Cowboy Hunters ‘Punched in the Head’
Glasgow’s Cowboy Hunters have finally shared the track that made them go viral. After racking up thousands of views off the back of a YouTube video, the pair have doubled their listening base and played numerous sold out shows – without even a whisper of a debut album. Not to mention their new celebrity fans in Machine Gun Kelly and Florence Pugh, joining the likes of Oli Skyes, Frank Carter and so many more. The tune in question ‘Punched in the Head’ is an assault on the senses – familiar yet unfamiliar, frenetic yet nonchalant, distorted yet immediate. It’s like a demonic fairground, where punk meets grime and the vocal sits somewhere between a sneer and shrug. It’s a future dancefloor classic – and they’ve just announced a huge show at the Art School on 12th December with a hefty lineup of local talent.
Joesef ‘Separate’
Joesef is officially back, sharing new song ‘Separate’. It signals the beginning of a new era for the Glaswegian singer, songwriter and producer after 2023’s debut album Permanent Damage, which was top #20 in the UK Official Albums Chart and received critical acclaim.
On the new track, Joesef moves into a more electronic sound – the emotional, heartfelt core is still there, but his soulful ruminations are set against throbbing beats and pulsing synths. It’s made as much for headphones on a late night cab ride home, as the dancefloor. Produced by Barney Lister (Joy Crookes, Olivia Dean, Obongjayar) and Joesef, the track was fire played at a series of intimate club nights in Glasgow and Edinburgh this summer – making the club the first place his new music is heard.
He says “Separate is about a specific experience where I knew it was probably the last time I’d ever see someone. It’s a strange feeling trying to imagine your life without somebody, who at one point, you couldn’t imagine living without. The first verse reflects the initial grief of the loss, while the second is the imminent feeling of anger and rejection.”
Oedipus and the Mama’s Boys ‘Blood on the Sand’
Edinburgh group Oedipus and the Mama’s Boys make their TENEMENT TRAIL debut next weekend in McChuills – but before then, they’ve dropped a new track called ‘Blood on the Sand’. True to form, it’s an invigorating amalgamation of post-rock, noise, folk and psychedelia that takes many twists and turns – opening with a thunderous onslaught before weaving through tense, brooding moments and euphoric moments of catharsis.
“This song was the song written to return to. To bring us into our new home, where each member took their own part and set it alight. This song feels like, and in many ways is, the beginning of where we are, and where we know we can go. It’s been played for over a year, and is everything that is beautiful and bright burning about our music. Taking direct inspiration from the Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.”
Walt Disco ‘walt disco’
Walt Disco’s third album marks a definitive new era for the group – one which transforms their sound to new transformative and deeply moving heights. Sonically, it takes cues from the noisy alt-rock of Smashing Pumpkins, the indie-sleaze swagger of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and hazy dream pop of Cocteau Twins, but it’s the stories behind the songs that really make an impact. Lyrically The record explores Jocelyn Si’s trans journey in a way that’s honest, fierce and beautifully intimate. She says: “A lot of these songs came from feeling incredibly low, but I’m always struck by the kindness I was able to show myself in the lyrics even when I couldn’t be kind to myself like that outside of writing. I hope this helps some people.
Bottle Rockets ‘biting’
A few months after the release of their ‘father’s daughter’ EP, Bottle Rockets are already back with ‘biting’. Retaining the same cinematic, emotive feel of that EP, the new track feels more deliberate and slow burning – shaped by late 90s and early 2000s influences with saturated guitars, brooding melodies and a darker edge. A brilliant example of building tension and release, it’s another stellar addition to their catalogue.
Heidi Curtis ‘Summon’
Another artist making her TRAIL debut next week, Newcastle singer Heidi Curtis has spent the summer supporting Florence + The Machine, Lewis Capaldi, Self Esteem, Mumford & Sons, The War On Drugs, Rachel Chinouriri and Wunderhorse. And now she’s announced her Summon EP, out November 20th via AWAL. The title track is out now and it’s driving, high-energy slice of indie-rock.
Curtis says of the track: “Summon is a totem of strength and resilience. It represents the courage we conjure to step forward into situations that intimidate us and conquer them with confidence. Writing this song made me realise how much I question my power as a woman in music, how uncomfortable I sometimes feel to be too loud or too grand. However, Summon reignited a strength in me I had forgotten and through its creation, reminded me to not be afraid of creating music that was ferocious.
https://open.spotify.com/track/7Fr5OIHrtbxWsYglEXdqow?si=227cae3922694ec7
Madra Salach ‘Ribbon Factory’
Alternative folk Irish six-piece Madra Salach share their new single ‘Ribbon Factory’, the first new song arriving after a summer that saw them hailed as one of the most exciting live acts on the UK and EU festival circuit.
“Ribbon Factory” will be recognised by those who have seen them live over the past year, and it carries that explosive energy into the recording, as frontman Paul Banks’ explains;
“Ribbon Factory is a song we’ve been particularly excited to share. It feels like a stepping stone for us into more lively and punky arrangements. We’ve been playing it live for over a year and that’s really influenced the recording. It’s a uniquely Irish song and is wrought with anger and despair.”
The single was recorded with in-demand producer Loren Humphrey in New York – whose recent other credits include Geese and Cameron Winter, as well as Westside Cowboy’s It Goes On album.
Sally Stenning ‘Reviews, Or Sermons’
Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Sally Stenning has shared a moving new track called ‘Reviews, Or Sermons’. Known for her arresting, poetic lyrics and delicate blend of folk and alt-rock, the new track is about seeking comfort and validation from the world during a tumultuous period in her personal life. It was recorded live at Black Bay Studio, and you get that warmth from the organic instruments and gorgeous, timeless vocals. There’s a quiet optimism that bubbles underneath those beautiful melodies.
CUZINO and Nwanneka ‘Radioactive’
Fast-rising producer CUZINO has shared a pulsing new track called ‘Radioactive’, in collaboration with singer/songwriter Nwanneka (aka Plantainchipps). The perfect way to start your Friday night it’s a fast-paced, club-ready anthem, driven by a pulsing, relentless bass line and vocal hooks. It’s a confident return that explores themes of lust and desire.
Tomorrow Kid ‘FACE DOWN’
Dundee singer, songwriter and producer Tomorrow Kid is back with ‘FACE DOWN’ – a fast, fuzzy burst of alt-rock that channels The Strokes, Feeder and the electronic chaos of Porter Robinson. It’s about being completely fed up and burnt out from love – balancing his frustration with a bit of tongue-in-cheek humour. Packed with earworm hooks, you can tune in below.
