The unlikely genius of Getdown Services

Scatological lyrics, social conscience, a commitment to fun and a shoutout from Walton Goggins - 2026 is going to be the laptop garage band's year

- By Kate Hutchinson

It's a Saturday night in London's Camden, and Getdown Services' fans are getting the beers in before "Britain's best band" play one of their final gigs of the year.

The Electric Ballroom is heaving, despite this being their second show here in a month. There's no shortage of twentysomethings with shag hairstyles to explain why the duo live up to their slogan. “They’re fun, which we need right now - life is bleak,” says Dulcie. “And they’re socially aware,” adds her friend Lotte. “Even though they are quite silly, they’re grounded.”

Move over Gallaghers: Ben Sadler and Josh Law come on stage to Status Quo's Whatever You Want and immediately begin the high-octane crowd interaction. Everyone on the balcony who was on the guestlist for tonight is told to “fuck off”; the pair stomp wide-legged like sumo wrestlers, egging on the roars and occasionally shredding a guitar.

It’s part chaotic aerobics video, part Butlin’s gameshow - and though it’s blokey, it’s also a satire of blokey-ness. “This is what my fat body looks like!” yells Sadler, pulling off his T-shirt to delighted cheers. “This is not LadBible!” Law shouts.