GIVEN the diverse and far reaching nature of the Scottish music scene, it’d be easy to not be entirely acquainted with every band and album that’s earned its place on The Scottish Album Of The Year longlist. Here’s a brief overview of this year’s nominees-
Belle & Sebastian – Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance- Glasgow’s Belle & Sebastian have long been revered by both the underground and mainstream in equal measure. Gaining a significant amount of praise following the release of 2014’s Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance, their promotional schedule for the record took them across the globe. The release itself was an album of wistful pop, interspersed with moments of aggression and ecstasy that hadn’t always been present upon previous albums.
Blue Rose Code – The Ballads Of Peckham Rye- The brainchild of singer-songwriter Ross Wilson, Blue Rose Code is the talented musician’s vehicle to release emotive and at times uplifting compositions that appeal to both the soul and the mind. Expanding upon the sound developed upon his equally entertaining debut North Ten, his sophomore effort contains guest features from a whos-who of Britain’s finest purveyors of folk and contains several arms aloft anthems; including the tremendous ‘Oh North’, an ode to the nation itself.
Errors – Lease Of Life- Part of the Rock Action stable, Glasgow’s Errors are one of the finest Electronic influenced outfits operating within the UK today. With several well-received releases under their belt, the attention accredited to them has certainly increased following the emergence of Lease Of Life. The album is filled with lavish instrumentals and as forward-thinking as anything you’re likely to hear this year.
Fatherson – I Am An Island – On the circuit for a good few years now, Fatherson are just back from SXSW where they recorded a session for TTV – watch below. Their 2014 record I Am An Island was released via a label set-up by their management that seen the band and label work together to independently finance and release the record without the standard record company structure. The result is a solid slice of indie rock packed full of guitar riffs and licks to bop your head to.
Happy Meals – Apéro- The duo of Suzanne Rodden and Lewis Cook have been together for a long time, having been in a relationship for a number of years. However, it wasn’t until recently that they began to truly embrace a musical partnership. Formed on a whim after a session at Glasgow’s own Green Door Studio, the band’s output incorporates a wide range of influences from disco to psychedelia and new wave; ensuring that there is never a dull moment upon their debut record.
Honeyblood – Honeyblood- A Glasgow-based two piece that have cultivated a steadily growing fanbase over the past couple of years since making the T Break 16 in 2013, Honeyblood are without a doubt one of the city’s finest bands. Possessing a tremendous sound that harks back to the golden era of punk-based aggression, the girl duo manage to pluck in facets of modern day dream pop and indie to their sound effortlessly well.
Idlewild – Everything Ever Written- Formed in the nation’s capital in 1995, Idlewild have been one of the nation’s most consistent alt-rock acts, delivering album after album of progressive and captivating material. Returning from a lengthy lay-off with a reinvigorated sense of purpose, the corresponding record Everything Ever Written sees the band transport their sound into the territory of Dylan’s Highway 61 as well as paying homage to their Scottish roots with hints of traditional instrumentation.
Kathryn Joseph – Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled- Cultivating a sense of ethereal and intangible beauty which is at the forefront of her recorded material, Kathryn Joseph is an artist who is yet to attain the broader acclaim which she undoubtedly deserves. With the majority of the album recorded live, the record truly is an awe inspiring feat; featuring hints of artists ranging from Bjork to Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.
King Creosote – From Scotland With Love- A stalwart of Scotland’s ever expanding music scene, Kenny Anderson has saw himself not only nominated for SAY award in previous year’s but was also in contention to win the lofty Mercury Prize with 2011’s Diamond Mine project. Concieved as a companion piece to a documentary of the same name, the album’s 11 tracks have since taken on a life of their own; held dear by many within the nation and from further afield.
Mike Vass – In The Wake Of Neil Gunn- Stemming from the reading of Gunn’s book ‘Off In A Boat’ whilst recovering from an illness and crafted after he undertook the same journey around the West of Scotland, composer Mike Vass’ latest work is a feat which is to be admired. Steeped in the nation’s rich musical heritage without coming across as nostalgic in any way, In The Wake Of Neil Gunn is a mesmeric and spell-bounding body of work.
Mogwai – Rave Tapes- One of the country’s most critically adored acts and with a catalogue that never fails to amaze the masses, 2015 sees Mogwai mark their 20th year together as one of the most creative forces within the nation. Continuing on their tradition of delivering beautiful and exquisite post rock, Rave Tapes is an album resplendent with swathes of electronica and pulse racing rhythms.
Paolo Nutini – Caustic Love- One of the country’s most renowned troubadours, the name Paolo Nutini has became synonymous with excellent songwriting and a constant need to redefine himself. Releasing three entirely disparate albums over the course of his already storied career, his latest work Caustic Love sees him dip his toe into everything from funk to northern soul and r&b. Featuring anthemic hits such as ‘Scream (Funk My Life Up)’ and the poignant ‘Iron Sky’, the album saw him produce his most accomplished LP to date.
PAWS – Youth Culture Forever- With a sound that incorporates the catchiness of indie and 90s alt rock with the visceral nature of punk, Glasgow’s own PAWS have been making waves within the music industry since emerging in 2010. The trio’s tour with bands such as Ty Segall, Bleached and the legendary Breeders has resulted in a fervent fanbase on many continents. Undoubtedly their best record to date, ‘Youth Culture Forever’ opened the FatCat signed band up to a broader audience with its immensely catchy and yet notably raw compositions.
Slam – Reverse Proceed- Arguably the forefathers of underground house in Glasgow and a group who played a pivotal role in techno’s rise to prominence, SLAM are embedded within the nation’s clubbing culture. Curators of T In The Park’s infamous ‘Slam Tent’ for over 15 years and an act that have honed their craft after decades of touring all over the world, Reverse Proceed is the latest collection of great electronic music from the dance pioneers.
The Amazing Snakeheads – Amphetamine Ballads- A band that have unfortunately disbanded in the wake of a great deal of critical fervour and attention from all corners of the music world, The Amazing Snakeheads shone so brightly; but unfortunately could no longer harness their volatile energy into their creative endeavours. With TTV dubbing the album our favourite of 2014; Amphetamine Ballads continues to resonate with all of those who were entranced by its unique sound; with nods to everyone from Alex Harvey to Nick Cave, it was one of the most original records to have been birthed in the nation in years.
The Phantom Band – Strange Friend- Brazenly experimental and never deterred by any preconceived notions regarding their sound, The Phantom Band have became part of the bedrock of Scotland’s alternative scene, producing several albums of intriguing and undefinable music. Continuing to defy convention upon third album Strange Friend, the band ushered in an new era of productivity which saw them also release the excellent Fears Trending.
The Twilight Sad – Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave- The Twilight Sad launched their fourth LP this year, with the gangly title Nobody Wants To Be Here and Nobody Wants To Leave. It was dark, brooding and very much how you want The Twilight Sad to sound. It also felt like a culmination of all their previous work, more rounded and complete. Having recently returned from a jaunt at SXSW, check out their TTV session from the states below.
Treacherous Orchestra – Grind- an 11 piece band who derive as much of their sound from rock as they do celtic music, Treacherous Orchestra’s Grind was acclaimed among folk and traditional circles due to their wholly subversive sound.
Withered Hand – New Gods- Hailing from Edinburgh, Dan Wilson’s work under the moniker of Withered Hand sees him provide an in-depth account of his musings on a variety of incredibly relatable subjects; enticing the listener into developing an affection for an artist who is almost too willing to bare his soul to those who wish to hear it. Crafting a larger sound upon his sophomore effort New Gods, he manages to retain the unbridled candidness of his initial recordings whilst diversifying from a sonic standpoint.
Young Fathers – DEAD- Winner of the much sought-after Mercury Prize, Young Fathers’ incredible Dead is a record which assaults the listeners’ sensibilities with both ferociousness and subtlety. Growing exponentially since their humble beginnings as an Edinburgh based hip-hop group, they have metamorphosed into an act whose music borders upon the inexplicable, utilising elements from any genre that they see fit and incorporating it into what is one of the most downright impressive sounds that can be found anywhere today. After beating Hector Bizerk to the punch in 2014, could it be a double for the Edinburgh guys in 2015?
