Live – Whitelands | Helen Ganya | Alphabet at The Hope & Ruin

Whitelands, Helen Ganya & Alphabet at The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 25th March 2026

A busy live room at The Hope & Ruin with four acts taking the stage. Due to other commitments I missed openers Dirtsharks but heard good things about their set from friends. So first up for me were Alphabet, a London based 4-piece with previous links to Brighton, their dual vocals and melancholic soundscape reminiscent of Disintegration-era The Cure. A fitting scene-setter for what was yet to come.

Next, an artist I haven’t seen before – Helen Ganya brought a sweet sense of calm, dipping into her Thai heritage to include a collection of hypnotic tracks with stories to add flavour. Sonically, the trio of musicians gave an intricate performance with vocals that had notes of Kate Bush but remained clearly a very personal offering. It’s hard to capture in words so take a listen and enjoy it for yourself.

Following the recent release of their album Sunlight Echoes, headliners Whitelands shared some of their beautifully crafted new songs with the sold out crowd on Wednesday. I am No God, an Effigy and Golden Daze made a big impression, showcasing the subtly different shades of shoegaze, melodic and layered with dreampop guitar riffs. Back at The Great Escape in 2023, I saw Whitelands play an accomplished set at The Paganini Ballroom championed by Steve Lamacq; they impressed then and even more so now – great album, great set.

Alphabet