Single Review: The Avelons – “Rubbernecker”

There is a specific kind of frustration that comes with being a fan of guitar music in 2026. Too often, you’re served a lukewarm plate of “indie landfill”—bands treading the same tired 90s water, chasing a Britpop ghost that’s been dead for thirty years.

Then you hear The Avelons.

Since I saw them play last year in their home turf of The Cluny, I’ve been looking forward to hearing new music for a while—and “Rubbernecker” doesn’t disappoint.

Lead singer Jack describes the track as a “car-crash situation”—that irresistible pull toward something you know is dangerous or unhealthy. It’s a “hazy, emotionally charged indie anthem” that captures the exact moment you’re drawn to the wreckage even when you know better

It’s the sound of a band finally stretching their legs and realizing they don’t have to play by the rules of the local circuit.

The Sonic DNA

Production-wise, “Rubbernecker” bypasses the Britpop era and reaches further back into the mid-80s. There’s a cinematic grandiosity here that you just don’t hear much anymore. The guitars don’t just jangle; they shimmer and swirl with a heavy dose of modulation that screams The Mission. It creates a lush, “wall of sound” atmosphere that feels darkly romantic and genuinely massive.

But don’t mistake “atmospheric” for “soft.” Underpinning those soaring melodies is a driving, rhythmic engine room. The drums have a floor-tom-heavy “gallop” reminiscent of Big Country, giving the track an outdoor, widescreen energy that separates them from the pack.

The Verdict

The vocals are the final piece of the puzzle—starting as a moody snarl before erupting into a high-stakes, “screaming bloody murder” intensity. It’s raw, it’s earnest, and it’s unapologetically dramatic.

Geordie Wannabees avoid all the usual indie landfill and refuse to play nicely. This isn’t background music for a rainy Tuesday; it’s a statement of intent. The Avelons aren’t interested in being just another Newcastle band on a Friday night lineup—they are building something meant for much bigger stages.

Watch out world…

Rubbernecker is out now at all your favourite music streaming sites.

Let me know what you thought

PNL

Moby