Alternative Rock from The SKBs

Coming out of the UK music scene with a collaborative engine, The SKBs is an exciting new band led by songwriter Al Sharp, formed at a creative meeting point for experienced musicians. Their music moves across genres, blending melodic songwriting with the energy of a rotating cast of contributors who each bring their own voice to the project.

The SKBs began as a personal endeavour for Al, a songwriting outlet that gradually expanded into something larger as other musicians became involved. Over time the project bloomed into a collaborative network where ideas could develop freely, shaped by the personalities and skills of the artists who step into the studio. Vocalists such as Si Marx and Sara Davey have added distinctive character to the songs, while the rhythmic framework has been strengthened by drummer Leon Cave, widely known for his work with Status Quo.

When The SKBs first introduced themselves in April last year with the single “Dust In The Light,” the track immediately established the tone of the collective’s work. It was followed quickly by singles two and three before the group’s debut full-length album, Where This Leads Us, gathered together the threads that had been developing across the project’s first songs, presenting a body of work that captured the exploratory nature of the collective.

Now, as the project moves into 2026, The SKBs continue to build on that momentum with brand new material; their latest single titled “Hourglass” offers the next window into the band’s forthcoming album, The Next Stop. The track brings together several key contributors, including Al Sharp, Sara Davey and Leon Cave, while also drawing on the talents of additional collaborators behind the scenes. “Hourglass” leans further into melodic rock and Americana areas while preserving the hook-driven songwriting that’s become a hallmark of the SKBs sound.

Brought in by the light fuzz of a restrained guitar line, Sara’s expressive voice hovers above, taking on more energy as the steady punch of kick ushers in surging instrumentation. Launching with stacks of guitars and the uptempo strike of drums, soaring vocal leads ring out as dashes of cinematic synths add immersive aesthetic to the rock-focused arrangement.

Cut with infectious melodic hooks and wrapped up in anthemic alternative rock energy, “Hourglass” serves up a gripping and thoroughly memorable musical moment. Hitting the ground running following their breakout year, The SKBs are set to continue going from strength to strength and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store next.

“Hourglass is about time — not chasing it, not fighting it, but learning to live inside it. It’s a reminder that life moves fast, but the people you share it with are what really matters,” says Al Sharp.

Listen to Hourglass below

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