Social Wildcard

Brighton has a deep and rich music scene with a knack for drawing out the best in live music. On any given night, you can wander into a venue and find something unexpected. That’s exactly what happened when I caught Social Wildcard at Alphabet. Their set was tight, energetic, and full of moments where the chemistry between bandmates radiated off the stage.

They’ve mastered the perfect balance between catchy pop rock and funky tracks that make you want to dance. Their songwriting blends pop with catchy hooks and lyrics that the audience sings back to the band. In the last few years, their songwriting has matured significantly, with a reduced reliance on pop tunes to a grittier funk rock driven sound. 

The chemistry between the band was a real highlight of the night. Each member showcased their excellence, trading solos with ease. You could tell they’ve put in the hours together; the timing and the small looks exchanged mid-song all felt organic.

Their newer material, especially “You Know Me,” carried a slightly rougher, funkier edge. The guitar tone on that track gave it a gritty backbone that contrasted beautifully with its pop structure. Compared to something like “Caroline,” which is gentler and more reflective, “You Know Me” hits harder. It’s confident, rhythmic, and full of attitude. You could feel the crowd pick up on that shift; there was an energy in the room that only comes when a song lands just right.

Since the show, “Jerrie” has been stuck in my head. It’s one of those instantly catchy tracks that perfectly embodies Social Wildcard’s sound. It’s heartfelt pop songwriting with a touch of edge to keep it interesting. Live, it felt even more alive. The chorus rang out, and people around me were mouthing the words.

Social Wildcard might be considered pop-rock, but their sound extends far beyond that. They incorporate funk grooves, alt-rock grit, and a clear sense of melody. They’re not afraid of being catchy, but they’re also not afraid to play. Watching them perform in Brighton, it was evident that they’re building something genuine.