The festival begins its residency of four weekends at the Sebright Arms.

January gets a bad rep, and understandably so. Blue Mondays, tax returns, freezing weather and long New Years’ hangovers all conspire against us. At the same time, this month is often one of the best for discovering new music. Our ears are fresh, and grasp gratefully at new releases breaking the banality of the rotation of Christmas classics. And while most bands shy away from touring through January, the resultant gaps in listings inspire venues to put together lineups of exciting names on the cusp of breaking through to bigger things. It is in this spirit that the forces behind East London Block Party have put together their Midwinter series, a run of four nights at the Sebright Arms for those channelling their January blues into a search for new sources of musical inspiration. With shows each Saturday, you can take these nights as first sketches of a map out of the darkest depths of winter.

Kicking things off, Bug Teeth headline on Saturday 10^th. We are avid fans of their unique sound, which might be described as garage rock boldness offset by jagged electronic edges and alienated vocals more consistent with the likes of Stereolab and Broadcast. Support comes from Goodbye, whose December single ‘Meat’ we absolutely loved, as well as Leeds avant-punks Normal Village – who toured with Bathing Suits in October – and MLEKO, Manchester newcomers signed to Heist or Hit, the label behind Westside Cowboy.

Dead Stilettos headline on 17^th January. Another recent product of Manchester’s buzzing scene, the group channel the raw energy of the likes of Oh Sees, The Hives and Butthole Surfers in a mix that is perfect for the stage. Support for this one comes from Daffodils, a recent favourite on London’s live circuit who have made a name with their scuzzy take on twang and baroque stage antics.

The following weekend, The Family Battenberg are over from Cardiff to bring their burning psych-rock sound to the Sebright. October EP ‘Spider Rock Forever’ is alive with crackling fuzzy chaos, but tight rhythm and pointed lyrical delivery keeps a sharp focus to the tunes. They are joined by the uncompromising Holly Head, who channel the likes of Gang of Four in recounting their own more contemporary reflections on the dispiriting chaos of modern life. This bill is completed by The Scuttlers, an art rock four piece over from Bristol whose tight and unpredictable compositions make for something that feels a little like a cut-up version of The Replacements.

Completing the series, Tears at the Table headline on 31^st January, supported by exciting Cardiff newcomers Why Horses?. Newcomers Tears at the Table combine jangling riffs with cathartic grungey outbursts and electrified a sold out Sebright Arms with their headline at the venue last time out. Why Horses? generated a lot of excitement with their 2025 debut EP ‘Yeah, Hi?’. Single ‘I’ve Got a Fever’ catches them at their most urgent, while slower jams like ‘What I’m Into’ show their ability to create atmospheres that will be perfectly suited to Sebright’s cavernous atmosphere.

All tickets on Dice, with latest updates at @eastlondonblockparty