You see? BITS disappears for two issues and Oasis reform. Do you think that’s a coincidence? Well yes, it is: a massive coincidence with no links between the two events, but still, we cannot afford to let new music fall off the radar.
For those demanding catchy singalongs over infectious hooks, but from a modern band, Plasticine serve up ‘Millennials’. Summer Skye sneers her way through the biting, slightly grungy track that packs a punch and will have you bopping, if not full-on pogoing, throughout.
Then again, if you are experiencing tough times in a relationship and want something to wallow in, or at least to hear you out while soothing your soul, Thundermoon have your back. ‘Ritual’ is awash with synths, so let the music circle around you and allow the lyrics to leave you feeling seen.
If you need something to lift your spirits in these darkening days, ‘Higher (Just A Feeling)’ by Fourth Daughter is worth a spin – you’ll be punching the air in no time.
The same is true with ‘Sorry’ by Former Champ. It’s wiry, busy, and the music counterplays Claire McKay’s understated delivery. We can’t shake the feel of The Strokes when they play, but it’s okay: it’s the good stuff, not ‘everything after the second album’ Strokes.
Another song on heavy rotation round here is ‘Desire’ by Alex Amor. It’s lush, with sumptuous vocals you can sink into, but enough break-out parts to jolt you from a slumber.
Of late, there’s been a couple of decent tracks from Corin. There’s something lovely in ‘Auburn Nights’, with the cello and piano lightly underplaying strong vocals. ‘Phases’ delivers one of the best opening lines in a while: ‘I don’t understand mullets’. It’s hard to top that but the song meanders neatly, creating a delightful double punch from this artist.
Before our hiatus (which may or may not have led to the reformation of Oasis and Supergrass), we shouted out The Martial Arts. We’re pleased to say they’ve returned too, with the In There Like Swimwear album. We’ll let you unpack the title if you so wish, but songs like ‘Something In The Water’ should scratch your itch for clever and measured pop. Think The Shins or a whole raft of bands from the 80s, when it was okay to balance seriousness with mischievous fun.
Another Scottish act making pleasing pop these days is Zoe Graham. ‘Push and Pull’ is her latest offering and it has our shoulders dipping, even when sat behind a desk. Imagine what it would do if we were near a dance floor!
We also hope we haven’t missed the window to tip you off about GIRLS.SPEAK.FRENCH. and ‘Is there any space on the moon?’ This is a brash and energetic song, and it’s immensely likeable, so get your air guitars out and prepare to sing along.
Taking things down a notch, but without dropping the warmth or quality, is Mokusla. ‘The Metal Man’ is ethereal, lilting, and a grand introduction to an artist who has an EP and Rum Shack show lined up for October.
There’s a good chance you’ve heard Amy Papiransky’s most recent single, ‘Fine Print’, as it’s a collaboration with KT Tunstall. If that’s piqued your interest, Amy’s new album Friday’s Daughter is released on 18th October. We’ve backed ‘Pencil Me In’ before but ‘Isabella’ has caught our attention, a sprightly number with pleasant vocals. Amy launches the album with a show on release day at Glasgow’s SWG3 Poetry Club.
Looking ahead slightly further, there’s a November album we can’t wait for. Peace Cult is the name of the next Jill Lorean album and while ‘Crushing The Campsies’ led the way for the record, recent song ‘Rainmaker’ has us rubbing our hands. It’s moody, there’s a threatening edge to it, and as always, Jill’s vocals drag you away as she runs; but we’d follow willingly if she asked.
Not that we need to be asked: BITS is the column that falls in love with new Scottish music every month, whether it’s in print or not. All being well, see you in November. It feels cold, but we’re back in the fire.
SNACK Bits is written and compiled by Andy Reilly each month.