Doss ‘Bootlicker’
Doss have shared their brilliant debut EP ‘Bootlicker’. The band, who first came onto our radar with the anti-gentrification anthem ‘The Mullets Are Moving In’, tear through six tracks with a pummelling energy, burning fury and more than a little tongue in cheek. With each track as rousing as the next, it’s an exhilarating listen – their straight-talking lyrics delivered over pounding rhythms and electronic-tinged post punk. There are shades of Sleaford Mods in content and style, but it’s all delivered with a distinctly Glaswegian voice and youthful perspective.
The Zebecks ‘Roseisle’
Following the release of ‘Medicate’ earlier this year, The Zebecks have returned with ‘Roseisle’ – a track which showcases a refreshingly different side to their songwriting. Hailing from Elgin, the band add a modern indie edge to the traditional folk sound of their homeland with heartfelt lyrics set against jangly guitars and lively rhythms. Exploring the importance of human connection, tackling youth, life and death with references to Scottish culture scattered throughout, the track builds into a cathartic release of emotion – the increasingly intense vocals blending into the distant ring of bagpipes.
Speaking on the upcoming single, Thomson states that “as a band who, as teenagers, collectively migrated away from our hometown to find meaning in a pursuit of music – this song is our most personal one yet. It invites the listener to share with us, in a fleeting moment of nostalgia, thoughts of their own home and to resonate with the feeling of wanting to return there someday when life has settled down.”
Scotstown Dance Band ‘Scottish Country Dancing’
Following the release of their debut single ‘Shawfield Greyhound Stadium’, Scotstown Dance Band, aka Rory and Jacob Green, are back with their second track. Hailing from the Highland village of Sunart, the song is inspired by the culture and traditions of the community where they live, “without the usual romanticism and sentimentality”as Jacob put’s it. Full of that strong Celtic tradition and emotive songwriting that we grew to love from their previous outfit JR Green, it’s another stellar introduction for those not yet acquainted – elevated by the accordion and vivid storytelling. Speaking of the track, they said: “There is a sadness, loneliness, darkness to life in any region, we’ve felt it here in Sunart but there is also good times. Our latest single is about the dances we experienced as kids and continue to enjoy to this day. The warped and hissing cassette tapes we jigged along to were also our introduction to ceilidh music and dance bands – behind which the driving force was the accordion, which Rory learned to play.”
Be Charlotte ‘Self Help and Fictional Doubts’
Be Charlotte has shared her long-awaited debut album ‘Self Help and Fictional Doubts’. An artist who has long been covered on these pages, all of the songwriting prowess and pop ambition she first displayed all those years ago is distilled into a gleaming pop record – one that is both polished and invogorating all at once, while retaining the thoughtful introspection that made her such a hot prospect in the first place. Touching on themes of empowerment, resilience, and the quest for identity in an ever-changing world, the singer seamlessly blends big pop anthems with intimate acoustic moments – imbuing each track with her signature storytelling flair. So, while it’s filled with the kind of massive pop hooks that any modern pop star would be proud of, it also finds Be Charlotte tackling her darker personal moments head on, giving it a refreshing honesty and authenticity. It may have been a long time coming, but ’Self Help and Fictional Doubts’ has undoubtedly been worth the wait.
The Joy Hotel ‘Old Man’s Eyes’
With their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Ceremony’ out on 19th July via SO Recordings, The Joy Hotel have shared new single ‘Old Man’s Eyes’. Instantly gripping the listener with its euphoric opening guitar hook, the back seamlessly welcome us back into their sonic world – Emme Woods’ and Luke Boyce’s exquisite harmonies delivered over an uplifting instrumental that’s enlivened with dynamic rhythms, peppy keyboards and driving guitars. It’s buoyant and instantly infectious.
Emme Woods says “Old Man’s Eyes is such a fun one to play. It’s a high energy opener to the second half of the album. Thematically the lyrics discuss old age and the perspective it might bring. In the simplest terms it’s ourselves imagining how we might look back at where we are now when we’re nearing the end of our lives. It’s intended to be hopeful and to allow room for accepting mistakes as part of the experience of being alive.”
In this context, there’s a kind of bold fearlessness imbued in the musicality – an unwavering optimism in the face of the inevitable. But it’s what they do so well – taking very human stories and weaving them into a musical world that is familiar yet unique, comforting yet provocative.
Fontaines D.C. ‘Favourite’
Fontaines D.C. release their new album ‘Romance’ on 23rd August via XL Recordings – and from what we’ve heard so far, it could very well feature their finest work to date. Lead single ‘Starburster’ made a striking impression on release, adding new textures and dynamics to their post-punk blend. And now they’re back with the excellent ‘Favourite’ – a shimmering love song filled with nostalgia, emotive vocals and jangly melodies. The band play the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on 4th December.
Check out the playlist here.
