Following a breakout 18 months defined by sold-out tours and skyrocketing critical acclaim, Manchester five-piece The Guest List have officially announced their debut album, Something Real, set for release on August 28th. The news arrives alongside a brand-new single, "You Should Care," an emotionally-charged anthem that cements the band’s reputation for unflinching, socially-conscious songwriting.
Formed in 2021 as a group of school friends and music students, the band—comprising Cai Alty, Tom Quigley, Leio Hunter, Sid Wallace, and Angus Gilchrist—has rapidly evolved from viral indie covers to becoming one of the UK’s most essential new guitar bands. Rolling Stone UK has already hailed their recent work as a "thrillingly ambitious statement of intent," while The Independent tips the group to be the country’s next major breakthrough act.
Recording the album in Bergen, Norway, with producer Matias Tellez, the band has crafted an emotionally rich debut. Something Real tackles heavy themes including mental health, climate collapse, and domestic violence. Frontman Cai Alty describes the record as an attempt to find meaning in an overwhelming world: “The album is basically us saying, ‘we’re young, we’re confused just like you—how did we get here?’”
The Guest List have spent the last year building a formidable live reputation, supporting massive names like Blossoms and Inhaler while commanding their own packed rooms. This summer, the band is set to appear at major festivals including Reading & Leeds, Latitude, and Tramlines, ensuring their high-energy sound reaches its widest audience yet.
Following the festival circuit, the band will embark on their biggest headline tour to date this November. The run covers the UK and Europe, featuring a landmark performance at London’s Scala on November 24th. With a shared sense of urgency and a commitment to radical honesty, Something Real is poised to be the definitive breakthrough of 2026.
Tickets for the November tour are available now, and "You Should Care" is available to stream across all platforms.
