The South Wales indie scene is buzzing, and leading the charge into a fresh alternative sound is Cardiff's Marionette, who have just dropped their highly anticipated third single, 'Dancing', out now on all digital platforms. Following a string of dynamic live appearances, including a successful headline show in London, the four-piece are cementing their place as one of the UK’s most compelling new bands.
Marionette first caught the attention of tastemakers with their debut offering, ‘Your Hand’, back in February, which quickly earned them airplay on BBC Radio Wales. The track’s arrival was noted by BBC Introducing in Wales’ own Adam Walton, who praised it as an “...a powerful and impressive debut!” a clear sign that this band was one to watch. The follow-up, ‘You Always Come First’, built cleverly on that foundation, demonstrating both emotional depth and an exciting sonic evolution.
The band’s sound is a sophisticated blend of the familiar and the experimental. Born out of casual, late-night writing sessions between two childhood friends, their music draws on the rhythmic punch and sharp hooks of noughties titans like The Strokes and The Bravery, while absorbing the more offbeat, contemporary flair of acts such as Mini Mansions. This combination allows them to bridge a gap between nostalgic charm and a distinctly modern edge that’s reshaping the local alternative rock soundscape.
Crucially, both of their previous releases were mastered by the legendary Cardiff producer, Charlie Francis, whose credits include massive names like R.E.M., Manic Street Preachers, and Future Of The Left. Francis’s finely tuned ear has helped give Marionette's tracks a polished, confident sound that perfectly frames their taut, energetic performances.
Their newest track, ‘Dancing’, is set to continue this momentum, with the band citing Mini Mansions as a clear influence for this bold, groove-driven effort. With its driving rhythms and shimmering guitars, the track delivers exactly what their music promises: a bridge between introspection and energy, designed to get you thinking, feeling, and moving in equal measure. Marionette are proving they have all the elements—finely tuned songwriting, a tight live show, and an unmistakable sense of honesty—to make a serious mark on the British indie landscape as they head into 2025.
You can stream the new single now, and for more from the band today on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
