ALTERNATIVE
FOR all we’re told Scotland is a cold place full of dour people, we certainly have an incredible knack for producing anthemic and life-affirming rock music. The Lonely Together’s debut single Congregation may just have that soul-igniting spark that you need this winter.
The glowing production is such that it could easily pass for the new Snow Patrol or Idlewild single, while the hands aloft-style chorus outlines the band’s arena sized ambitions – but with a promising distinctiveness.
The band launched the single in Edinburgh last night and we can expect their debut record to drop soon.
ROCK
GLASGOW band United Fruit have massively come into their own over the past couple of years. Their transition from default local support act to staple top billers has been rapid.
Nightmare, Recovery – the lead track from their upcoming EP of the same name – demonstrates the band’s rise in ambitions, displaying a confidence that you usually associate with a band at the top of their game.
The band go on a UK tour in November that culminates in shows at The Hug & Pint, Glasgow on November 14 and Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh on November 15.
FOLK
WHEN The National spoke to Washington Irving frontman Joe Black in August, he indicated their forthcoming lead single We’re All Going to Die would speak for itself. Assuming he was being tongue-in-cheek, he wasn’t lying.
As the Oban indie-folk outfit belt out the title refrain in gang-vocal style, the track feels like an unerring celebration of death.
It’s a refreshingly accessible return from such a dense, roots-driven sound on the band’s debut. Having recently recorded in New York City with renowned producer Kevin McMahon, Washington Irving’s follow-up record looks an entirely different beast.
HIP HOP
ARE Hector Bizerk the best live act in Scotland?
Rapper Louie’s ability to deliver intricate narratives with razor-sharp flows is evident on delicately titled new single They Made a Porno On a Mobile Phone and Everybody Laughed.
Factor in Marc Rooney from Pronto Mama’s sleepy vocals, and you have maybe the group’s best-worked collaboration yet.
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