SNACK Bits (February 2026) Scotland’s Essential New Music Guide

We’re entering the shortest month of the year, so before you know it, we’ll be knee-deep in spring and planning summer. Life moves fast, make sure you stop every so often and check out what’s new in Scottish music. 

If you feel you need something massive to shake off the cobwebs and finally kick 2026 into gear, the return of Dead Pony should do the job. ‘Eat My Dust!’ is ferocious, continuing the sonic assault they’ve honed after another year of exhilarating live shows. In an era when many bands come back with something milder, Dead Pony buck the trend by blasting out of the blocks.

The term much-welcome return also applies to Carla J. Easton, and we find ourselves saying ‘Oh Yeah’ about her new single. With an album due in May, this slice of guitar pop has us ringing 8^th May in our diaries. Axe in hand or not, her joyous pop instincts remain — and this one will burrow into your head. ‘Oh Yeah’ is out 11th February.

There’s parts on ‘Big Bear’ by Pippa Blundell where you really need to dig in and listen hard to take it all on. The cyclical guitar riff is an ever-present, but there’s a broad range of vocal styles, from whispering and supportive to forceful and confident. It’s the type of song where time stops, and that’s never a bad thing. ‘Big Bear’ is out 4th February.

One thing Bits is excited about for 2026 is the live return of Super Furry Animals, which makes ‘The Cold Collar’ by Andrew Wasylyk especially timely. Featuring Furries frontman Gruff Rhys, the track arrives as we edge closer to 30 years since first seeing the band live, and the prospect of hearing that voice on a Scottish record still carries a thrill. Gruff’s instantly recognisable vocals are used to great effect here, bringing life to the glitchy backing, moving sprightly as the strings murmur darkly in the background.

Chay Swan is a new name to us, and ‘Kayfabe’ clanks into life, much like us as we convince ourselves February is the new January. The rhythm is really good, and the song has a dark vibe, but there’s a strangely optimistic feel to the chanting and background hiss. The musical duality is a good match with the lyrical perspective, a reminder things aren’t always as they seem. Hopefully there’s more to come later this year.

If you’re the sort of person who loves ’70s rock with huge vocals and all the little things that get the blood pumping, stick around. If you’ve got ‘More Than A Feeling’ in your head, you’ll love Megan Black, who is back with ‘You Have A Way’. This is a big song in every sense; even the quieter moments carry an anthemic weight, and it’ll be no surprise to anyone who’s seen her live or followed her career. Like many of those classic ’70s tracks, it centres on a toxic relationship—people bound by duty rather than love. Whether you’re here for the scandal or the soaring guitars, this one’s worth your time. Pre-save ‘You Have A Way’ here.

When it comes to one-off female vocals that we always want more of, the return of Ruby Gaines is great news. ‘Take My Hat’ finds Ruby in fine, and familiar form, her jazzy vocals meandering over a laid-back but never lazy backing. Before you realise, the tempo steps up, taking you out of the club and getting ready to race down the street, all while you’re wrapped up in that voice. Lovely.

We’re pretty close to the release of ARISE, the Helicon x AL Lover album, and ‘Not A Thought’ has us in the mood for it. The song swirls and stabs, dragging you into its psychedelic core. It’s a mid-tempo stomper with the cleaner guitar lines just after halfway through breaking through like the first strands of sun on a grey Glasgow day.

Another track that has us shimmying is ‘Gen Z’ by Sonatto. They may have moved to that London, but we’re still claiming, especially if the second album (due this year) has more moments like this. Woozy and trippy in equal measures, ideal for those times you aren’t quite yourself, but you aren’t quite ready to throw in the towel just yet. The computer style riff that explodes into bliss near the end is exactly what you need if your year is still dragging in.

Conversely, if you’re keen to maintain the sedate pace for a little while yet, ‘Heartspeak’ by Selkie is ethereally yours. Beautiful vocals and ambient backing ensure you’re in no rush to get anywhere, so relax for a while.

Now, ‘The Book’ by Jill Lorean isn’t technically a new release. The song was released on vinyl in the summer of ‘25, but it just received a digital release. And who is going to stop us talking about Jill? Exactly. The group are on fire here, Pete Kelly on drums rifling away at times, creating something for anyone who loved their Peace Cult album. That album had intensity, passion, intelligence and empathy. As does this track.

As the song states, the world is on fire, which means you should question everything, but equally, give yourself time to enjoy music, even the work that’s angry enough to match your outlook.

Similarly, ‘Evelyn’ by M. John Henry isn’t fully new, it’s a reworked De Rosa song. Nestled on the Early Songs, Of Late, the tempo is slower, the vocal sharper, the strings keener, but still as charming . Fans of De Rosa might not thank you for the reminder that Mend is 20 years old this year, but it’s a collection that old fans, and lovers of something meaningful will get a kick out of.

As said at the start, February is a shorter month, so it won’t be long until we are back with you, and all being well, that means in physical format, as well as digital. See you then!