Describe Lyford

Indie rock usually sounds like a band that means it, but doesn’t try too hard to impress you.

Think jangly or driving guitars, melodies that feel casual but secretly stick in your head, and vocals that are more human than polished—sometimes shaky, sometimes talk-sung, sometimes emotionally blunt. The drums tend to be straightforward and driving, not flashy, just there to keep things moving. Bass lines often groove quietly in the background, doing more work than you notice at first.

Lyrically, indie rock leans introspective and a little messy: love, boredom, late nights, small-town angst, big feelings about small moments. The overall vibe can range from dreamy and mellow to scrappy and energetic, but it usually carries a DIY, slightly imperfect charm—like it was recorded in a bedroom or a cramped studio with the lights low.

In short: Lyfords indie rock sounds is honest, a bit off-kilter, and emotionally close, like a band playing to connect rather than to conquer.

Lyford at The Yorkshireman 2024

Hull

Howden

Scunthorpe

Lincoln

Where we are today

Lyford are an indie five piece from Scunthorpe whose classic, raw indie rock is rooted in working class culture, small town angst and off-kilter charm. Their playful and often talk-sung lyrics about late nights, boredom and love have that “big feelings about small moments” vibe that seeks to connect rather than conquer. Lyford’s rock grooves have a psychedelic element and soaring vocal harmonies that nod back to the 60s, connecting the evolution of British guitar bands from The Who to Stone Roses and from Oasis to Arctic Monkeys.

Lyford grew out of a long musical journey that started in the 90s when guitarist Andy played extensively across the UK, working closely with other bands and recording artists along the way. In the early 2000s, he stepped away from playing live and the break lasted nearly 15 years, until a one-off birthday gig with a group of friends reignited the spark. During the lockdown of 2020 he began writing songs again. A collection of around ten tracks felt like the start of something new.

Andy put Lyford together with local musicians Jen (vox), Ian (bass), Layton (drums) and Mike (guitar). While Jen and Andy are the main songwriters, each member contributes equally to the band’s creative process. Lyford gig regularly across the north of England and their previous releases When You Know It's Over and Right Now have been supported by BBC Introducing.

In 2026, the band are set to release a string of singles on The Animal Farm label. Recorded live without a click at The Animal Farm studios in London, the singles showcase an effortlessly timeless band with a fierce DIY spirit and an impressive knack for writing immediate indie anthems.