Upper Roommates
The Sugarloaf Cafe, West Malvern
Friday 27th March 2026
Upper Roommates step into the spotlight with a live showcase of their latest single, ‘Don’t Want You To Go’, at The Sugarloaf Cafe (Friday 27th March). It’s shaping up to be an intimate but high-energy set from one of Malvern’s most promising emerging bands.
The four-piece—fronted by Joel on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, with Nathanael on drums, Caleb on bass, and Ben on lead guitar—have been steadily building a reputation for their raw, garage-tinged sound.
Drawing influence from the widescreen pop-rock of Coldplay and the punchy, emotive energy of Bleachers, Upper Roommates channel familiar anthemics into something more immediate and unpolished. The result is a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh—festival-ready hooks delivered with a DIY spirit.
Their new single, ‘Don’t Want You To Go’, leans further into that blend. There are echoes of the jangling optimism found in Microdisney and the literate indie stylings of The Go-Betweens, with bright guitar lines, rising solos, and lyrics that are direct without losing emotional weight. It’s the kind of track that builds quietly before opening up, rewarding repeat listens.
Live, those elements are likely to land even harder. The Sugarloaf setting offers the perfect backdrop—close quarters, immediate connection, and a crowd that can feel every shift in tempo and tone. For a band like Upper Roommates, that environment plays to their strengths.
If you’re around tonight, it’s worth dropping in early and staying late. With a sound this accessible and a live energy to match, Upper Roommates aren’t likely to stay under the radar for long. Social media (@upperroommates) and Spotify!
By: Julliet Mootz
