From “who?” to “mon dieu!”, these are the alternative bands that’ll make Rock En Seine 2025 c’est magnifique…
Words by Felix Bartlett | August 15, 2025
Grab your berets, dust off your coolest sunglasses, and prepare for five days of sonic bliss with that bottle of wine you’ve been saving because Rock en Seine is around the corner and the 2025 lineup is stacked, and we’ve rounded up the must-see acts that’ll have you sprinting between stages.
From Parisian punk to Irish post-punk, stoner rock legends to experimental noise-makers, here’s the alternative artists who you cannot miss.
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE | Sun – Grande Scène
The kings of desert rock are back, and you know they’re closing the festival with a bang. Josh Homme & co. are set to deliver riff after filthy riff that’s definitely going to give us a night to remember as we celebrate the final evening. Expect No One Knows, Go With the Flow, and probably a few surprises.
For fans of: Kyuss, The Strokes, Royal Blood
THÉA | Sun – Scène Horizons
This French singer-songwriter is the hidden gem of the festival. With a voice that swings between smoky jazz club and indie-rock confessional, Théa’s live shows are intimate yet explosive. Think Charlotte Gainsbour meets Warpaint, perfect for that golden-hour slot when you’re sipping rosé and pretending you’re in a French New Wave film.
For fans of: Melody’s Echo Chamber, La Femme, Cocteau Twins
ASH | Fri – Scène Revolut
No, not the Burn Baby Burn Ash (though that’d be fun too). This Ash is a Parisian noise-rock trio serving up jagged riffs and hypnotic rhythms. Their live sets are notorious for being an absolute blast, with a sound like if Sonic Youth and The Jesus and Mary Chain had a baby raised on espresso and existentialism.
For fans of: METZ, A Place to Bury Strangers, The Kills
EAT-GIRLS | Sat – Scène Nouveaux Talents
The name alone should tell you this isn’t background music. Eat-Girls are a riotous all-female punk act from Paris, blending garage-rock snarl with riot grrrl attitude. Their live shows are pure energy, expect crowd-surfing, shredded vocals, and possibly a broken drumstick or two.
For fans of: The Slits, Bikini Kill, Amyl and The Sniffers
JUSTICE | Sat – Grande Scène
Okay, fine, they’re technically electro, but Justice’s live show is more rock ’n’ roll than half the bands here. Their wall of bass, blinding lights, and Cross-era bangers turn any crowd into a pulsating, sweat-drenched mass.
For fans of: The Prodigy, Gesaffelstein, M83
FONTAINES D.C. | Sun – Grande Scène
Ireland’s post-punk poets are a live revelation. Grian Chatten’s deadpan delivery over relentless drums and wiry guitars creates a tension that’s both brooding and explosive. If you missed their Romance tour, this is your redemption.
For fans of: Idles, Shame, The Murder Capital
LAST TRAIN | Sun – Scène Revolut
French indie-rock at its finest, Last Train’s melancholic melodies and soaring choruses are tailor-made for sunset sets. Think The National with a Gallic twist, perfect for when you need a breather (but still want to feel things deeply).
For fans of: Phoenix, Arcade Fire, DIIV
KNEeCAP | Sat – Scène Horizons
Do we need to say anymore than just the name. Belfast’s anarchic rap trio Kneecap are the wildcard of the festival. Mixing Irish lyrics with punk energy and hip-hop beats, their live shows are equal parts political, chaotic, and hilarious. If you don’t know the words, just yell along anyway you’re sure to have a blast at this one.
For fans of: Sleaford Mods, Slowthai, Bob Vylan
FAT DOG | Fri – Scène Revolut
Punk? Dance? Klezmer? Whatever Fat Dog is, it’s insane live. Imagine The Fall fronted by a deranged carnival barker, backed by a brass section, and you’re halfway there. Their sets are pure, unhinged joy.
For fans of: Viagra Boys, Squid, Shame
PROVOKER | Sun – Scène Bosquet
Moody, seductive, and dripping with post-punk energy, Provoker’s live show is all smoky vocals and hypnotic basslines. If you’re into The Cure but wish they were a bit more Blade Runner, this is your band.
For fans of: Drab Majesty, Molchat Doma, Soft Kill
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