VLURE ‘Between Dreams’
VLURE share their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Escalate’ at the end of this month on 26th September via Music For Nations. But before it arrives, they’ve given us one more glimpse with the release of propulsive new single ‘Between Dreams’. A track that encapsulates everything we love about the Glasgow group, it’s uphoric, visceral and built for the dancefloor – threading their industrial and electronic influences together in typical rousing and scintillating fashion. Set against live drums, and recorded at 150bpm, it presents the band at their most urgent and ambitious with a heartfelt message at its core.
Conor Goldie said: ‘Between Dreams’ is my inner monologue from a moment in time. The lyrics are both metaphorical and a physical description of me running through the east end of Glasgow, retracing my footsteps from mad nights partying… Ultimately in the last chorus, there’s a realisation that I have already found my place, and it was not where I thought I was running to, it has always been here, in Glasgow with my family and my best mates… So aye, it’s a party tune about reclaiming the beauty of your own life. There’s love, life and light in what we see as mundane, when times are shit, consider this yer call to arms to remember that. Keep the faith.”
Goodnight Louisa ‘Drew Barrymore’
Following the release of her acclaimed self-created and self-released debut album ‘Human Danger’ from 2022, Goodnight Louisa, aka Louise McCraw, is preparing to release her second album ‘Marathon’ later this year on 17th November. Ahead of its arrival, she’s treating us the sixth and final preview single in ‘Drew Barrymore’ – a track which explores the different sides of Hollywood glamour, from the darkness, fear and exploitation of exploitation to the enduring glow of female stars who have risen to legend status. Interestingly, ‘Drew Barrymore’ follows on from other singles ‘Grace Jones’ and ‘Jennifer Aniston’ in the singer-songwriter’s songbook, as she treats us to another glacial yet thought-provoking slice of dream pop – elevated by icy, gliding synths and her own compelling vocal delivery.
She said: “I wanted to write about the dark side of fame, and how it can make or break someone, but also to celebrate a love for show-business, the silver screen and be an anthem for protecting women and young girls across all creative industries.”
Lizzie Reid ‘Bodega’
Lizzie Reid has shared her new EP ‘Bodega’ today. Marking the first project that she has entirely self-produced and self-released, the EP features songs that were written between the years of 2017 and 2018, which she then recorded and mixed in her home studio – and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. A vivid snapshot of time, it captures a formative stage of her life when was attending jam nights at a Spanish tapas bar in Glasgow called ‘La Bodega’, a place that became a hub for local musicians to practise their craft and form important, lifelong friendships. They’re songs that therefore hold a special place in her heart, and they’re delivered with a warm intimacy and delicate homespun touch. Sonically, it sits alongside ‘Cubicle’ in her songwriting book, but it feels like a more assured return – imbued with a quiet, steady confidence.
Interestingly, ‘Bodega’ also slightly shifts away from the love, loss and heartbreak of her previous EPs – but that’s not to say it’s any less poignant. Showcasing her innate skill for storytelling, she explores other issues of the heart with the same beauty and grace – from nostalgia and self-reflection on the gently lilting ‘Amy’, to issues of femininity and identity on ‘Dress’, to self-acceptance and insecurity on ‘Staines’. Culminating with the beautiful ‘Wait For Rachel’, she once again reveals new depths to her songwriting.
Former Champ ‘i promise (i’m not usually like this)’
Former Champ’s new single ‘i promise (i’m not usually like this)’ is the latest preview of their upcoming album ‘i saw you in paradise’, out next week on 19th September via their own Hand of God level. Known for their catchy, guitar-led indie pop melodies and deft lyrics, the new single sees them pivot towards a more woozy, slowed-down dream-pop, full of the languid energy that accompanies a new crush but that familiar wit and wry self-deprecation (“I promise I’m not usually like this/If I’m honest it’s usually way worse than this”). It’s a perfect example of how the band have built on the early promise of their early EPs on the new album, with the help of producer Julie McLarnon who pushes their power pop sound into exciting new territories.
Fright Years ‘Wait For Nothing’
Set to make their return to TENEMENT TRAIL on 11th October, Edinburgh’s Fright Years are back with a new single called ‘Wait For Nothing’. Marking their first release since their ‘Still Life’ EP, the new track sees them take another step forward – Jules Kelly’s magnetic vocals are set against a cinematic backdrop full of swirling guitars that shimmer and rise, while her vocals expertly shift from delicate to soaring, adding an emotional weight the song’s message of hope and self-belief. Catch them at TRAIL next month.
Iona Zajac ‘Dilute’
Having already built an unparalleled reputation as both a solo songwriter and performer, as well as a touring vocalist with The Pogues, Glasgow’s Iona Zajac has shared details of her highly anticipated debut album ‘Bang’, set for release 21st November. 2025 has been a whirlwind year for the singer-songwriter – she’s released her first new music since 2023, joined Alison Moyet on tour and hit the road with The Pogues. In amongst that, she’s shared one compelling single after another – the latest being ‘Dilute’, which is described as the album’s ‘striking and surreal centrepiece’. It’s raw, otherworldly and strangely intense, a slow-burner that sees her transform her fury into liberation with a real clarity.
The Joshua Hotel ‘Local Girls Builds a Rocket’
The Joshua Hotel, the electronic trio from Inverness, share their debut album ‘Rapture Party’ on 26th September. Before then, they’ve shared new single ‘Local Girl Builds a Rocket’, a strutting, eighties-inspired slice of indie electronica with darker undercurrents set against shimmering synths and female harmonies. The band say: “Somewhere in a sonic universe between Kate Bush, The Cure and Blur comes ‘Local Girl Builds a Rocket’; a lust-driven social commentary from an outsider’s perspective. The song treads a fine line between love and envy with a dreamy, baroque backdrop.”
PINS ‘I’ll Be Yours’
Manchester’s own PINS are back with their electrifying new single ‘I’ll Be Yours’ – their first piece of new music since their 2020 album ‘Hot Slick’. Sounding more urgent than ever, the new track pairs the unspoken emotions of falling in love with driving percussion, jagged guitars, and a deep bassline, perfectly capturing PINS’ unique balance of tenderness and intensity.
Faith Vern explains: “I’ll Be Yours is my way of tapping into the more tender side of myself that doesn’t often surface in
PINS. The lyrics are sung with a bit of humour and irony. I was exploring the idea of the role of a woman, the various
ways we are perceived in society, and how much of ourselves we give away. The lyrics are juxtaposed with a
soundtrack of heart-thumping drums, panicked guitars, and furious bass.”
Villanelle ‘Hinge’
Gene Gallagher’s rock band Villanelle have been playing to busy rooms since they first emerged in early 2024 – and now they’ve dropped their eagerly anticipated debut single. With Gene (Liam Gallagher’s son) on vocals/guitar, along with guitarist Ben Taylor and bassist Jack Schiavo, the trio are influenced by everyone from The Who and Buzzcocks to Nirvana, Deftones, Black Sabbath, Smashing Pumpkins and my bloody valentine. And their first track is a heavy rocker that gives everyone a taste of what they’re about.
“Hinge is about paranoia derived from sleepless nights,” explains Gene. “I was probably hungover when I wrote it.” Meanwhile, Ben adds that the track is “just simple and high-energy. Anyone can play it, but no-one can play it like us.”
Daily J ‘Rosie’s Friend’
“Rosie’s Friend” is an indie anthem from New Zealand indie-pop outfit Daily J that celebrates the highs, lows, and ultimate triumph of human connection. A faster cut by the band’s standards, this one leans into groove-heavy rhythms and speedy guitar. Offering blissful blends of dreamy, swirling melodies, warm basslines, and a hazy pop electronica influence that leaves you feeling swooned. Rosie’s Friend is the perfect soundtrack to your golden hour.
Lead singer Jayden shares “I started writing this song not long after meeting Rosie’s friend. Through the writing process, I realised how I was really feeling – what I was missing. I was captivated by her charm, her radioactive warmth. We took our time recording this one. It could’ve gone in a bunch of directions, but we landed on an indie banger – a fair reflection of her and the energy she brings into the world.”
Catch up with the full playlist here:
