Another batch of January’s singles with a heavy leaning towards new music from young Scottish bands but with a smattering of the old guard too, starting off with this new classic in the making from The Bluebells…
A Monochrome Set is the follow up to The Bluebells commentary on the rise of the right No Pasaran and this time they are in reflective melancholic mood, with lyrics that match the mood of the elegantly laidback melody perfectly and instil a feeling that is like a yearning for simpler times gone by,
Siblings Natalie and Sean aka comfort are back and stronger than ever with new single Appear Offline which has them at their frenetic best with Sean’s potent staccato drumming matching the pacey bleeps and beats of the programming and Natalie’s intensely fervent vocal polishes things off
Sirens Call My Name is the latest single offering from the all female/non binary Hen Hoose Collective from their forthcoming album The Twelve, named to reflect the twelve musicians Susan Bear, MALKA, Inge Thomson, SHEARS, Carla J Easton, Frances McKee, AMUNDA, Djana Gabrielle, Emma Pollock, Jill Lorean, Cariss Crosbie and Ray Aggs involved in it’s creation. The song builds from its laid back almost folky roots into a sweepingly majestic synth laden monster of a tune, as the instruments blend magically into the sublime refrain and build to a glorious apex.
Yes Father (Again?) the new single from Clay Rings draws heavily of the roots of this Scottish/Spanish band, opening with gently strummed Spanish guitar complementing the Spanish vocals and adding enchanting trumpet lines as the song rises and falls with fabulously flamboyant bursts of energy throughout.
From the first moment I first heard Stretched/Kitchens when Charlie from the band shared the song with me, I knew that the latest single from the extraordinarily unique proposition that is the band Oedipus and the Mama’s Boys was going to be my single of the month for January. Having been impressed by their debut Bleed, nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to hear. The hairs on my arms and neck stood on end and I had shivers up and down my spine such was the effect of the gossamer smooth vocals from Gemima and the vocal interplay with fellow vocalist Charlie. Add to that the sparsely affecting arrangement of saxophone with gently strummed guitars and strings it was a perfect storm with the ability to stir the emotions and a bring a lump to my throat. I was close to tears on that first listen, and the effect hasn’t diluted no matter how many times I’ve listened. All that before the instruments layer and build to an intense crescendo, and Gemima’s vocal hits another level taking on an ardent power showing off her magnificent range before the subdued nature of the song returns and come to an end with a soulful eloquence. Epic.
Autoleisureland is the brainchild of David Brewis and Paul Woods of 80’s band The Kane Gang and this single All the World Over comes from the album New Road movie due out in May. The single is “inspired by the powerful way music can bring us together” and as such has lyrics packed with hope alongside an stirring melody.
I couldn’t let the January round up pass without the inclusion of the lead single from the latest Bela & the Lugosis EP International Radio Star, a full review of the EP can be found here.
The Jack Rubies have made a welcome return with a new album Visions in the Bowling Alley, there second since they got back together in 2024, from which this hook laden and elegantly stylish harmonica laced single Be Good or Be Gone comes. The second of three singles from Big Stir records artists in January’s singles…
…the third being this refreshingly upbeat folky Carpenters-esque single Rainbow Cardigan from The Corner Laughers
Disgusting Sisters will probably be getting ready to hit the stage in Glasgow as I publish this part of the January singles supported by the excellent m.e.d.b., this rapid-fire electroclash single will surely be one of their set highlights.
Fuzzy guitars purr and simmer threateningly below the vocals from sister duo Girl Tones on Volcano before the fiery intensity erupts in the chorus of this ear worm of a single.
Up until this single and seeing the band live at the weekend as part of King Tuts New Years Revolution, Lonely Daze had managed to pass me by. Nothing else by the band will slip by me from here forward as from the slow burn intro to Swim through it’s hypnotic indie/shoegaze kissed by the lips of goth melody and ethereal dual vocals, I was hooked, igniting a desire to hear more, and seeing the band perform live just fanned those flames further. One’s to watch.
The full January Singles Round Up can be found here on this handy Tidal playlist..