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Garlands Outstandifold Savage Cut Nice N Sleazy

Ones That Got Away – Outstandifold & the Wettygrippers & Garlands

January 29, 2020 By neilho27@sky.com

First (maybe even last) in a random series of albums that got away. Ones from last year that I maybe didn’t get around to writing about or that for whatever reason never really got to listen to properly.

Bit of a double whammy this one – and it may, or may not, have something to do with both bands appearing on the same bill in Glasgow at Nice ‘n’ Sleazy this Saturday (1^st February).

Outstandifold & the Wettygrippers

The unusually monikered Outstandifold followed up their last (and rather good) album Box with their (who would have guessed) fourth album. Go Fourth, sees them metaphorically do just that.… Read the rest

Spotlight on Curdle

September 12, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Curdle

Curdle is a 4 piece Glasgow-based band playing their unique blend of riot grrl infused goth horror punk with lashings of 1960s trippy pop psychedelia for good meassure.

The band consists of:

Wiggy – Guitar, Bass, Theremin, Vocals
Sarah – Guitar, Bass, Synth, Vocals
Clare – Drums
Lucy – Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals

Their mesmerising debut album is receiving a vinyl release later in the year on the wonderful Double A Side records. (I recently revisited this for a review on the site). The band kindly took some time out of their busy schedule to speak to the Ginger Quiff.… Read the rest

5 minutes with…The Best Bad Influence

August 27, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

In 2019 so far, one of the bands I am most excited about is a young trio who take their influence from the rockabilly scene, playing a mix of their own songs alongside some classic covers.

I finally got the opportunity to see The Best Bad Influence live in the flesh, and I’m delighted to report that they do live up to my expectations. The buzz around the band is phenomenal, feedback from those who had already seen them was glowing, reaction to their performances on their social media posts including some impromptu busking sessions was through the roof for a young, relatively new unsigned band, the views and shares was astounding.… Read the rest

Spotlight on: Run Into The Night

July 31, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Run Into The Night are a hard-gigging post punk rock ‘n’ roll two-piece who have been busy recently gigging with the likes of Goodbye Mr MacKenzie and playing Doune the Rabbit Hole. They have also been recording with the MacKenzies frontman, Martin Metcalfe with a video due to drop later in the month for their latest single Mon Cheri. I have seen the band live on several occasions and have witnessed them get better and better each time.

With the new single due out soon, I took the opportunity to find out a bit more about what makes the band, and its two members Christina and Ellie tick…

Who are Run Into the Night?

… Read the rest

Spotlight on Last Night From Glasgow

July 23, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Independent labels in Scotland

Independent record labels & Scotland. There is a phenomenal history that could take several articles before you would begin to do them justice. Between them they have spawned some era-defining artists and albums. Obviously not an exhaustive list, but with a very brief flicking of the mental rolodex, you can’t avoid thinking of Postcard, then over the years, labels like Fast Product, Chemikal Underground, Creeping Bent and Rock Action all unleashing a variety of notable albums.

There are too many to mention without completely changing the focus of this blog, but there currently numerous Scottish based independent labels flying the flag for the music scene and giving many bands a platform to release their music.… Read the rest

2 Sevens – Not for Resale EP

June 13, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

I was recently on holiday in the USA and I wondered why Glasgow’s 2Sevens kept popping into my head as I’d never actually heard any of their music. It was only when I got home I realised it was an unconscious observational moment – the bands original logo was based on the US 7 Eleven retail stores chain…

Well, I can now say I have heard the band’s music, with the band releasing their debut EP, physical copies of which will be available at the bands upcoming gigs.

Not for Resale

The band make a thoroughly enjoyable punk rock noise, I Can’t Take It launching the 3 tracks with persistent riffing, Into You builds to a crescendo from its initial understated bass and drums (not to be mistaken with drum and bass) intro.… Read the rest

Goodbye Mr MacKenzie – Good Deeds & Dirty Rags – a celebration

May 16, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

A Celebration. The 1980s was a fruitful time for Scottish bands. The tail end of the 1970s into the early 1980s saw the rise of innumerable post-punk bands like Josef K, Scars, The Associates, Fire Engines and Orange Juice created a scene spawning cult independent record labels Postcard Records. At the other end of the scale, worldwide mega-stardom was achieved by the likes of Simple Minds. There was certainly plenty to celebrate in the Scottish music scene.

Criminally Under-rated Classic

For me, one of the key releases and a memorable highlight happened in 1989. Following a string of underground quintessential singles.… Read the rest

Punk Fests – Old v New – Scotland Calling & Dammit-Fest 2019

April 22, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Scotland Calling

This weekend sees the return of Glasgow’s annual festival of punk, Scotland Calling. Into its 6th year now, I’ve been to them all so far and it has always been a good day out and an opportunity to catch up with friends.

Like every festival, there are bands that suit our tastes and others that give us an opportunity to take a break. Head out for a drink or something to eat in the many hostelries and eating establishments on and around Sauchiehall Street.

We have joked every year about the line-up, with some bands making several appearances.… Read the rest

Speed of Life – spoken word & music from Richard Jobson & Martin Metcalfe

August 29, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Speed of Life

After 2 successful and well received shows in Edinburgh and Irvine, Richard Jobson & Martin Metcalfe take this unusual and enthralling performance on tour across the UK over 6 dates.

This project isn’t be the first time the multi-faceted Jobson and Metcalfe have worked together. Jobson has previously provided the vocal for Isa & the Filthy Tongues track Bus Shelter and more recently the pair collaborated on a number of songs on the Skids recent comeback album “Burning Cities.” I’m sure this collaboration won’t be the last.

Green and Blue

The dates will be a combination of spoken word, music, songs and a Q&A
Jobson will read excerpts from his acclaimed new sci-fi novel “Speed of Life”, its name taken from the instrumental track of the same name on Bowies “Low” album.… Read the rest

Ginger Wildheart Interview

May 1, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Ginger – Ghost in the Tanglewood

Ginger Wildheart has recently released his latest solo album, Ghost in the Tanglewood, recently reviewed on my blog. Personally, I found the album to be inspirational. I wanted to talk to Ginger about the background to this very personal album, much of which focuses on his own battle with depression.

While people are more open about talking about Mental Health these days, there is still too much of a stigma around it. The more people like Ginger are willing to share their personal experiences, the further society can progress. It can only help in understanding and supporting those who do battle depression and other Mental Health issues.… Read the rest