Van» McCann. Emerging in the early 2010s, the band built its reputation on relentless touring and a lean, guitar-forward sound that positioned them as part of a wave of British guitar bands reviving arena-ready indie rock, drawing frequent comparisons to acts like Oasis and Arctic Monkeys.

Their 2014 debut album The Balcony, certified platinum in the UK, established their formula of anthemic choruses, driving riffs and unpretentious, direct lyricism, with tracks such as «Kathleen» and «Cocoon» becoming fan favorites and radio staples. The follow-up, The Ride (2016), consolidated their commercial breakthrough, while their third album, The Balance (2019), featuring the single «Longshot», reached number two on the UK charts and extended their reach internationally, including strong chart placements in Australia.

The band's lineup has evolved over the years around McCann as the constant creative force, with guitarist Johnny Bond, bassist Benji Blakeway and drummer Bob Hall forming the group's more recent core. Known for their unfussy, high-energy live shows, Catfish and the Bottlemen have become one of the most prominent British rock acts of their generation, championing a straightforward, riff-driven approach at a time when guitar music's mainstream presence was often questioned.