Citizen Papes ‘For You’
The anticipated debut single from the creative project of JP O’Grady arrives with great interest, released through Ragdoll Records / Local Artists. Having graced the stage at a sold out La Cigale in Paris in support of Aliocha Schneider only a few nights ago, it’s all happening for Citizen Papes this week. This debut release will undoubtedly assert the solo artist as a rising star across the UK, with vibes hitting close to home for fans of Saintseneca, Omar Apollo, Sarah Julia and Olivia Dean.
Citizen Papes comments, “It came quite quickly to me, which is very rare actually – I’m quite a slow songwriter. It’s a classic post-breakup song, but I was looking back and thinking about how things that are bad for us are the hardest to let go of. The metaphor of saying, “I’m fine, just holding the door for you,” is feeling like you’ve lost yourself in the process of the relationship, and are just doing things for someone else. It’s not beneficial to you anymore.”
Despite being his first musical release, Citizen Papes already has an established fanbase through social media, regularly uploading soothing covers from the likes of Bon Iver, Djo, Elliot Smith and more. The single precedes the debut ‘For You’ EP available April 19th.
Bottle Rockets ‘Winter Baby’
Providing further insight to their sonically expansive discography, Bottle Rockets share ‘Winter Baby’, a raw and unapologetic force that encapsulates their blend of shoegaze ambience with melodic heartfelt indie.
Having picked up the award for ‘Best Rock/Alternative’ at the 2023 Scottish Alternative Music Awards, the quartet headed in to 2024 fully prepared to cement themselves as one of Scotland’s finest upcoming outfits. Their latest offering ‘Winter Baby’ certainly assists in propelling them to this status.
Produced and mixed by the nationally acclaimed Jamie Holmes, the band comment, “‘Winter Baby’ encapsulates a profound sense of melancholy and nostalgia; emotions that are deeply intertwined with one’s identity, evoking a longing for the innocence of childhood and facing the sadness of it’s irretrievability.”
Catch Bottle Rockets headline King Tut’s on April 18th, get your tickets here.
Joshua Grant ‘Wake Up’
Produced by respected Glaswegian duo Jamie Holmes and Johnny Madden, the track lyrically revolves around the premise of a voice inside one’s head, or as Grant describes, “a devil on your shoulder”. Featuring a quick pace and sing-along chorus, ‘Wake Up’ develops the honest and vulnerable side to Grant’s music established within recent singles.
Layered harmonies and punchy guitars with driving drums make for an all round energetic experience that would be sure to go down a treat at a live show.
Joshua Grant recently supported Scouse stars STONE at their headline show in Glasgow’s Garage, before announcing a (now sold out) ‘Top Secret’ gig in Glasgow where the venue will be announced on the day of the show.
The Rah’s ‘Blood For Gold’
Forming the first single from the band’s upcoming album ‘THE COMMON GROUND’, The Rah’s display warm fuzzy guitar tones and layered vocal melodies reminiscent of Arctic Monkey’s AM and early sounds from Foals. With airplay from John Kennedy on X-posure, anticipation builds for the second studio album from the alternative indie rockers releasing on April 12th. Recorded at The Motor Museum Liverpool, the band comment on their 12 track LP, “This larger than life composition promises an insight into the bands natural evolution from their successfully self released debut album ‘When does It Become Real?’.
April sees the quintet embark on a UK tour with venues including Kazimier Stockroom in Liverpool, The Cluny in Newcastle, The Lodge at Deaf Institute in Manchester, Edinburgh’s La Belle Angele, concluded by London’s The Grace.
POLLY ‘PROJECT 46’
Arriving as the debut single from their upcoming studio album, ‘PROJECT 46’ showcases a blend of controlled noise-rock chaos with profound melodies. Abrasive guitars collide with pounding drums to initiate a return to the recording studio following a live performance focus within 2023, where POLLY weave listeners through a nostalgic journey to the 90’s alternative/ grunge scene with their own twist.
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