In the world of music, the week of July 20, 2026, marked a significant moment for English bands, as they dominated the Tracks of the Week tournament. The North East's Juliet's Not Dead emerged victorious, leaving Lancaster's Massive Wagons and Torquay-born Kris Barras and his Band in their wake. This triumph felt like a World Cup win for England, a momentous occasion for the music industry. But the story doesn't end there. The competition has already kicked off again, with challengers from Greece, New Zealand, and the Turkish precinct of Los Angeles stepping up to the plate. This global battle for musical supremacy is a fascinating spectacle, one that showcases the diverse and dynamic nature of the music scene. What makes this tournament particularly intriguing is the mix of established and emerging artists, each bringing their unique style and sound to the table. For instance, the hard rockers Villagers of Ioannina City from Greece combine heavy metal and stoner sensibilities with traditional Hellenic folk, creating a commanding and captivating sound. Their title track, 'Venceremos', is a galloping Iron Maiden-meets-Metallica masterpiece, infused with the primal, hypnotic heat of old-world folk. The music video, featuring castles and cloaked figures, adds to the mystique and allure. In contrast, HOLID4Y's 'Veridream' is a surprising and expansive first taste of Scott Holiday's new solo project. Opening with 70s prog synth textures, it grows into a psychedelic but hooky adventure, a strange, trippy beauty that paves the way for the full album, 'Topology', coming later this year. This album is a testament to Holiday's versatility and creativity, a departure from his previous work with Jay Buchanan's Americana-fuelled singer/songwriter project. Meanwhile, Split Dogs' 'Suffer' veers into beefier heavy metal territory, with a game-raising new single that starts with pure Sabbathian doom but kicks into a bouncier gear with Harry Martinez's singing. The song deals with personal lyrics about letting the past dictate happiness but ultimately encourages taking power back and moving forward. This theme of resilience and empowerment is a common thread throughout the tracks of the week, a reminder of the power of music to inspire and motivate. Queens of the Stone Age's 'Easy Street' is a beautifully weird, catchy swirl of lo-fi alternative sweetness, psychedelia, and shadows. The collaboration between Josh Homme and Nikki Lane adds a touch of country to the mix, creating a unique and captivating sound. The video, with its oddball characters, adds to the song's charm and intrigue. Ricky Warwick's 'Seek Zen Destroy' (feat. Phil Collen) is a bright yet dirty, strutting rock'n'roller with a touch of Prince. The song features Def Leppard's Phil Collen on guitar and backing vocals, adding to its rock'n'roll allure. Warwick's album, 'Fire & Vengeance', is an ode to the power of rock'n'roll to bring people together and create a sense of unity, even in a world consumed by chaos. Eddie 9V's 'Blowin’ Up' is a country-fried rock'n'roll song with an edge, a little bit of a dark side, even. Produced by Dan Auerbach, it's a deliciously greasy, easy-on-the-ear Southern groove machine with a laidback funky blues kick. The video, with its musings on breaking through as an artist, adds to the song's appeal. Powder Chutes' 'Rivers' is an absolute beast of a song, driven by the angriest riff you'll hear this week. The savage, lurching stomp will prompt listeners to check that Godzilla isn't rampaging through their neighbourhoods. It's the first new song to emerge from the feisty New Zealanders since last year's debut album, and it bodes well for whatever big noise they have lined up next. Ölüm's 'Yılan Kadın (Snake Woman)' is a mysterious and exotic psychedelic rock song from a Los Angeles-based Turkish band. The video, populated by extras from an underground shisha lounge in Istanbul circa 1975, is beautifully crafted, with a slinky groove, excellent use of Middle Eastern melodies, and a keyboard player who wears a towering hat. This song is a testament to the band's creativity and attention to detail, a unique and captivating sound. In conclusion, the week of July 20, 2026, marked a significant moment for English bands, with their domination of the Tracks of the Week tournament. But the story doesn't end there. The competition has already kicked off again, with challengers from around the world stepping up to the plate. This global battle for musical supremacy is a fascinating spectacle, one that showcases the diverse and dynamic nature of the music scene. As we look ahead to the future, it's clear that the music industry will continue to evolve and innovate, with new artists and sounds emerging from every corner of the globe. The tracks of the week are a testament to the power of music to inspire, motivate, and bring people together, a reminder of the importance of supporting and promoting diverse and dynamic musical talent.
