The Hangover That Rocks: Whitelocust's Good Vibes Revolution

London's most effortlessly confident rock band spent a decade perfecting the art of not trying too hard.

We had an email recently from these guys asking if there were any shows available for them around our usual neck of the woods (always up for putting on a new band, never mind the genre BS - Hit us up) and like all and every track sent to us we chucked it through the desk, fired up the studio monitors and hit play (no better way to check out a your music right?). Boom, attention caught. Loved it. We’re rammed on gigs for a few months and have only just got back from playing a festival ourselves (yes we all play live here) so we thought lets find out more about them and share them with the world first! So here we are.. Good peoples of earth and beyond we give you: Whitelocust.

Some bands try real hard explode onto the scene (and credit to them for that, no dis). Then there are others that slip in through the back door with a lazy grin and a riff that makes you forget the stresses of life from the get go.

Whitelocust are definitely the latter.

Watch their live performance of "Ocean" (go find it on YouTube - It's now formalised as 'No Return' and out now!) at the O2 and you'll see what I mean. About short while in, guitarist Alex Korr leans back with the kind of confidence that comes from knowing exactly where the pocket is and choosing to live there permanently. Behind him, drummer Keir Ansell sits in his kit like he owns the room, while bassist Igor Vieira and vocalist Stefan Florea move with that rare swagger of musicians who've stopped trying to prove themselves and started enjoying themselves instead.

It's rock music that hits like the perfect hangover – warm, fuzzy, slightly dulled around the edges but deeply, satisfyingly right. The kind where the world's general annoyances can't quite reach you and you're already looking forward to the next session with your mates that night.

In a landscape where rock bands mistake volume for impact and social media presence for substance, Whitelocust have quietly mastered something infinitely harder: restraint. A genuine cool ass vibe. Critics keep using the word "subtlety" to describe them, which is fair enough. In a world where most rock bands seem to think louder equals better, Whitelocust have figured out that sometimes pulling back hits harder than going full throttle. Technically accurate, completely missing the point.

"I think that comes down to the way in which we write and record, it's all very much a 'live' feel," Alex explains when I ask about their approach. "We love the idea of having strong dynamics in our music, music that has its own pulse, that pushes and pulls. To me being able to tread the line between both subtle and chaotic, is the ultimate goal. Bands like Led Zeppelin and Jane's Addiction were the masters of that."

There's funk threaded through their rock sound, though don't expect them to lean into obvious territory. "We think there are so many amazing bands that have done the funk-rock thing better than we could ever do," Alex clarifies. "We're just wanting to do our own thing!"

That "own thing" they've hit on? It rocks hard while sounding completely unhurried. It's the musical equivalent of showing up to a job interview in your pants (underwear for our USA readers, hey I’m English) with a bag of Bombay Mix and a can of lager knowing you’re the most most qualified dude in the room.

The confidence didn't happen overnight. Stefan Florea, Alex Korr, and Igor Vieira met as 12-year-olds at school in Qatar, immediately bonding over good music. Up next was over a decade of exploration – different bands, different sounds, different phases they kept outgrowing until something clicked.

"I would say that most of it was just figuring out what excited us the most creatively," Alex reflects. "I guess that the 'right-moment' was when we felt like we landed on something that wasn't so one-dimensional, something that could always be developed and explored musically."

That moment came in London, when they met drummer Keir Ansell. Suddenly the missing piece fell into place. "We were about 24 years old when we met Keir and started Whitelocust, and this definitely feels like we've really found what we're meant to be doing."

Ansell's importance to their sound can't be overstated. "In all honesty, I think so much of that [sonic balance] comes from our drummer, Keir," Alex admits without hesitation. "The guy has so much finesse and integrity when he plays, it's very easy for myself and Igor to latch onto. He has so much feel, he knows how and when to absolutely obliterate the kit, but also when it's the right time to sit back and let the soft dynamics carry the track."

They say your band is only as good as your drummer. Whitelocust got very, very lucky. The Gods of rock smiled down for sure.

What makes Whitelocust genuinely refreshing is how unmanufactured they feel. Even their studio stuff feels alive and that’s all about technique: "we record live, no click, all in the same room. I think that's how we manage to convey our organic sound."

This isn't accident – it's something many have used to great credit for a ling time now, though we feel it’s merits are being lost these days. "I do feel that a lot of music has become a little more 'safe'," Alex observes. "People seem to only want to write what they can imagine an algorithm pushing, either that, or a lot of bands use the same modelling sounds and production techniques. I'd like to think that Whitelocust doesn't adhere to any trend or 'rules', we kinda just want to write what excites us."

Their "Head Out" music video perfectly captures this philosophy. The guys day starts with a hangover and goes increasingly and comedically wrong – even an arrest for drink driving – yet he still parties on throughout. We think it’s a great take on finding joy despite the crushing mundanity of modern day life.

"Getting together to play and write music is ironically what diminishes the noises and frustrations of our mundane routines," Alex explains. "Being part of a big city, constantly working and grinding can be crushing, although, in spite of all that, we have never been so hungry and happy to make music together."

While their influences are kinda obvious – the loose-limbed authority of early Aerosmith, the dynamic mastery of Led Zeppelin, the grunge-infused rebellion of '90s alt-rock – Whitelocust aren't interested in tribute band territory. They embody the spirit without copying the sound. A solid nod to the music of the past with a fresh feel.

"I would hate to think of people assuming we're just another '70s/90s influenced band'," Alex clarifies. "Of course, a lot of the music we consume is in that realm – but so much of what we listen to is modern, bands like Fontaines D.C, Tame Impala and IDLES are huge influences on us. We just love music that feels authentic."

This authenticity becomes most evident live, where that decade of partnership shows. "I think we all feel so balanced and at ease when we're on stage together, of course that comes from years of knowing one another, but also we're so beyond grateful when we get to go on stage – playing live is the best part of all of this!"

Their debut EP title track encapsulates everything about their approach. As Stefan puts it: "The title 'Nothing On The Other Side', describes how life has a fragile and finite nature. I think it represents the power of vulnerability, and the importance of perspective. Although it might seem nihilistic, it actually comes from a place of optimism. It's about never taking things for granted and not allowing what's inevitable to cause fear and hesitation."

This balance – acknowledging life's difficulties while refusing to let them diminish the good times – runs through everything they do. They're bringing back that feeling of pure musical excitement, the kind that existed before algorithms decided what we should hear.

"Without a doubt. We wouldn't be doing this if we only wanted to sell," Alex emphasises. "To us our music is an extension of our beliefs and who we are as individuals. We will always only write for ourselves and what we believe in saying."

As they roll out their second EP with studio time booked for early 2026, Whitelocust remain absolutely committed to writing what excites them, regardless of where it leads.

"We're the kind of people who are always evolving and growing musically. Who knows how we'll sound in a few years, not even we do, as long as we're always writing what excites us – we'll be happy!"

In a world increasingly dominated by manufactured authenticity and algorithmic appeal, Whitelocust offer something rarer: the genuine article. They're proof that sometimes the best way forward is to embrace that warm, fuzzy feeling of not quite knowing where you're going, but being absolutely certain you're enjoying the journey.

And like all the best hangovers, you'll find yourself looking forward to the next one. Get round your mate’s place and give ‘em a best now.

Rock the hell on.

Whitelocust are touring the UK throughout 2025. Their second EP continues rolling out, with new material planned for 2026. Catch them live and see what we mean about that lazy confidence – some things you just have to experience. Go follow them on socials here and keep up to date with their shows on Bands In Town here. They're coming to a Phase B Records gig soon.. watch this space and follow us here for news!