Welsh band from Bridgend beats Sabrina Carpenter and Oasis to number 1 in the Official…..read more…..
Welsh Rockers Chroma from Bridgend Soar to Number 1, Outpacing Sabrina Carpenter and Oasis
In a remarkable victory for independent music, Welsh alt-rock band Chroma, hailing from the town of Bridgend, has claimed the Number 1 spot on the Official Albums Chart, outperforming global pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter and iconic Britpop legends Oasis. The achievement marks a defining moment for the up-and-coming group, who have now etched their name into UK music history.
The band’s latest release, Ask for Angela, surged to the top of the UK charts this week, propelled by a groundswell of grassroots support, regional pride, and word-of-mouth buzz. Despite being unsigned by a major label and operating far from the global music machine, Chroma’s fierce sound and emotionally raw lyrics struck a chord with listeners across the UK, culminating in a surprise victory that stunned industry observers.
“We honestly can’t believe it,” said lead vocalist Katie Hall in an emotional interview after the chart reveal. “To be up against artists we’ve admired for years, and to actually top the chart—it’s beyond anything we imagined.”
Chroma’s win comes in a week that saw stiff competition. Sabrina Carpenter, riding high on the viral success of her single Espresso, was widely predicted to secure the top spot with her new album Short n’ Sweet. Meanwhile, Oasis re-entered the top three following the reissue of their landmark album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, now celebrating its 30th anniversary with expanded deluxe editions and a major marketing push.
But it was Chroma who ultimately claimed the crown, thanks in part to an intense local campaign throughout Wales and a loyal fanbase that rallied around the band. Independent record stores reported brisk sales, and online forums lit up with calls to support the Bridgend trio.
Formed in 2016, Chroma consists of lead singer Katie Hall, guitarist Zac Mather, and drummer Liam Bevan. The group blends aggressive punk rhythms with melodic hooks and lyrics that address topics such as mental health, identity, and empowerment. Ask for Angela, named after a UK initiative designed to help people escape dangerous situations at bars or clubs, is their most politically and personally charged work to date.
The album has been praised by critics for its unapologetic themes and genre-bending production. Tracks like Girls Talk and Don’t Wanna Go Out deliver explosive energy, while slower, introspective songs such as Angela and Letters to Myself highlight the band’s emotional depth.
“Chroma isn’t just loud—they’re saying something,” said one review in NME. “This is the sound of a band with something urgent to express.”
The trio recorded the album in Cardiff with producer Steffan Pringle, aiming to capture their live sound while incorporating new sonic textures. The result is an album that feels both intimate and ferocious, earning acclaim across UK music blogs and BBC Radio Wales.
“This is a win not just for us, but for every small band grinding it out in rehearsal rooms and pub gigs,” said guitarist Zac Mather. “It proves that real connection with listeners still matters.”
Social media erupted with congratulatory messages once the chart was announced. Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething praised the band on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Da iawn, Chroma! Bridgend to the top of the charts—what a proud moment for Welsh music!”
Industry analysts note that Chroma’s victory reflects a growing trend of listeners supporting independent and regional artists. “This is a clear sign that the charts are no longer just about streaming giants and major label rollouts,” said chart analyst Millie Reid. “Fans are actively seeking out new voices and authentic stories.”
Chroma plans to celebrate their win with a sold-out hometown show at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl this weekend, before embarking on a UK headline tour in June. The band also hinted that new material may not be far off.
“We’re already back in the studio,” Hall revealed. “This is just the beginning.”
As they bask in the glow of an unexpected chart triumph, Chroma stands as a beacon for independent music in the UK. Their success proves that with talent, tenacity, and a tight-knit community of supporters, even a band from a small town like Bridgend can rise to the top—and stay true to their voice while doing it.
