It’s a lively Saturday night at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London. Fans of Getdown Services are buzzing with excitement as the duo prepares to perform. This is their second show in just one month, but the energy is high, with many young people sporting shaggy hairstyles.
Dulcie, in her twenties, describes the band as a breath of fresh air. “They’re fun, which is what we need right now. Life feels heavy,” she says. Her friend Lotte adds, “They’re socially aware. They’re grounded, even when they’re being silly.”
Dylan, 22, feels empowered by their music. “They’re a garage band making a good time out of what they love. Watching them inspires me to pursue my own passions.” His friend James, 29, has come back for another round. “Honestly, I felt more uplifted here than I did at an Oasis concert,” he shares.
As the band takes the stage, they kick off with Status Quo’s “Whatever You Want.” They dive into a chaotic mix of music and audience interaction, playfully mocking the crowd while shredding guitar solos. Ben Sadler and Josh Law, the band members, engage with the audience in a way that’s part celebration and part satire, shouting humorous phrases that resonate with their fans.
Based in Bristol, the duo has had an incredible run in 2025, performing 130 gigs, completing two sold-out UK tours, and accumulating over half a million monthly listeners on Spotify. Despite their quirky song titles like “Vomit” and “Piss,” they’ve gained a surprising amount of attention, even receiving a shout-out from Hollywood actor Walton Goggins. “It’s wild to think we’re bigger than we once imagined,” Law admits.
Getdown Services began almost accidentally. Childhood friends who met at school, they explored various musical projects before connecting during lockdown. As they swapped ideas, they created a sound that mixes catchy pop elements with laid-back lyrics about everyday topics. “Talking about these things feels liberating,” Law says.
Their debut album, Crisps, was released in 2023. The title track is a laid-back anthem that humorously captures a sense of anti-rockstar sentiment. They explore pop culture and poke fun at figures like James Bay while addressing deeper issues like small-town frustrations and the importance of redefining masculinity in their lyrics.
Their sound, which some compare to the likes of Sleaford Mods, has a unique flair. Sadler explains, “We love that compressed rhythm. It really distills our ideas into something pure.”
Interestingly, their humor and style are influenced by British comedy shows like Bottom and Phoenix Nights, which helps them stand out. They emphasize that, while they’re funny, they are primarily a music band. “If people categorize us as a comedy act, the joke gets lost,” Sadler points out.
The band is also not afraid to voice their opinions on social issues. Earlier this year, they spoke out against censorship at a festival and contributed their earnings from performing at the same event to charity. “It’s essential to remind people that two blokes on stage can still challenge macho stereotypes,” Sadler adds.
As for the future, they’re working on their second album and, while major labels have expressed interest, they’re happy to remain with their independent label, Breakfast Records. Their playful tagline started as a joke, but they’re starting to own it. “We’ve come a long way,” Law reflects. “Maybe we really are Britain’s best band.”
This blend of fun, awareness, and musical creativity is what keeps audiences returning, making them a unique force in today’s music scene.
