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 (1st 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. There is no holding the band back as the band launch straight into The Key, deep rich vocal, driving riffs, and near prog rock keyboards. I Don’t Wanna know carries on the theme with a booming infectious chorus that’ll pick you up and carry you along. You will wanna know.
You’ll also want to get your arse onto the rock disco dancefloor as R I S C O adds some electro beats and keyboards to the mix (if you are familiar with the band, The Music, this isn’t far away) while Faith, Hope and Clarity is a slow burner that rounds off the album in a wonderfully understated manner. “I don’t wanna be the victim, I want life to take me higher…”
All in all, another album of banging rock tunes and affecting ballads. I may have been late to the party on this one, but It’s not too late for you…head over to their bandcamp page where you can get this and their other albums.
Garlands
Garlands released a four track EP Animals last year. The Glasgow based three-piece produce unashamedly infectious leftfield indie alt-pop/rock. Protector kicks off the EP in style, while Wolves & Foxes ramps things up a notch with an addictive sweet bassline and catchy “So long Hong Kong” refrain. Vocalist Gordon has a warm rich voice and despite the bands Glaswegian origins has a twang of US alt/Americana about it. Animals also reveals some US indie influences in its grittily dirty sonorous guitars. The EP closer, You Say You Know What You Don’t Want is pure alt rock/Americana – think Gigolo Aunts, Gin Blossoms – it rolls along at pace and is possibly my favourite on the EP.
Based on those two alone, Saturday at Sleazy’s will be a cracking night, but when you add Savage Cut to the mix, it becomes unmissable (check out their cracking 2018 album, A Ricochet off the Moon if you don’t believe me).
See you down the front…