As we’re pushing the word limit already (and the editor is no doubt raging at my ignorance of deadlines), we’ll skip the pleasantries and go straight to July’s column.
Let’s lead with one of our recent favourites, and an act we want to see Sunday lunchtime at TRNSMT. Majesty Palm are back, and this time they’re a bit funky. You should definitely get a shimmy on to ‘The Longer I Hold You’, and our schedule has them and Sprints written all over it!!
Even if Beth Gibbons and BEAK> weren’t on the road at the moment, Portishead would be close to our hearts, and playlists. Saint Sappho feel the same, and they’ve dropped a cover of the sublime ‘Glory Box’. Taking on Beth’s vocals is a big task, but the duo conjure up something which should please their fans, and lovers of the original.
The Martial Arts grab Bits’ attention with a title that is suspiciously close to an Andy Warhol extravaganza, but they keep us hooked as ‘Exploding Crushing Inevitable’ is a cheery power-pop number. Think The Archies meeting Elvis Costello downtown and you’re halfway there, and who doesn’t want that sort of happiness in their life? There’s an album due in August if this is your bag.
Another thing which grabs us immediately is the woozy harmonica intro of ‘Start Again’ from Jamie Sutherland, who you might recognise from Broken Records. This taps into the great Americana songwriters we love, and it’s instantly familiar, while feeling fresh. The album is due in September.
We also think ‘Pencil Me In’ by Amy Papiransky has that slight Americana feel, but it flows wonderfully. The vocals have a cheery feel, but it’s the movement of the music that will take you places in your mind.
Okay, bear with us: we like to keep things light in Bits, but sometimes a press release gives your heart a kicking. Without going into the details, Little Win has been through it all, which makes the sky-scraping optimism of ‘Castles In The summer’ all the more impressive. There’s moments where School of Seven Bells spring to mind, and that’s a big compliment from us.
YSK joins JusHarry to share the moody and informative ‘100 Days’. The tone fits the words perfectly, and a reminder the rap scene isn’t all about the glory: there’s hard work and loneliness.
Mrs Frighthouse brings the noise and power, musically and with personality, on ‘DIY EXORCISM’. If you like murky bass, industrial strength vocals and you need a helping hand in cutting poison out of your life, this might be the notso- gentle nudge you need.
We’ll be honest, Bits doesn’t care what happens at Take That concerts, but the story of Daniel Rooney being catapulted onto the big stage, going from venues like The Press Bar and Radisson RED to a sell-out Hydro show, is impressive. As is Daniel’s single ‘Old Ways’ which should appeal to those who enjoy Paolo Nutini. You can see him in King Tuts in September, if you fancy.
Lewis McLaughlin is another emerging songwriting talent, with ‘Over The Moon’ being easy on the ears. Scotland’s in safe hands when it comes to melodious writers making music that makes you smile. You can also hear this in ‘Hurricane’ by King Rib, the moniker of Craig McIntyre from Cutty’s Gym, a sweet Americana drawl that doesn’t lose its local setting.
And don’t think it’s just the fellas flying the flag, ‘July Rain’ from Rhona Macfarlane is positively swoonsome. It feels delicate but strong enough to hold you, overall, it’s rather lovely. The same is true of ‘Promised You Love’ by Katya Mansell, a neatly produced track that creeps up on you, in a pleasant way.
There’s also a new Susan Bear album, which pleases us greatly, with ‘Get By’ a great way to lead us into the record.
Thinners drop ‘After the Solar Flare’ with really chirpy verses and some sweet drum fills. ‘Tune Out Of You’ from Vida taps into that jaunty side of British guitar pop, with a heavy Scottish vocal twang. It’s sure to delight Britpoppers and beyond. ‘Do As You Please’ from Colour Carnival has an excellent bass intro, and you’ll be pogoing along as the Libertines-esque vocals ping-pong around you.
We can’t promise you the weather, but this is the time for outdoor gigs. Glasgow act Cloud House offer stadium-friendly energy in ‘Broken’. Don’t blame us if you grab your pal and shout into the warm night sky when you hear this.
We cover racecar a lot, so we don’t need to labour the point, but the recent single ‘Fall Leave’ is a bit quirky and infinitely charming. If you need a shot of optimism, slip into this. We’ve also covered Thundermoon before, and ‘Perfect Chaos’ is a stirring pop number with a touch of 80s magic sprinkled over it. Another song with a classic touch is ‘Useless Love’ by Archie Topp, a little piano-led number that has a chorus that drags you in close and lifts you up.
And to close out this section, there’s a touch of 80s jangly guitar pop in ‘Waving Goodbye’ by The Raeburn Brothers. There’s more to come from them in autumn but if you like Lloyd Cole or Orange Juice, this isn’t too far off the mark.
And that is that. By the time you’ve read this, we’ve hopefully loved the Big City festival and are looking forward to TRNSMT. Trust us, there’s plenty of great local acts early, so get in sharp, stay hydrated and enjoy yourself. Also, you have our permission to think negatively towards anyone who doesn’t shout woo during ‘I Am The Walrus’.
