2025 has marked a defining new chapter for Bristol-based Welsh alternative-rock band The Pavilion. Led by frontman Rhys Smedley, the ensemble is made complete by guitarist Iwan Morris, bassist Dan O’Connor, and drummer Josh Vallis. 

 

Known for their high-octane live shows and festival-ready anthems, the band compare to the likes of The Backseat Lovers, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Inhaler, carving a niche in the UK’s indie-rock scene. Second EP, Faces In The Crowd, released back in the summer, marks a pivotal shift in the band’s creative journey, blending raw energy and melodic ambition, Smedley’s vocals delivered with vitality and rasp akin to early The Fray music, the sonics fierce and climactic. 

 

This recent release has helped The Pavilion cultivate a dedicated following, taking them to new cities including Swansea, Cardiff, London, Brighton and Nottingham, as well as support slots alongside The Harbours and Fletchr Fletchr. 

​

The quartet picking up momentum has helped influence new ideas, with the band teasing new music leaning into a new musical direction. “The new music is a lot heavier, but it’s not like we’ve gone from indie rock to fucking punk!” Vallis explains. “It’s far more interesting and the [writing] process has been far more intricate”. 

The Pavilion is Rhys Smedley (vocals & guitar), Iwan Morris (guitar), Dan O’Connor (bass) and Josh Vallis (drums).