March has been a bumper month for singles. hence the delay in getting this published, takes a bit of compiling…
Anyway, as usual, there should be something here to please everyone!
Berries – Wall of Noise
I was delighted when Berries were recently announced as the support band for Jim Bob, of Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine fame, on his upcoming 2022 tour.
Wall of Noise begins with an unassuming bass hum backed by sensitive drums before introducing the hypnotic vocal and mellifluous guitars, all coming together, while building in their intensity to create their very own powerfully melodic wall of noise, before a short instrumental break welcomes in the incisive finale.
The Clockworks – Endgame
The Clockworks add their name to the list of post-punk bands emerging from Dublin in recent years who take their lead from the likes of Whipping Boy, A House and Into Paradise. A wry list lyric acknowledging the fact, “we’re post-punk, post-truth, post-Europe….”, atop a driving guitar led rhythm.
Jill Lorean – Black Dog
The latest single from Jill Lorean’s heavenly and captivating new album, This Rock. Black Dog is as personally relatable as it is hypnotically beautiful and charming. Full album review to follow soon…
Sacred Noise – Part of Me
Despite initial fears, I managed to get home from a work trip a day early and catch the debut gig by Glasgow based grunge-punk rock band Sacred Noise. This gig came hot on the heels of their second single, Part of Me. Glitching guitar riffs introduce the song before Kirstin’s initially hushed vocal builds with the intensity of the song to its soaring epic conclusion.
More from Sacred Noise from a recent interview and their debut gig.
Glitchers ft Calva Louise – Your Mother Taught You Better Than That
A frenetically charged searing ball of sound featuring a guest vocal from the remarkable Calva Louise, Your Mother Taught You Better Than That adds to the increasingly loud, in more ways than one, voices out there promoting claiming back the streets, pubs and nightclubs for women, ensuring they are safe spaces for all. A message that all parents should take note of, teach your children from a young age to respect women and break the cycle of violence.
“100% of donations for this Single go to Sue Lambert Trust. (A Charity offering help and support to those who have experienced abuse/sexual trauma.”
Horse – Leaving
Horse is currently touring her debut album, The Same Sky, or its 30th anniversary. An album which I listened to over and over again on its release and is still one of those “go to” albums all those years later. But, it isn’t all reminiscing in the Horse camp, as she also released a new single in the form of Leaving.
The familiar timbre of her remarkable voice is a welcome sound, like a comforting verbal hug. Then there is the huge chorus, when she really lets go revealing the whole of that velvet lined vocal, pouring her heart and soul into the performance atop a crescendo of layered instrumentation.
Hector Gannett – The Eighth Day
Hector Gannet’s March single The Eighth Day is another stunning slice of songwriting from the North Shields band. A luxuriant laidback almost lugubrious groove, the guitars providing a calming hypnotic ambiance to soundtrack an enigmatic lyric with a smattering of religious imagery. This heralds a promising follow up to their glorious debut Big Hrarcar.
Sloan Brothers – Love You So Good
Sloan Brothers have hit me from left field. A band which, until recently, was completely off my radar has now hit me square in the heart with some of my favourite songs of the year so far, and an album, System Update (due out in May) which is set to become a firm favourite.
The latest of these, Love You So Good, is heartbreaking in its sheer beauty and loving lyrical sentiment, a tribute to his mother, which, unsurprisingly brought his album collaborators, which include Patterson Hood and Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers), Robert Schneider (The Apples In Stereo), David Barbe (Sugar), and Carlton Walker Owens (Cracker), to tears.
Take a tip from me, if this band isn’t on your radar, re-tune now…
Awkward Family Portraits – Ojos Rojos
Currently out on tour supporting their latest album, Dear Old West, Awkward Family Portraits released this superbly atmospheric slice of Mexican/Cuban influenced dancehall swing in March. Laidback and sultry, if I was able to do the salsa or merengue, I’d be up on my feet swinging my hips around the living room.
Halfway People – Punches
If you were as disappointed as me when you heard of the demise of Rats From a Sinking Ship, you’ll have been equally as delighted to hear about frontman Alex Lusty’s new band, Halfway People. Featuring Alex, and a three piece band from El Paso, Texas, the band’s Facebook page describes them as ”$h*t Kickin’, Bird Flippin’ Hillbilly Hick Hop”. Their debut single is Punches, with Lusty’s instantly recognisable vocal lamenting the end of a relationship and the less than ideal start of a new one, all this atop empathetically soulful riffs & rhythm section. Complete with little Smiths reference…
Izzi Sleep – Fog
Izzi Sleep released his debut album at the start of April following the March release of this single and then Time released on the 1st of April. Fog had me immediately drawn in with its scuzzy laidback Lemonheads like grungy rock feel, Izzi’s vocal moving between gruff and forthright & soft and longing as the music and lyrics require, and building to a clamouring finale with Sleep begging for another chance.
Horsegirl – Anti Glory
Anti-Glory is, quite frankly, brilliant and comes from Horsegirl’s debut album Versions of Modern Performance due out in June. Thundering drums introduce off-kilter guitar riffing and a vocal complemented trippy harmonies & backing vocals. The riffing twists into scything staccato attacks. Roll on June.
Black Bombers – Last Bite
Last Bite continues to cement the reputation of the Black Bombers in creating heavy hitting tumultuous goth rock tinged anthems. Piledriving guitars, the bass providing an additional layer of mellifluous rancour and a suitable rumble of drums creating a perfect sonic boom to accompany the gnarly vocal roar.
Bauhaus – Drink the New Wine
Talking of goth, March saw the return of the gothest of goths, the mighty Bauhaus with a new single Drink the New Wine. The song is what you would want from the band, sinister and atmospheric , somnolent bass coming to the fore, the feeling of huge open spaces, that familiar Bowiesque vocal, multiple complex layers all coming together to herald a spookily welcome return.
Dead Posey – Cant Take Me Down
Crunching guitar riffs and forthright vocals form the basis of this straight down the line power rock from this LA duo, Danyell Souza & Tony F.
Dead Pony – Bullet Farm
Only a few letters different in the name, but an entirely different proposition altogether. Glasgow’s Dead Pony continue to impress with their single Bullet Farm. The song is an attitude filled high octane thrill ride, high on adrenaline, this is a pumped up steroid injected version of Dead Pony, taking their familiar sound, and turning the volume up to 11. The sound of the pent up energy of the last couple of years being released in one huge blast.
The Bloody Nerve – Doing All Day
The conclusion to Act II (Reckoning) this is ”Episode 6” and an epic conclusion to this Act it is. Starting out as a laid back bluesy number before it builds into a behemoth of a song Laurie Ann and Stacey’s vocals complementing each other s it reaches its mighty pinnacle.
Ezra Furman – Point Me Towards the Real
Ezra Furman has an innate ability to write a compelling and touching melody to match her intensely impactful lyrics, which feel real and personal, even if, like this song they are a combination of realisom and storytelling “about getting released from a psychiatric hospital, which has never happened to me” Nonetheless, this song is a masterstroke in its ability to touch the hardest of hearts through its sensitive manner in dealing with the subject matter.
Helen Love – Zip Up Your Tracksuit
The first “Love” in this month’s roundup is Zip up Your Tracksuit from Helen Love. Following the release of one of January’s best albums, This is My World, this single is another kitschy addictive bubblegum pop tune, borrowing from both the 1980s and Taylor Swift respectively it will have you bouncing around the living room quicksmart. And all the proceeds go to the Association of Ukranians in Great Britain.
Simon Love – Me & You
Me & You is the lead song on Simon Loves latest masterpiece, Love, Sex and Death etc. A song based on his own wedding day, this is a joyous celebration of all that is good in power pop, big chords and riffs, brass and wedding bells and Love’s forthright and honest songwriting. This is just one highlight from the many on the album. I got the chance to catch up with Simon just before the release of the album. You can read the interview/review here.
The Shipbuilders – The Moon
With atmospheric Spanish guitars and a hugely epic chorus, this colossal tune has a classic surf sound coming all the way from the USA via Liverpool.
The Burning Hell – Birdwatching
Not a second is wasted in this 100mph romp from The Burning Hell. It wastes not time in launcging itself out of the blocks, with lyrics fired out with machine gun efficiency, you are breathless just listening to this far less being able to spit out the words with such eccentric efficiency. eaves you breathless and begging for more.
Laveda – BB
BB to’s and fro’s between laidback silky smooth ethereal vocals and a full on aural shoegaze guitar assault as if reflecting life itself and the tumultuous battle with your own wits in this fucked up 21st Century world.
Bodega – Pillar on the Bridge of You
There are quite literally dozens of gigs I’d love to go to on a monthly basis in Glasgow these days, we’ve gone from famine to feast. A great problem to have, apart from when life and work gets in the way and you can’t go… Bodega ae a case in point. TWO nights in Glasgow and I couldn’t make either of them. Pillar on the Bridge of You is another belter of a song from their new album Broken Equipment. I’ll just have to make do with this until the next time…
Continental Lovers – Really Doesn’t Matter
They say it Really Doesn’t Matter, but really it does because Continental Lovers serve up a fantastic blend of trashy glam punk that can’t fail to get your feet tappin’.
Stiff Lips – Music Ain’t Dead
A huge offering of scuzzy sleazy punk guitars and a liberal serving of sneering punk rock attitude showing a healthy disregard and exasperation at the laissez faire attitude of people today. Catch them at Nice n Sleazys on “Bad” Friday with Shot Balowski and a host of others…
Earl of Hell – Hang ’Em High
One of my 22 for ’22, based on their superb 2021 single Blood Disco. Earl of Hell live up to expectations with the latest cut from their forthcoming debut EP Get Smoked. The fake country intro alongside the cowboy bedecked band in the video lull you into a false sense of security before they raise hell and slay all comers unleashing their furious riffs. These guitar slingers choosing six strings instead of six shooters as their weapon of choice and laying waste to anyone who would dare to challenge.
Sunnyside Uppers – All I Want
Got to support the Gingers! Sunnyside Upper aka Ryan Brown continues to spread the joy with another upbeat summery anthem proclaiming the futility of Facebook and social media arguments, and the stress they cause. Stop scrolling and listen to Sunnyside Uppers.
The Nightingales – I Love CCTV
Having missed the band the last time the played Glasgow, I was delighted that they announced a new date in April. Unfortunately, I did my usual and got a ticket without checking my work calendar… Now I will just need to enjoy this new song, and watch the excellent King Rocker documentary (once again) instead, while someone else enjoys my ticket.
Sweetheart Revue – Careless Showdowns
The latest cut from the album Good News, Bad News is another gracefully alluring song from the stunningly immaculate album, a masterpiece of great charm and poise born from a place of tragedy and sadness.
The Surfrajettes – Warm Up
There is something about surf guitars that just gets me every time. Warm Up, which conjures images of just that, the sun shining on long sandy beaches with the surf high and waves crashing on the shore, comes from their forthcoming album Roller Fink
Pixies – Human Crime
Hearing the dulcet tones of Black Francis is always a pleasure, his voice is like a familiar and welcoming hug from an old friend. Human Crime isn’t going to set the heather on fire, but it is new music from Pixies, so it does me just fine.
Spairs – Run Into a Standstill
Spairs is the new project from Jonn Penney & Dan Worton from Neds Atomic Dustbin. This is their first foray into releasing new music and the result is a soaring indie anthem expressing frustration at his own procrastination, with an air of optimism. Catch them live in Glasgow’s Hug and Pint in May
Panic Shack – The Ick
Hot on the heels of Mannequin Man comes The Ick, a tale of being demented by the irritating habits of a partner in a relationship and leading to them getting the said “ick”, all delivered in Panic Shack’s own inimitable Riot Grrl style.
Skunk Anansie – Can’t Take You Anywhere
Whilst wondering if Glasgow band Wife Guys of Reddit had crashed the recording of Skunk Anansie’s new video, I’ll just enjoy the new single from one of the countries premiere live bands. Arion, is that you?
The Kaplans – Get Inside It
The Kaplans doing what they do. And they do what they do so well. Intensely driven power riffs, throbbing bass and smash n grab percussion creating a solid baseline for the take no prisoners vocal.
The Claudettes – Time Won’t Take Our Times Away
Time Won’t Take Our Times Away is a stunning celebration of life, both raising you up with its uplifting melody carrying you away in its groove, but still bringing a lump to your throat with its beautiful sentiment. A band on my wish list to see live…
Gentle Sinners – Face to Fire
Two of Scottish music’s prime movers have joined forces as Gentle Sinners. Aidan Moffat (Arab Strap) and James Graham (Twilght Sad) released their first offering Face to Fire (After Nyman) in March. The single is the first taste of their album, These Actions Cannot Be Undone (out 13th May). And what a taster it is, an extraordinary romp, with faux AC/DC metal guitar riffs and jaunty dance beats and Graham’s vocal totally uplifting despite the nature of the songs questioning repetitive line ”tell me what’s wrong inside of me”. Brilliant.
Mungo’s Hifi – We Pulsating
Mungo’s Hifi can do no wrong. This collaboration with Solo Banton is a case in point. Every release from the Glasgow based sound system is touched by genius and should be honoured by turning up the bass and pumping up the volume. Don’t just listen to the music, let the music take over your whole body, feel the bass pulsating through your very being as the song title suggests.
The Barefoot Bandit – Big Guns
Some more dub reggae in the form of Big Guns from The Barefoot Bandit, just in time for spring and, hopefully, the return of some good weather to have his blasting out while I BBQ with a beer in my hand the garden sharing some positive upbeat vibes with the world (or at least the neighbours….)
Michael Monroe – Murder the Summer of Love
Michael Monroe is one of rock’s true survivors. His original band Hanoi Rocks having influenced a swathe of bands over the years, he continues to release high quality bluesy punk ’n’ roll, his youthful exuberance belying his years and his live shows still out-energising bands more than half his age. Murder the Summer of Love doesn’t break any new ground, but why should it? He does what he does so well, ia new song is always a welcome release, and the album title it comes from summing him up perfectly ”I Love Too Fast to Die Young”
Blue Violet – Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole is another sublime single from husband/wife duo Blue Violet. With a melody that initially recalls David Gray’s This Year’s Love, this is a song that is packed with emotion, a moving melody and a lyric full of personal sentiment. The album precedes their debut album ”Late Night Calls” out on 29th April and their upcoming April/May UK tour.
Telefis – Archbishop Beardsmouth
The Telefis album, A Haon, featuring two icons of the Irish music scene, Cathal Coughlan and Jacknife Lee is an absolute triumph. Coughlan reaping the returns of a prolific few years with this and his glorious solo return last year. The pair can do no wrong, and it is hard to keep up with he volume of releases and remixes. The Archbishop Beardmouth at the Chemolympics EP is a companion release to the album featuring different versions of several of the albums songs.
I urge you to head to their bandcamp page to read Cathal’s story of the song…