Magherafelt, Northern Ireland

Although formed in Northern Ireland, General Fiasco looked to America for inspiration, taking cues from guitar-driven bands like the Strokes, Foo Fighters, and Paramore. Shane Davey, Owen Strathern, and Enda Strathern launched the band in 2007, with Davey eventually leaving the lineup and drummer Stephen Leacock taking his place. By 2008, the group had begun attracting attention from U.K.-based publications like NME, due in part to their promising performance at the Leeds Festival. After signing with Infectious Records -- the same label that previously launched Ash, another melodic rock band from Northern Ireland -- the bandmates released their debut album, Buildings, in 2010. ~ Andrew Leahey