The Upper Hand

The Upper Hand are an Exeter and Torquay-based indie-rock band formed during the upheaval that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. Their music draws on rock, pop, indie, blues and touches of funk, pairing energetic arrangements with reflective storytelling. ‘Bottle of Pain’ was the band’s earliest composition, written in 2022, and became a foundational part of their sound. The song channels grief, heartbreak and emotional exhaustion through gritty guitar lines, driving rhythms and an expressive vocal from lead singer Aaron Samuel. The Upper Hand made their recorded debut in August 2022 and went on to receive the title of Devon’s Best New Artist 2023/24. Their live identity is shaped by high-energy performances, while their writing frequently uses music as a way to close difficult chapters and move forward.