If there’s one band that knows how to get a crowd going, it’s The Covasettes. This four-piece from Manchester has been releasing indie anthems since 2016, mixing upbeat tunes with big energy and a frontman who could easily be a stand-up comedian if he fancied a career change.
Made up of Chris Buxton (vocals, guitar), Matt Hewlett (guitar), Jamie McIntyre (bass), and Matt Buckley (drums), The Covasettes have built a reputation for feel-good songs that make you want to sing along. Tracks like ‘This Feeling’ and ‘Top Drawer’ bring the kind of catchy riffs and festival-ready choruses that stick in your head after one listen.
They’ve mastered the art of heartbreaking lyrics wrapped in a happy melody. ‘Duvet Thief’ sounds fun and carefree at first, but underneath, it’s about losing someone and trying to hold onto the past. ‘The Memory Chaser’ does the same thing, wrapping nostalgia and regret in bright instrumentals. It’s that mix of happy sound and sad meaning that makes their music stand out.
One of the things that sets The Covasettes apart is their live performances. Their gigs are more than just them playing their songs, it’s a full experience. Chris isn’t just a frontman, he’s an entertainer, keeping the crowd engaged with his quick wit and constant jokes between tracks. Whether he’s messing with the audience, teasing his bandmates, or coming up with random stories on the spot, it makes the show feel unique. That mix of great music and fun energy is what keeps people coming back. They know how to turn a gig into a party, getting the crowd moving, singing along, and feeling like they’re part of something. The chemistry between the band members is obvious, and it spills over into the audience, making every show feel personal.
Moving on to something that has left fans scratching their heads and chuckling for years– the band’s signature feature. If you’ve ever checked out any of The Covasettes’ singles, or tour posters, you’ll notice one thing that’s always present: a cow. Yes, you read that right, a cow. It’s pretty much on every piece of their artwork, from single covers to merchandise. And the best part? Once you get to know the band, it just makes sense. It’s all about having fun, being a little random, and not taking themselves too seriously. Whether it’s printed on a T-shirt or front and center on a tour poster, this quirky cow is now part of the band’s signature style.
Over the years, The Covasettes have been building a dedicated fanbase, with support from BBC Radio 1 and Radio X helping to spread their music to a wider audience. They’ve played at festivals like Kendal Calling and Y Not Festival, proving they can bring the same energy to big festival stages as they do in intimate venues. The band has been longlisted for a slot at Glastonbury 2025, a massive milestone that shows they’re catching the right kind of attention. With each release, their audience grows, and it feels like they’re on the verge of breaking into even bigger things.
If you’re into indie bands that mix bright, catchy melodies with lyrics that actually make you feel something, The Covasettes are definitely worth a listen. They’ve got songs for every mood– whether you want to jump around at a gig, scream along to a chorus, or sit back and overthink life.
Whenever you get the chance to see them live– don’t hesitate to! Expect huge tunes, top-tier crowd work, and at least a few moments that will make you laugh. They’re a band that knows how to have fun, and that energy is impossible to ignore.
Written by: Aleksandra Trusczyńska
Edited by: Tessa Kaldenbach
