SOAPBOX ‘LOCK IN’ 

In their three-year existence, Soapbox have already made an indelible impact with their firebrand punk tunes and no-holds-barred attitude – pissing off Glasgow City Council with posters across the city promoting their debut ‘HAWD THAT’ EP, gaining support from Jeremy Corbyn following the release of ‘Private Public Transport’ and strangely gaining attention of alt-right figure Gavin McInnes, before swiftly sending him on his way. On top of that, they’ve sold out numerous shows, won ‘Best Rock/Alternative’ at the SAMAs and played TRNSMT.

Now they’re building on all that momentum with the release of ‘LOCK IN’ – an EP that finds them louder, rawer, grittier and more provocative than ever before. Taking influence from all ends of the punk spectrum, from Dirt and Crass to Soft Play and Amyl & The Sniffers, ‘LOCK IN’ is an adrenaline-fuelled, furious burst of energy that never quite lets up throughout – led by the unapologetic Tom Rowan who lends them a distinct identity, shouting and sneering over their electrifying guitar work, swaggering rhythms and pummelling drums, while taking on subjects ranging from panic attacks to Starmer’s Labour to the music industry.

To mark the release, the band headline Glasgow Art School tonight. Don’t mess about – tune in below.

Shay O’Dowd ‘The Kid I Am’

Shay O’Dowd, born and raised in Glasgow, has shared his debut single ‘The Kid I Am’. It’s a song dedicated to Shay’s younger self, exploring the feelings of having to strip away parts of yourself as a child to fully grow up. In his own words, “adults are simply just grown up kids and as we mature and age, we’re all still kids at heart trying to navigate the complexities of adulthood. This song is basically me speaking to my younger self, promising to live more fearlessly and dream a little more in order to make ‘The Kid I Am’ proud.”

Inspired by the likes of Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, and Noah Kahan, Shay finds writing about other people most interesting. “I am passionate about people and communication; both of which have served me well in the world of songwriting. I value authenticity and honesty as an artist, writing songs that capture the beautiful complexities of life.”

òrain ‘Little Flea’

Scottish folk trio òrain have today shared an EP titled ‘Hanging Fruit’, which features ‘Little Flea’. After starting out as the bedroom project of Fraser Johnston, the project quickly took on a new lease of life in the studio  – weaving folk, rock, jazz and ambient influences together to create a dreamy, reflective sound that touches the heart and mind. There’s elements of Aldous Harding, Jessica Pratt and even 70s Laurel Canyon-era folk to the EP – if it was crafted in the Hebrides – as the band build on their original foundations, while pushing into new creative territory. ‘Little Flea’ is the first to feature Molly Ingleby on lead vocals and it’s a gorgeous track – her yearning, dream-like vocals delivered over a sun-kissed melody.

“Little Flea was originally titled Mialum, the Gaelic translation of its name, inspired by the beautifully strange place-names on the island where it was written. The song was born from a summer spent listening to Sylvie, Jessica Pratt, and Neil Young—but instead of Laurel Canyon, we were in the Hebrides. We wanted to capture that sun-faded postcard feeling, a sense of time slipping through your fingers.”

Her Picture  ‘Reasons I Tried’

Glasgow outfit Her Picture release a new EP called ‘Feed Me Hope’ in June – and they’ve just shared a new preview single called ‘Reasons I Tried’. It’s a brooding, cinematic number – perhaps one of their biggest yet – that’s brimming with atmosphere and feeling. There’s airs of Radiohead and Daughter in its carefully crafted arrangement, as they gradually add more layers to the intoxicating mix – climbing to a stunning, ethereal finale.

Cloth ‘Pink Silence’

Glaswegian duo Cloth are back today with their third album ‘Pink Silence’ – a record that elevates their intentional subtlety and quiet drama to new heights. A rich, complex and emotional collection of the songs, it’s the sound of the duo embracing their growing pop streak, while adding more muscular, expansive sounds to their carefully crafted mix.

Check out the full playlist here.