Concept albums are tricky. Too often, in an attempt at universality, the concept can become too grandiose to truly connect with people. However, a concept album based on finding the meaning of life at an afterparty in Lanarkshire then immediately forgetting it? Well, that’s a different kettle of assorted seafood. It might not be globally universal, but it should be relatable to anyone who has spent more than 4 days of their lives in the central belt of Scotland.
Formed in Hamilton, Auld White Label are an intriguing mixture of grubby electro beats and dreamy lo-fi pop. Their releases until now have largely passed without much impact, including last year’s album, the excellent Shared Isolation, but Hits from Beyond could be about to change that. In March, they released ‘Wan Mair’, a much more club-friendly track, complete with a pleasing shuffling locomotive of a groove – this album is the extended but not unpleasant comedown from the shambolic night ‘Wan Mair’ soundtracked.
They’ve continued their use of Scottish vernacular in song titles, which is to be encouraged, with tracks called ‘hingin’ and ‘veranda moment’. All in all, Auld White Label are to be encouraged and Hits from Beyond has enough varying influences and quirk to warrant continuing to keep an ear out for them and wherever their sci-fi caravan ends up.
Hits from Beyond is out on 2nd July
