In an attempt to keep up with the number of singles that I’ve been enjoying lately, here’s another Singles Round Up. Apologies to anyone that may have sent me potentially the “next big thing” and I’ve missed it… the big red number on my mail app is currently stressing me out. Yes, I am one of those people, any red numbers against an app on my phone is a no go… I’m losing my email battle though.
Anyway, here are some bands/singles you should check out if you haven’t already…
Jehnny Beth & Bobby Gillespie – Remember We Were Lovers
The former Savages front woman joins Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie for this beautifully understated duet, with video produced by ex-JAMC bassist Douglas Hart. As the song progresses the music builds adding a soulful brass section and crying guitar towards the end to add to the affecting vocal. Fortunately, this isn’t just a one off as the pair have recorded a whole album together, Utopian Ashes, due out in July.
Jehnny Beth – website – Facebook
Trampolene – Oh Lover
Trampolene have had two singles out on recent months the most recent Oh Lover and previous single featuring Jack Jones poetic spoken word inspiration of Come Join Me in Life. “This is your only chance, there is no sequel…”
the band have just announced their latest album, Love No Less Than a Queen, like the aforementioned Jehnny Beth and Bobby, due out in July.
I’m hoping for a Glasgow date once the lifting of restrictions allows, the last time I had tickets to see them, the gig was cancelled due to illness.
Trampolene – Facebook – Website
Shock and Awe
As the first track on their new EP suggests, Why Deny Yourself the opportunity to get yer lugs round the five tracks of euphonic punk rock on offer from Shock and Awe. Nothing here that is going to redefine rock n roll, but sometimes you don’t want new, you want to just get lost in the nostalgia of some good old punk rock ‘n’ roll. And this, like fellow Scots punks The Zips and Ex- this is good honest ‘77 styled punk, hell, Good Day even sounds a bit like Suicide meets REM…
As the band say on this lead track from their EP, “If it feels good do it.” I think that’s a good mantra for life in general.
Shock and Awe – Bandcamp – Facebook
Teenage Fanclub – The Sun Won’t Shine on Me
The Sun Won’t Shine on Me is the latest single from the upcoming Fannies album Endless Arcade, their first without Gerry Love. This slightly melancholy number follows January’s I’m More Inclined and will further hearten long term fans in hearing that, despite the departure of one of the band’s key players from the start, it hasn’t ripped the heart out of the band who have the knack of creating perfect melodic pop songs.
Teenage Fanclub – Website – Facebook
The Kaplans – Tension
The Kaplans continue to impress and perplex. Impress with the quality of their songwriting and perplex that not more people are raving about them
They have made two new albums available on Spotify this year so far. GGM is one of their earlier albums only previously available on CD and 13, a new album, originally scheduled to be released in 2016, but now finally seeing the light of day.
Check out the thundering and hoary rocking groove of Tension here, then head over to Spotify and steam the rest now, or check out their Facebook pafpge to shop for more of their music
The Kaplans – Facebook
Billy Sinclair – Gotta Get Away
Billy Sinclair joins Jimmy Devlin (Monsterpop) in this latest singles round up. The pair are band mates in the excellent punk covers band Three Minute Heroes.
Like Jimmy, Billy proves there is more to his talents than playing covers (by the way, they don’t “just” play covers, they make them their own and have their audiences bouncing…), This is Billy’s latest single and shows just how much of a knack for an addictive hook and melody he has.
Check out his varied back catalogue on Spotify.
Billy Sinclair – Links
Def Robot – Skintight
The lead single from their twelfth album since they formed in 2019. Not a mis-spell that is correct twelve (12) albums in around 2 years. And this is no obligation/contract meeting releasing of any old dross, these are 12 albums of quality tuneage. Skintight is a perfect example of their eclectic alt-rock sound, an intro that channels the early drum sound of Adam and the Ants, before giving way to driving guitars, and adds a boisterous chant of a chorus. If you haven’t heard them yet start here. And where have you been?
Def Robot – Bandcamp – Facebook
Sequence 3 6 9 – Cursed
Sequence 3-6-9 released their debut album Gatefever at the beginning of last year. One of songs from the album Cursed will shortly be appearing on AA vinyl 12” single alongside new song Soul Injection. The band have created a brilliant promo video for the release. Check it out here:
Sequence 3 6 9 – Facebook
Hadda Be – Wait in the Dark
A review of the new album will follow soon (suffice to say it is currently challenging to be one of my favourites of the year so far), but for now feast your eyes (and ears) on this mesmerically colourful video for their latest single, the cataclysmic riot of sound that is Wait in the Dark.
Hadda Be – LNFG – Bandcamp – Facebook
Dumb Poets – Submarine
Having already released one of my favourite singles of the year in Paint and Feathers, Dumb Poets excel themselves once again in its follow up, the elegantly lush Submarine. When I hear songs like this, it beggars belief that a band and songwriter with this much raw talent on offer aren’t massive. As this submarine breaks the surface let’s hope a the second album follows to makes some waves. Pray that these poets are never struck dumb.
Dumb Poets – website – Facebook
Tijuana Bibles – Human Touch
Tumultuous riffs and punchy drums underlined by a metrical bassline form the platform for Tony Costello’s strident vocal in this plea for a return to humanity…
Tijuana Bibles – Website – Facebook
The Martial Arts – Bethany
Another Last Night From Glasgow release and The Martial Arts follow up their Christmas offering with a new 5 track EP, Getting Stranger By the Month, the lead single being this ray of sunshine, a sumptuous slice of saccharine sweet bubblegum pop to brighten anyone’s day.
The Martial Arts – LNFG – Bandcamp – Facebook
Monica Queen – Too Much Time
The first single from a forthcoming covers album is this glorious version of Captain Beefheart’s Too Much Time. The supremely talented Johnny Smillie and the divine vocals of Monica come together once again to create this slice of heaven. You want it? Of course you do! Well, sign up for Creeping Bent’s Patreon offering – link below…
Creeping Bent – Patreon –
Monsterpop- If You Leave Me Baby Can I Come Too?
Monsterpop’s latest 4 track EP (7 if you include the demo versions of 3 of the songs) Fallin’ Down is available now and this is the lead single from the EP. This time round he turns his hand to classic country, in every way you can think of. From the quintessential guitar sound, vocals verging on a yodel at points, and of course, the archetypal subject matter of the song…
Monsterpop – Bandcamp – Facebook
PinkFiz – Did I Ask?
A Cure-like intro announces the arrival of this superb song of female empowerment from the magnificent 18 year old PinkFiz. At a time when reclaiming the streets is in everyone’s thoughts in the wake of Sarah Everard’s murder, this is a timely release. And as a father of two teenage daughters myself I say more power to artists like PinkFiz in keeping this subject fresh in people’s minds. The fact that we still need people to release songs like this in 2021 is a disgrace, how long until we see a change in attitudes? PinkFiz says “I wrote this song about the phrase ”she was asking for it””. In the 80’s Goodbye Mr MacKenzie quoted the self same phrase in their song Face to Face about the traumatic aftermath of a sexual assault and court case. When will this patriarchal society wake up and change?
PinkFiz proves you can make a point without screaming and shouting about it to, her understated vocal still biting and acerbic, and a perfect foil to the brooding moody melody.
Minerva Wakes- Redefine
The latest single from Minerva Wakes debut album Mirrored Moon is Redefine, one of my personal favourites from their intoxicating album thunderous vibrating bass beats kick off the song before Jo’s vocal draws you under her hypnotic spell.
Minerva Wakes – Bandcamp – Facebook
Smalltown Tigers – Girl Can’t Help It
Smalltown Tigers celebrate their addition to the bill for the upcoming Damned original line-up shows next year with this quality cover of the New Bomb Turks Girl Can Help It for the recently released tribute album Defiled. I didn’t get a ticket for the Glasgow show- anyone got any going spare – I’d go just to see this bunch of sleazy greasy rockers alone…
Smalltown Tigers – Area Pirata Bandcamp – Facebook
Bandicoot – Fuzzy
I’m loving this single from Welsh band Bandicoot. It bounces along with a boundless energy and I can’t quite put my finger on where it’s influences lie. At times coming across as a bit 1950s rock n roll, maybe a wee bit Madness, a bit Supergrass… As I say, I can’t put my finger on it. Whatever it is, one thing is for sure, it is more than a bit catchy, addictively so.
Bandicoot – Bandcamp – Facebook
Mogwai – Ceiling Granny
From their recent number one album, As The Love Continues, Mogwai officially release one of the most commercial tunes on the album as a single. With an intro that Smashing Pumpkins would be proud of, I find it impossible to sit still when this song is playing as it rises to its crescendo of grungy guitars. Bliss.
Mogwai – Website – Rock Action Records – Facebook
Where possible, I’ve added the songs to my Playlist of 2021 so far….
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