10 Best Catfish and the Bottlemen Songs, Ranked by Us

What are the best Catfish and the Bottlemen songs of all time? That’s what we wanted to find out here. Catfish and the Bottlemen are one of the best indie rock bands in modern times and have long delighted us with their anthemic songs since they formed in Llandudno back in 2007. Whether or not you’d count them as one of the best Welsh bands is up for debate, but what shouldn’t be up for debate is the quality of these tunes.

But which tracks stand above the rest? We’ve ranked the 10 best Catfish and the Bottlemen songs, weighing up everything from songwriting and emotional impact to those unforgettable moments that always sound epic live. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the band’s back catalog, these are the songs we think capture Catfish and the Bottlemen at their very best.

10 best Catfish and the Bottlemen songs

1. Cocoon

Few Catfish and the Bottlemen songs capture the band’s appeal quite like “Cocoon.” Built around an infectious guitar riff and Van McCann’s unmistakable vocals, it’s an indie rock anthem that balances youthful recklessness with genuine emotional depth.

The song explores the intoxicating feeling of being completely wrapped up in another person, even when the relationship comes with complications. With the “fuck it if they talk” being an example of its defiant message.

2. Soundcheck

A lot of the band’s songs are about temptation, lust and complicated relationships. This song has similar vibes and has that trademark huge chorus.

There’s an infectious confidence to the song as well. It’s the sort of track that sounds just as good through headphones as it does blasting from festival speakers.

3. 7

“7” is one of Catfish and the Bottlemen’s most emotionally charged songs, combining an irresistible guitar melody with lyrics about longing, desire, and complicated relationships.

There’s a restless quality to the track that makes it particularly compelling, as though the narrator is caught between knowing what he wants and understanding what it might cost him.

4. Hourglass

“Hourglass” showcases a more vulnerable side of Catfish and the Bottlemen, trading some of the band’s usual swagger for a song that feels intimate and reflective.

Its melodic simplicity is a major strength, allowing the feelings behind the words to take center stage. It also has a pretty funny video, playing on the end of the song and trying to fidn the perfect end to a great line of lyrics that you just can’t get right.

5. Longshot

Arriving in 2019 ahead of their third album, The Balance, the track showed the band wasn’t going to be moving away from what made them successful.

Its lyrics explore the risks involved in pursuing a relationship, capturing that moment when taking a chance on someone feels worth the potential heartbreak. The driving rhythm has plenty of character, and it’s just another brilliant indie rock track.

6. Rango

“Rango” is one of the standout tracks from Catfish and the Bottlemen’s debut album, The Balcony, showcasing the raw energy and infectious melodies that helped establish the band’s identity. Driven by punchy guitar work and a relentless rhythm, the song has an urgency that makes it difficult to sit still while listening. Van McCann’s vocals bring plenty of attitude, giving the track a rebellious edge that fits perfectly with the band’s early indie rock sound. There’s a directness to the songwriting that makes it instantly accessible without sacrificing personality. “Rango” might not always receive the same attention as the band’s biggest hits, but it captures their appeal brilliantly.

7. Fallout

Taken from The Balcony, “Fallout” highlights Catfish and the Bottlemen’s ability to turn relationship uncertainty into an infectious indie rock song. The track combines energetic instrumentation with Van McCann’s characteristically expressive vocals, creating a sense of tension that runs throughout. Its lyrics explore the complications that arise when feelings become difficult to navigate, giving the song an emotional foundation beneath its driving guitars. What makes “Fallout” particularly effective is the way the band balances its restless energy with a memorable melody. It feels urgent without becoming overwhelming, making it another strong example of the songwriting that helped Catfish and the Bottlemen become one of Britain’s most recognizable indie rock acts.

8. Conversation

“Conversation” demonstrates the melodic instincts that made Catfish and the Bottlemen such an exciting addition to the British indie rock scene. With its crisp guitars, energetic rhythm, and instantly recognizable vocal delivery, the track has the ingredients of a classic band anthem. Van McCann brings an engaging mix of confidence and vulnerability, helping the song feel personal even when the instrumentation pushes toward something bigger. The appeal lies in its straightforward approach: strong melodies, memorable hooks, and enough emotional tension to keep things interesting. Like the band’s best material, “Conversation” doesn’t need unnecessary musical flourishes to make an impression. It relies on the strength of its songwriting and the chemistry between the instruments.

9. Business

“Business” captures the youthful intensity that runs through Catfish and the Bottlemen’s early catalogue. Featured on The Balcony, the song pairs energetic guitar riffs with a driving rhythm section, creating the kind of sound that feels perfectly suited to a packed venue. McCann’s distinctive vocals give the track its personality, delivering the lyrics with an urgency that makes the emotions feel immediate. There’s an appealing roughness to the band’s performance, too, helping the song retain its edge rather than sounding overly polished. “Business” might not be the first track casual listeners think of, but it demonstrates how effectively Catfish and the Bottlemen turn straightforward indie rock into something genuinely exciting.

10. Homesick

“Homesick” is one of Catfish and the Bottlemen’s most affecting songs, blending their signature guitar-driven sound with a more vulnerable exploration of distance, desire, and emotional attachment. Also featured on The Balcony, the track captures the feeling of wanting someone who isn’t always within reach, making its central themes easy to connect with. McCann’s vocals sound particularly convincing here, balancing frustration with an underlying tenderness that gives the song its emotional weight. The instrumentation builds naturally around the melody, allowing the chorus to deliver its full impact without losing the intimacy of the verses. It’s a brilliant example of the band’s ability to make personal relationship struggles feel like universal indie rock anthems.

Enjoyed this list? Then check out the best Biffy Clyro songs ever released.