Swervedriver – Volume Control
The last part of the round up finished with Miki Berenyi, one of the most recognisable vocalist/guitarists of the 1990s indie scene fronting Lush. The part starts with one of the prime movers in the shoegaze scene of the era, blasting into the scene with mighty juggernauts of sound like Son of Mustang Ford. The band now have 6 albums under their belts and in January released this track from a new EP coming in March.
Ditz – Four
Four is one of the highlights of the bands new album, Never Exhale, the follow up to the potent debut, The Great Regression. The singles insistent driving rhythm pulses though you with a vigorous force as the lyrics bemoan the exploitation of queer culture in an attempt to curry favour…”could it work in pink…?”. The Hug and Pint in March will be a cracker…
Jools – Guts
As it’s name suggests, hard hitting Jools single Guts is bold and brazen, it’s crunching riffs and ballsy dual vocals demonstrating an undaunted defiance in the face of adversity, the lyrics a belligerent fuck you to anyone who tries to bring them down.
Y – Why?
This manic instrumental has often been played on repeat since its release around these parts. The rambunctious rough and tumble single is the debut release from the band, and feels like a mash up of the sax heavy sounds of Melt Yourself Down and the chaotic gypsy punk of Gogol Bordello. The single word yelled several times throughout, the question of its title, is one that I imagine is on most of our lips in the dystopian movie that is life in 2025 so far.
Self Esteem – Focus is Power
Another harmony heavy soulful banger from Rebecca Lucy Taylor and co. Self Esteem never ceases to hit the mark with the powerful messages within their lyrics matched with an effervescent pop glow.
Split Dogs – Lafayette
With a raw spirited energy matched by Harry’s brusque vocal, Lafayette is a boisterous celebration of Northern Soul and finding your happy place despite those who try to bring you down. The song, lifted from their second album, is sure to feature when they play Glasgow next week.
Annie-Dog – Please Forgive Me, David Gray
Annie-Dog covers the David Gray staple in a style only they can, it’s glitchy electro beats and high pitched effect heavy vocal samples giving the song a real 21st Century feel, nothing to apologise for despite the tongue in cheek title.