The Groves Ignite the Powerpop Revival with Their Playful Debut Single “Say How”

Every now and then, a debut comes along that feels both refreshingly familiar and full of promise — the kind of song that makes you want to turn the volume up, roll the windows down, and just let the melody take over. With their debut single “Say How,” The Groves, a rising powerpop/alt-rock band from Stoke-on-Trent, deliver exactly that kind of moment.

Rooted in the late-’90s and early-2000s powerpop sound — think Brendan BensonJason Falkner, and a dash of Elliott Smith’s melodic sensibility — “Say How” is a head-bobbing, tongue-in-cheek romp that announces The Groves as one of the most exciting new indie acts to keep on your radar.


A Sound That Feels Both Classic and Alive

From the first jangly guitar strum, “Say How” hooks you with its infectious energy. The track bursts to life with bright, crunchy guitars, tight percussion, and vocal harmonies that drip with charm and charisma. It’s the kind of song that instantly transports you back to the golden age of college radio — when powerpop melodies met alt-rock grit, and the results were nothing short of addictive.

There’s a playfulness woven through every bar of “Say How.” The lyrics are sharp yet self-aware, delivered with just enough smirk to let you know The Groves don’t take themselves too seriously. And that’s exactly what makes it work.

This is a band that knows how to have fun — and in today’s oversaturated indie landscape, that’s a breath of fresh air.


A Playful Spirit with a Cinematic Twist

The Groves’ upcoming lo-fi music video adds another layer of personality to the project. Featuring a dramatically shot band-vs-gorilla bicycle chase — a hilarious homage to the cult comedy Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace — the video perfectly captures the tongue-in-cheek humor that runs through “Say How.”

It’s lo-fi done right — creative, memorable, and delightfully absurd. The visuals promise to amplify the song’s playful tone while showcasing The Groves’ willingness to embrace the weird and wonderful corners of their imagination.


Finding Their Place in Today’s Indie Scene

While The Groves are still building their footprint, they’ve already made waves locally with a string of headline and support gigs across Stoke-on-Trent. Those early performances have earned them a growing grassroots following — and with “Say How,” they’re clearly aiming to break beyond their local scene and into the wider alt-rock conversation.

What sets The Groves apart is their balance of nostalgia and newness. They draw from the powerpop era that gave us hook-heavy songwriting and fuzz-laced guitars, but they bring a distinctly modern spark — youthful, irreverent, and brimming with energy.

In a time when much of indie rock feels overproduced or emotionally distant, “Say How” cuts through with warmth and wit.


A Promising Start with Plenty of Personality

As debut singles go, “Say How” checks every box. It’s catchy without being cliché, musically tight but bursting with personality. The production feels organic — not over-polished, but full of color and confidence. You can tell this is a band that loves what they’re doing.

The Groves are the kind of group who can fill a small club with infectious energy, then go home and write a song that stays in your head for days. And with a sound that nods to the classic alt-rock songcraft of the early 2000s while keeping things lighthearted and current, “Say How” feels like a perfect introduction.


Final Thoughts

“Say How” by The Groves is more than just a debut single — it’s a declaration of intent. It’s witty, melodic, and self-assured, a perfect introduction to a band ready to carry the torch of powerpop revival into a new era.

With a full-bodied guitar sound, clever writing, and a sense of humor that shines through every beat, The Groves have set themselves up for an exciting run ahead. If this track is any indication of what’s to come, they’re a band to watch closely as they carve out their place in the UK indie landscape.

🎧 Stream “Say How” now on all platforms and follow The Groves as they bring their infectious brand of alt-rock fun to a wider audience.

Artist: The Groves
Single: “Say How”
Genre: Powerpop / Alt-Rock
Hometown: Stoke-on-Trent, UK