The Only Alternative, or TOA for short, launched in December 2015 on Hermitage FM in Coalville as Words and Music. After around 80 shows, the words half of the crew moved south and the show continued as Music before evolving into The Only Alternative.

After surviving the move to CPR, TOA has become the more eclectic show we know and love today.

Although the show leans heavily towards punk, the punk tag should not put you off. TOA covers old school ’77 punk, ska, reggae, indie, pop punk, folk punk, ska punk, stoner rock, Oi!, anarcho punk, folk, UK 82, various forms of rockabilly, 1960s and 1970s garage punk, goth, indie pop and even some rawk from time to time.

There are plenty of other genres in the mix too. If it is interesting, unexpected or makes you stop and listen, it deserves a place on the show.

The appeal is in the variety of the music and the discoveries made while researching each programme. Some musical rabbit holes are very rewarding, and finding a new band gives listeners another artist to get excited about.

Join TOA every week for a lively mix of alternative music, new discoveries and the unexpected, only on CPR.