The Cords at the Merch Market

11th January 2026 at Troxy, London

The Cords are a Scottish sibling duo, sisters Grace and Eva Tedeschi. They have already played with BMX Bandits, Camera Obscura and Belle and Sebastian, and will be joining The Charlatans on their spring tour. Earlier, while being interviewed on stage, Tim Burgess had explained how he had handpicked them: “They’re fantastic. Friends of mine in Scotland had turned me on to them and I played them to The Charlatans and they all loved them.” But first, they have a prime slot on the Troxy stage during the Merch Market. 

We get to know them a little during a quick interview before their set, Eva did most of the talking and explained that they’d grown up listening to music with their family and started playing quite young, both learning drums.

Taking to the stage at Troxy, with Grace on drums and Eva as signer and guitarist, they kick off their set with their fantastic single Fabulist. A fireball of jangly guitars and fast beats, it’s a classic indie pop tune that’s refreshing and energising.

“You’re nothing but a fabulist anywayyyyy”.

The pace continues though each song, each a perfectly packaged slice of musical energy. October is another frenetic stomp of indie heaven and there’s something enchanting about all the “ba-ba-ba-ba-ba”’s that appear in some of their songs. 

Eva didn’t call out the names of many songs but I would guess that they played most, if not all, of their eponymous debut album during their neat half-hour set. Eva explained that they always end their set with a cover of “My Favourite Dress” by the Wedding Present, which was a great choice and perfectly suited The Cords style. 

They have Scottish tour dates coming up, and their next London gig with Heavenly, at the Lexington is a matinee for over 14’s (accompanied by adults) to allow their younger fans to see them.

There’s a retro, nostalgic feel to The Cords, but they are young and fresh and exciting. I’m already looking forward to seeing them again on tour with The Charlatans.