ALTERNATIVE
GLASWEGIAN progressive/post-rock four-piece Aereogramme were arguably one of the most under-rated bands to emerge in Scotland.
Following their break up in 2007, vocalist Craig B. formed The Unwinding Hours with fellow guitarist Iain Cook. However with Cook now pre-occupied with a certain wee band called Chvrches, we’re now treated to an entirely new project.
Described as “acoustic, quiet and dark”, A Mote of Dust is a far cry from the colourful soundscapes that he painted with his previous acts. Lead single Wolves in the Valley is a haunting piece that suggest Craig B has gotten more poetic with age.
The plucked guitar sounds and whispering keys give the track an almost hypnotic quality, but Craig B’s tenor voice still has that affecting touch that makes it feel that more personal.
ELECTRONIC
ONE frequent and unfair criticism levelled at electronic music is its failure to powerfully convey emotion. Tagging themselves as “melancholitronica”, Edinburgh-based duo Shards are a refreshing antidote. Their latest single Afterwards may be little more than a bedroom project in terms of production, but there’s a sense of grandeur and ambition to the vocals and strings.
Fans of Kid A-era Radiohead will find much to enjoy about these guys.
HIP-HOP
MUCH has been made about the increasing diversity in Glasgow’s hip-hop scene, but it’s not just Glasgow that is flourishing. Aberdeen MC Ransom FA boasts a sound more akin to London grime.
His new track Like That dispenses with motorised multisyllabics in favour of a punchier flow and hook-oriented style. The refrain is repetitive, but that’s kind of the point – Ransom and his Granite City clique are all about hyping up live crowds first and foremost.
Praise must also be given to Ayrshire rapper Shadoh’s verse, who lives up to his reputation as one of the most provocative MCs in the country.
ROCK
DUNFERMLINE power-poppers The Moon Kids are another act causing a stir at the moment. Their new single Ice Cream has been played all over the place, unsurprising given its immensely hummable guitar lead.
The jangly guitars and “doo-doo-doos” mean that there’s a strong whiff of the 1990s about the track.
Edinburgh’s Leo Bargery a.k.a. Mt. Doubt slipped under our radar when he recently released his debut record My Past is a Quiet Beast.
Immediate comparisons will be drawn with The National (the American band, not us).
Asunder is a gorgeous introduction to his work.
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