The Monday Smile - Album Launch - Live Gig Review

The B Report was privileged to be there and what a night! Three bands that could have easily headlined on their own, three supremely talented groups, all celebrating the launch of The Monday Smile’s new album 'Nothing'.

First up were the extraordinarily talented King Conduit. They’re yet to release any studio material, but we have it on good authority that this is finally in the works—and it cannot come soon enough. We actually put them on for their debut show months ago, and even back then they packed a punch. Since then, their growth has been remarkable.

Ben’s vocals are huge, the kind of voice most singers would kill for. Add to that his sharp guitar work, Sam’s inventive bass lines, and a drummer who plays with both jazz-like subtlety and rock aggression, and you’ve got a trio that commands attention. They opened the night with flair, confidence, and a sound that’s only getting bigger. One to watch. Go follow them on Instagram for news of when the new tracks drop!

Next up, I See Orange. We’d seen the polished videos and listened online, but nothing prepared us for their live show. The singer/bassist (insert name) was utterly magnetic—reserved off stage, but transformed into a firestorm of energy under the lights.

Lyrics delivered with intent, riffs cutting through from the lead guitarist (insert name), and drumming that locked it all in place. Their new single Doll Guts hit hard, and the crowd knew it. It’s no wonder they’re picking up momentum across the scene—based on this performance, their rise is unstoppable. Check 'em out below.. go follow them on Instagram! They rock..

Headlining, of course, were The Monday Smile—and what a performance it was. This London-based trio have set themselves the ambitious task of resurrecting grunge in the UK, and judging by last night, they’re already succeeding.

From the opening chord, chaos erupted. The mosh pit broke out immediately, the crowd feeding off the raw energy pouring from the stage. LJ, Russ, and Wookey don’t just play songs—they inhabit them, exuding that perfect balance of DIY punk rock scrappiness and arena-level presence. It’s a rare thing to watch a band who feel both reckless and totally in control at the same time.

Their new album Nothing (out now on vinyl and streaming) translated perfectly to the stage. The riffs hit harder, the hooks felt like earworms on steroids, and the choruses were screamed back by a crowd already treating them like headliners on a much bigger stage. Their sound sits somewhere between Soundgarden’s raw power, Nirvana’s grit, and a distinctly modern edge—but crucially, they never slip into nostalgia. They’re not rehashing grunge; they’re remaking it in their own image.

There’s a confidence to The Monday Smile that’s impossible to fake. Whether it was Russ hammering riffs with feral precision, Wookey driving the chaos with drumwork that felt seismic, or LJ leading with unhinged, passionate vocals, everything about the performance screamed urgency. This is a band who believe their time is now—and the crowd clearly agreed.

With Victorious Festival on the horizon (sharing a bill with Queens of the Stone Age and other heavyweights), their live calendar is only getting busier. If last night was anything to go by, bigger stages won’t swallow them—they’ll own them.

The Monday Smile closed the night in a blaze of distortion, sweat, and sheer catharsis. The message was clear: grunge isn’t a relic of the past—it’s alive, loud, and smiling on its future. Have a listen right here.. and don't forget to go follow on Instagram for all the latest from this killer grunge band..

Phase B Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Why? A perfect night topped off by a band stepping into their destiny. Southampton witnessed something special.