Soapbox ‘The Fear’
After setting TRNSMT alight last week with a riotous set, Soapbox have shared new single ‘The Fear’. A feeling that will be all too familiar to those who have enjoyed a night of booze-fuelled hedonism, the band capture that all-consuming fear that follows a heavy night out against a backdrop of raw, relentless punk rock. Tommy Rowan is as direct and vivid as ever in his lyrical narrative, depicting the darker side of the Scottish experience in typically acerbic, witty and unrelenting fashion.
Zoe Graham ‘Even Though I’m Scared’
Following the enchanting ‘Evilin’, Zoe Graham is back with new single ‘Even Though I’m Scared’. Having emerged from the studio with a revitalised focus and creativity, it’s another impressive track that’s layered with innovative synth melodies and velvety vocals – the cosmic arrangement adding to the intrigue of the lyrical content. “Even Though I’m Scared” is a song about morbid fascination. Deep gut feelings you ignore at the time. In the end, that habitual avoidance will lead you down the rocky and tumultuous road to disaster. Who cares about the warning signs? Tear them down and bury them in a deep dark hole, snug alongside your internal voice of reason, that voice that’s there to protect you. You’ve never learned how to listen to It before, so why start now?”
Citizen Papes ‘Unbelievable’
Increasingly prolific in his output, Citizen Papes has followed up his recent EP ‘For You’ and ‘Gramophone’ with the moving ‘Unbelievable’. It’s a warm, brass-adorned track that sees the Scottish-born artist reflecting on a past relationship and embarking on a new chapter – the emotional crux of the song elevated by a warm, upbeat backdrop that indicates fresh new beginnings.
Joy Hotel ‘Ceremony’
Years of dedication and craftsmanship have led to the release of Joy Hotel’s debut album ‘Ceremony’, out today on SO Recordings. The band have steadily cultivated a distinctive sound that’s as much rooted in classic melodies and sounds of the past as it is in rich storytelling and stellar lyricism – and this results in an eclectic and accomplished debut record that not only celebrates their influences, but also offers something entirely unique. Wasting little time in introducing us to their cinematic world on ‘I Decline’, the band expertly glide through 13 tracks with ease – from the stripped back ‘Forever Tender Blue’ to the dirty, grungy riffs of ‘First Joy’ to the triumphant lead single ‘Jeremiah’. It’s an inviting, comforting and endlessly compelling listen – showcasing the kind of mature and depth that’s hard to conquer on a debut album.
Primal Scream ‘Love Insurrection’
Primal Scream have announced their first new album in eight years, ‘Come Ahead’, following 2016’s ‘Chaosmosis’. Along with the news, the Scottish veterans have unveiled ‘Love Insurrection’, a funk-indebted, string-laden track with nods to Curtis Mayfield. Bobby Gillespie said: “I’m very excited about this album in a way that you would be making your first record. If there was an overall theme to ‘Come Ahead’ it might be one of conflict, whether inner or outer. There is also a thread of compassion running through the album. The title is a Glaswegian term. If someone threatens to fight you, you say, ‘come ahead!’ It’s redolent of the indomitable spirit of the Glaswegian, and the album itself shares that aggressive attitude and confidence. They have a word for this up there, gallus. Come Ahead’s quite a cheeky title too.”
Big Girl’s Blouse ‘Day and Night’
Following the release of ‘Sleepy Night’ a few weeks ago, Big Girl’s Blouse have made a quickfire return with ‘Day And Night’. It’s an insistent slice of wiry punk that never quite lets up throughout – fiercely upbeat and circling around the one infectious, fuzzy hook. Gathering momentum as it goes on with gang-like vocals and hard-hitting drums, it’s another stellar addition to their growing catalogue. The band headline King Tuts tonight as part of Summer Nights.
Listen to the playlist here.
