The Undivided

The Undivided

The Undivided are a Cardiff alternative rock group active from 2009. The band comes from South Wales and works with a line-up centred on guitar-driven, melodic rock with hard-edged riffs, strong vocal hooks and anthemic choruses. Their sound draws on alternative rock, modern rock, post-grunge and hard rock, and their music is described as combining political and message-led songwriting with a strong pop sense.

Formation and line-up

The group forms as a three-piece in the South Wales Valleys, emerging from earlier musical projects and long-standing friendships. The band members are Joe Disson on guitar and vocals, Lewis Bray on guitar and vocals, Craig Prosser on bass and vocals, and Rhydian Mason on drums. The line-up is built around Disson, Bray and Mason in the original trio, with Craig Prosser also listed as part of the band.

Music and influences

The Undivided’s style combines punishing riffs, shuddering basslines and heavy drum patterns with melodic guitar work. Their influences include Manic Street Preachers for political and message-heavy lyrics, Idlewild for instrumentation, and Mansun and Peace for melodic pop sensibilities. The result is presented as direct, loud and hook-focused, with songs designed around prominent choruses and emotionally direct lyrics.

Activity and recordings

After forming, the band plays extensively across the UK and supports acts including Ash and The Xcerts. They record their album This New Day with producer Romesh Dodangoda, whose credits include work with Kids In Glass Houses and Funeral For A Friend. The writing and rehearsal process for the album takes place in a cottage in rural west Wales, where the band works without phone, mobile or broadband access. The record is produced with funding from the Welsh Arts Council and receives support from BBC Radio 1 Introducing, Nation Radio, Team Rock Radio and Big Cheese.

Reception

The Undivided receive coverage and praise from Kerrang!, Rock Sound, NME and XFM. Commentators describe the band as anthemic, melodic and energetic, with one track, S.O.S, compared to My Vitriol. Their work is also linked by reviewers to bands such as U2, early Simple Minds, SLF and Biffy Clyro, particularly through its stadium-sized choruses and bruising power-pop arrangements.