London’s five-piece **Ain’t** have firmly established themselves as one of this year’s most essential new indie acts, following up their buzzed-about debut with the release of their second single, “Teething,” on September 19, 2025. Produced by Oli Barton Wood (notable for work with Porridge Radio and Shame), “Teething” is already making waves in the UK alternative scene, thanks to its blend of jagged ‘90s guitar rock, relentless post-punk energy, and a shoegaze-tinged melodic haze that feels both nostalgic and fiercely original. **Ain’t** burst onto the radar in 2024 with their debut single “Oar,” but it’s “Teething” that has cemented the band as a core voice among London’s new vanguard.

The single’s churning guitars and frontwoman Hanna Baker Darch’s powerhouse vocal delivery have become talking points in DIY circles and music press alike. The band’s live presence is equally formidable: **Ain’t** delivered a storming set at the So Young Magazine showcase at The Social in London on September 21, 2025, drawing in a packed crowd and enthusiastic industry observers eager to see if the hype matched reality. Critical response to “Teething” has been swift and positive.

Still Listening Magazine praised the band’s ability to “blend jagged ’90s guitar rock, post-punk intensity, and shoegaze haze into a sound that’s equal parts nostalgic and electrifyingly fresh. ” The publication also highlighted how the production on “Teething” amplifies the band’s signature hooks and creeping melodies, with the “crushing” vocal performance from Darch singled out as a highlight[3]. Thematically, “Teething” explores the discomfort and anticipation of transformation—a fitting metaphor for **Ain’t** themselves as they transition from underground favorites to genuine breakout contenders.

The single’s lyrics, delivered with searing emotion, touch on themes of anxiety, renewal, and the often-painful process of finding one’s place. Fans and critics have drawn comparisons to early PJ Harvey and the rawest moments of Wolf Alice, but **Ain’t** manage to channel their influences into something uniquely their own. Alongside the new single, **Ain’t** are making moves on the UK festival circuit.

The band are scheduled to perform at the Leeds Brudenell Social Club on October 12, 2025, as part of the city’s revered DIY Now Fest, sharing the bill with other rising stars like Pleasure Centre and Dream Boy. This date follows a string of high-energy club shows, including a headline spot at London’s MOTH Club on September 28, 2025, where the band previewed unreleased material and further stoked anticipation for a rumored debut EP. Social media buzz has been palpable, with clips from the MOTH Club show circulating widely on TikTok and Instagram, drawing new fans from across the UK and beyond.

“Teething” has rapidly climbed college radio charts and landed on prominent Spotify editorial playlists like ‘Fresh Finds: Indie’ and ‘New Noise UK,’ signaling that the band’s reach is expanding well beyond their London homebase. For those eager to hear “Teething,” the band released an official music video on YouTube, capturing the track’s restless energy and nocturnal aesthetic. The video, directed by frequent collaborator Jake Hazlewood, juxtaposes frenetic performance shots with surreal, dreamlike imagery—a visual metaphor for the song’s themes of inner turbulence and change.

As **Ain’t** continue to carve out their place in a crowded indie landscape, “Teething” stands as a bold declaration of intent. With their next festival appearances and further releases on the horizon, it’s clear that **Ain’t** are only just beginning to show the full scope of their ambition and raw talent. In an era awash with new acts vying for attention, **Ain’t** have managed to cut through the noise with a sound that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically bracing.

Their early momentum suggests that 2025 may well be their breakout year—one marked by transformation, discovery, and the exhilarating discomfort of finding a voice that feels urgent and entirely necessary.