Savage Cut - The Ginger Quiff

Albums of the Year 2023

December 30, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

Before I list my favourite “Albums of the Year 2023”, an apology.

I have been inundated this year with new music, new albums, requests for reviews and features. First, I’m happy that there is so much great music out there and that I’m party to being able to hear and share that new music, but secondly, a huge apology to many bands and artists whose music I’ve loved and planned to review/feature but it hasn’t happened. I’d love nothing more than to spend my life listening to and writing about music (and the book I keep meaning to finish), but that doesn’t pay the bills.… Read the rest

Singles of the Year 2023

December 28, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

I have no idea how John Peel narrowed songs down to a Festive 50 every year, he must have received 1000 times the number of songs I receive on a yearly basis. Maybe if I did a Singles of the Year 2023 blog again tomorrow or the next day, things would change slightly as I think of another song that needs to be included, as in the singles round-ups (links to all the round ups of the year at the foot of the blog) I must have listed between 400 and 500 songs this year, another bumper year for new music.… Read the rest

Savage Cut – Holes in the Mind – album review

July 20, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

Holes in the Mind is the latest album from the creative hive mind of trio of Brian, John and Liam otherwise known as Savage Cut. I say trio, but more often than not, they bolster their number with a carefully chosen guest vocalist to perfectly match the sound and feel of their remarkable music.

This latest selection of tunes is nothing short of genius, an inspired mix of styles, with some extraordinary adventures in sound here; ingenious samples, emotive instrumentals and a perceptive choice of guests all coming together to create what is both an eclectic but cohesive collection of songs, all unquestionably sealed with the indelible mark of Savage Cut.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2023 – Part 5 – May

July 1, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

It’s taken me much longer than it should have to get May’s Singles Round Up done. I blame fatigue from the onset of unseasonably hot weather in Glasgow… as well as a general inability to fit everything I need to do into a seven day week.

Apologies to all the featured bands and artists this month for not getting an individual write up, suffice to say, every single song has been listened to and loved. Much kudos to the vast number of great new songs in May from Glasgow/Scottish based bands and artists here. I hate to choose favourites but special mention to “Singles of the Month” from Sacred Noise, Kohla, Pedalo, Parliamo, Quad 90 and Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something….you… Read the rest

Singles Round Up – Part 3 – March 2023

April 10, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

Another month and another immense list of songs for your aural pleasure. Don’t let anyone ever tell you there is no good new music about these days…

As usual, there is an evil Spotify playlist for you to sample the songs before you go to the artists own sites to buy their music if you like it….

The Black Delta Movement – Zip Tie & Photograph

Zip Tie from garage rockers The Black Delta Movement is initially an understated slow burner, a low and slow sinister rumble that builds in speed and increases in intensity as the song reaches its powerfully climactic zenith.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2023 – Pt 2 – February 2023

March 19, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

It may be nearly March and all, but shit happens, so here it is better late than never….Another bumper singles round up for February with plenty of top quality tuneage to suit every taste…I’ve used my words sparingly, I’m so far behind and have still to start thinking about the March roundup. Just give them all a listen…they’re all deserving of your ears…

If they’re on Spotify, I’ve added a handy playlist so you can try before you buy via the band links…

Millie Manders and the Shut Up – Rebound

One of the best live acts around celebrated Valentine’s month with this boundlessly energetic anthem to relationship’s destined to fail.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2022 – Part 4 – April (yes, I know its June now…)

June 23, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

I know, I know, I know….its June. And I started this blog post in April, and I’ve still got May and June to go… but seeing as I started – I’ll finish… singles round up for April is another bumper collection featuring everything from a band releasing its parting shot to new releases from one of Glasgow’s musical royalty…

The Bikini Bottoms – The Game

When Jack moved to London and Evan announced his departure from The Bikini Bottoms thought it was all over. Then Jack announced a new line-up and a new single in Monster Love and all was well with the world again.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2022 – Part 2 – February

February 25, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

2022. Two months in already and not a dish done… that’s now confused half the readers at least.

However, good things come in small packages, and the number of singles that have kept me going throughout February has provided a wheen of good things.

I just need to get around to writing about all the big packages and all the amazing LPs the postman has kindly been delivering over the last couple of months (much to the consternation of Mrs Quiff)

The news of rescheduled gigs and UK tours was coming thick and fast too. None more welcome than from band of the year from 2021, The Courettes, who are returning to Glasgow in June as part of their 2022 tour.… Read the rest

Savage Cut – Before the Sea Does the Mile – review

May 15, 2020 By neilho27@sky.com

The last gig I attended this year had Savage Cut on the bill. The first time I’d managed to catch the band live, and I have to say I was blown away. It will have to live long in the memory as it may be one of the only gigs I get to in 2020. The band are a three piece with no singer. Instead their songs feature a line-up of inspired choices of guest vocalists or samples.

The gig in Sleazys featured a cast of distinguished guests including the legendary Jimbo McKellar and rapper Hexstacy (review of the gig here).… Read the rest

Garlands Outstandifold Savage Cut Nice N Sleazy

Savage Cut & Outstandifold & the Wettygrippers – live

February 2, 2020 By neilho27@sky.com

A sneaky extra gig this one. One of these will I/won’t I nights that ended up as an I will. I was on drop off and pick up duties for Strictly, so it was only a partial gig, having to leave before the headliners, but as the now vegan Meatloaf once said, 2 out of 3 isn’t bad. This was living on the edge for me – gigs three nights in a row. Jeez I’m 50-man, ma lugs can’t cope.

So, three bands on offer for a fiver. Can’t say fairer than that. Especially not in a week when I re-mortgaged the house in order to get tickets for Guns ‘n’ Roses.… Read the rest