Declan Welsh & The Decadent West ‘Inaction’
Our TT24 headliners Declan Welsh & The Decadent West have unleashed a new single ahead of the festival tomorrow. ‘Inaction’ is one of the band’s most direct songs to date and a powerful response to the continued inaction of our politicians, media and general citizens in the face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. At 188bpm, it’s a song made to be played in front of a live crowd – an onslaught of frenzied guitars and Welsh’s characteristically potent lyrics.
Declan Welsh: ‘This is a song written after nearly a year of watching the worst things imaginable happen to people on a daily basis live-streamed while everyone has various debates about whether it should happen, and we all stand up and say that it shouldn’t while it continues. It is a criticism of the idea of debate in and of itself, and of the limits of free discussion and expression as a tool to be used by people to change things. It’s a frenetic, frustrated, five hundred mile an hour punk song designed to be played live and felt.’
They headline the Barrowlands at 9.15pm tomorrow.
‘Life Advice’ The Zebecks ft Declan Welsh and the Decadent West
And that’s not all from our TT24 headliner. He’s also teamed up with Elgin outfit The Zebecks for their new track ‘Life Advice’ – a love song with a twist. What initially seems like a traditional love ballad soon reveals to be something altogether different as they explore ideas of infatuation and emotional projection. This is reflected in Dan Thomas’ intense and passionate vocal performance – his exaggerated adorations juxtaposed by Welsh who reproaches these unchecked emotions. Ultimately, the protagonist fails to learn his lesson as the band deliver a clever message about blind admiration and possessive infatuation.
Speaking on the collaboration, Dan reflects, “Working with Declan Welsh was a full-circle moment for us and an opportunity to expand and develop our understanding of lyricism. Sharing our creative space allowed us to see our own song from a new perspective and Declan’s contribution emphasised the ironic edge of the song’s story. His iconic voice on one of our own tracks is still surreal to hear.”
Produced by Jamie Holmes, it’s their most ambitious sounding track to date – scaled up with thunderous drums and a climactic and rousing finale. The band play Barrowlands 2 at 5.30pm as part of our BBC Introducing collab.
Scotstown Dance Band ‘Shinty and Violence’
Set to open the festival tomorrow at Van Winkle, Scotstown Dance Band have shared their third single ‘Shinty and Violence’. It’s written in tribute to Scotland’s national game while also revealing the darker side to rural life:unemployment, the death of young men and violence.
Rory Green said: “..we wanted to write an up-tempo ceilidh-influenced song that gets everyone on the dance floor, but also shines a spotlight on the darker side of rural life. We live in a beautiful place, but there are challenges and a lack of opportunities…
Catch them at Van Winkle tomorrow at 2pm.
Fright Years ‘Stars’
Ahead of making their TRAIL debut, Edinburgh’s Fright Years have shared a powerful new single called ‘Stars’. Packed with emotional weight, the song sees lead vocalist Jules Kelly cathartically searching to try to process her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis – her emotive vocals delivered against a soaring, anthemic backdrop of guitars and drums. It’s a potent mix and a moving listen – showcasing the band at their very best.
Kelly said “I wasn’t trying to write about it, and to be honest it felt quite weird that I was. But if you have ever experienced something like that, you’ll understand that it consumes absolutely everything. I asked my dad why he wasn’t angrier, I just thought he was the unluckiest person in the world. But he said he still considered himself a very lucky person. In fact, he couldn’t believe just how lucky he had been to have had such an amazing life and to have been so happy. I just found it unbelievable that he could have that perspective. Stars is about, losing faith in your own power, and then finding new freedom in exactly that- ‘I see stars now, I need stars out to keep me going.”
They play the Winged Ox at 7.45pm.
Roller Disco Death Party ‘Keep the Balance’
Roller Disco Death Party will bring their pulsing electronica to Van Winkle this weekend. Having treated us to bangers like ‘Day By Day’ and ‘Last Days of Isolation’, their new single ‘Keep The Balance’ sees them continue their rich vein of form. Bearing all the distinctive tropes that we’ve heard from the duo thus far – big bass, heady synths and powerful, addictive vocal hooks – it’s a gripping return that takes them to new invigorating heights. Think Chemical Brothers, Justice, Soulwax etc – and don’t miss out when they play Van Winkle at 7pm.
Majesty Palm ‘All Dressed Up’
Returning to TRAIL after an impressive debut last year, Majesty Palm are back for round two tomorrow where they’ll play the Barrowlands. In time for that eagerly anticipated set, they’ve shared ‘All Dressed Up’ – a pulsing slice of electro-pop that marks another step forward for the outfit. Driven by an insistent rhythm section, it’s perhaps their most direct song to date – there’s a darker, richer tone to the synths while Olivia delivers a stirring, soulful vocal performance as she reflects on a toxic relationship. The band themselves have said the song shows their darker side – and it makes for an enthralling listen.
They play Barrowlands tomorrow at 6pm.
Dutch Wine ‘If I Fall Through The Ceiling’
Joining our BBC Introducing lineup over at Barrowlands 2 tomorrow, the prolific Dutch Wine have added another single to their increasingly impressive repertoire. Known for their distinctive DIY aesthetic, the band’s music is always imbued with a raw, potent energy that lends an urgency to their songwriting, far removed from any modern indie rock tropes or over production. And new single ‘If I Fall Through The Ceiling’ is another great example of this. The arrival of new member Lou Mackey does add a new dynamic to the fold – her vocals the perfect foil to Calvin Smith’s earnest delivery. Opening in rather understated fashion with underlying melancholy, it opens up to a full-bodied eom rocker – driven by one of their finest choruses to date.
Speaking about its inspiration, Smith said: “I centred the lyrics around the idea that I often have to assume what I’m doing is the correct decision. I can be incredibly indecisive, so holding onto the hope that everything happens for a reason takes a bit of weight off my shoulders. I don’t exactly believe in fate as such, but sometimes life takes control and you do end up exactly where you’re meant to be. It’s also a bit about perseverance and not giving up on your dreams, which I’m sure a lot of creatives can relate to. Hope can be damaging sometimes but it can also end up being your best friend.
When Lou added her vocals in, it felt like everything just fell into place all over again. Her vocals slotted in so perfectly and really added a whole new layer to our sound in such a positive manner.”
They play Barrowlands 2 at 7.30pm.
LeisureLand ‘Tired’
On a busy release week, LeisureLand have also shared the moody ‘Tired.’ Described by the band as ‘perfect for this miserable time of year’, it’s a melancholic, guitar-driven number – rooted in introspection and earnest lyrics. Featuring some spidery guitar work, it’s a rousing addition to their growing catalogue.
Catch them at McChuills at 10pm.
Check out our TENEMENT TRAIL 2024 playlist below. Tickets HERE.
