Showing posts with label Catholic Action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic Action. Show all posts

Friday, 1 April 2016

April 2016 Podcast

Everything Flows - April 2016 podcast


Artschool guitar pop by Glasgow’s Catholic Action, ferocious electronica by Primal Scream, blissed out psychedelia by the Super Furries who play Kelvingrove Bandstand in August, northern soul numbers from the Supremes, George Carrow and Prophets ahead of the third Barraloadasoul in May and a beauty from LCD Soundsystem who have made a welcome return and play T in the Park in July.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

L.U.V - Catholic Action
When The Blackout Meets The Fallout - Primal Scream
Juxtaposed With You - Super Furry Animals
Stoned Love - The Supremes
Angel Baby - George Carrow
I Got The Fever - Prophets
Someone Great - LCD Soundsystem

Previous Everything Flows Podcasts

Podcast #1 featuring Teenage Fanclub, David Bowie, Dr Cosmos Tape Lab, Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, JR Green, The Undertones

Podcast #2 featuring The Troggs, Happy Meals, Rose McDowall, The Frank Popp Ensemble, Fun Boy Three, Jo Mango and The Pictish Trail, Miaoux Miaoux, Yo La Tengo

Podcast #3 featuring Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, Marlena Shaw, Natalie Prass, November Lights, Molly Nilsson

Podcast #4 featuring The Chemical Brothers with Beck, The Charlatans (Brian Jonestown Massacre mix), BMX Bandits, Edwyn Collins, The Parliaments, K-Klass, White

Podcast #5 -Tim Peaks Electric Fields line-up featuring The Charlatans, Yucatan, Blueprint Blue, Documents, TeenCanteen, Horsebeach, Hot Vestry, Riding the Low, Tim Burgess

Podcast #6 featuring JR Green, Hinds, The Groove, Doug Tuttle, Second Hand Marching Band, Emma Pollok, David Bowie, Lesley Gore

Catholic Action and Bellybuttons at Nice n Sleazys

Glasgow has a fine history of guitar pop bands with a sense of humour, intelligence, fun and a gang mentality - think Orange Juice, Teenage Fanclub, Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand. Last night Nice n Sleazys fell in love with Catholic Action who showed all the signs required to join those mentioned above in the near future.

Of course, many had already fallen for the band who showed so much promise through 2015 (see my interview with singer Chris from Dec 2015 HERE ), a few more had been added following the re-release of their song L.U.V as a 7-inch single on Luv Luv Luv Records. The song had originally been released on cassette through local label Fuzzkill Records.

I have been really impressed with the taste and work ethic of Fuzzkill and one their other bands, The Bellybuttons, were second on the bill. Sadly due to kid duties (and a swift pint in The Variety) my mate and I didn’t make it in time to see The Van T’s who opened an excellent 3 band bill.

We arrived bang on 9pm just as The Bellybuttons were tuning up and turning on. Joe and I had both caught them at Mono back in November when they supported Ultimate Painting and had enjoyed their guitar interplay (think Velvets and Pavement). The band were clearly having fun on stage and during Battling With Caring they had the confidence and skills to slow things down and go into a Dexy’s style talking mode all about the subject of care and caring. It was brilliant and really got the crowd on their side. Bellybuttons were beautifully tight and slack at the same time, finding a sound and a groove and jamming on it with Lou Reed style vocals at times - I look forward to seeing them again in the near future.

Catholic Action came on stage at 10pm promptly, thanked the crowd and burst into life. You know how I mentioned about those classic bands having a gang mentality? Catholic Action look like a real gang, like a band. They were super tight, flying through 3-minute guitar pop/rock songs with ease.


Catholic Action marry frenetic rhythm and lead guitar superbly, echoes of Thin Lizzy at times (playful, melodic, soulful, poppy) and also a touch of AC/DC (or am I going too far?) - but in a guitar pop/rock way. Simplistic disco/soul baselines and funky/simple beats help allow the duelling guitars to play and gel beautifully, with both guitarists showing fantastic skills and ears for rhythm, melody, riffs and fun. They pulled it off with ease, making their songs sound familiar yet different - does that make sense?!

Probably not! But think Franz Ferdinand and early Teenage Fanclub in a basement bar, the band brimming with energy and belief.


New songs mixed with old - not that any are that old, the band only formed in November 2014! They tore through L.U.V and must have knocked 10-second off its already poptastic 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Encore? Well the band literally went off for 10-seconds before bounding back on to play a song dedicated to an X-Factor judge. Rita Ora was the subject of a quite brilliant upbeat guitar pop/rock song with a hooky chorus playing on her name.

I mentioned humour and fun in the opening paragraph and Catholic Action displayed it in abundance by finishing with a stunning version of Hi Ho Silver Lining, ripping through it with style and panache.

I SEE YOUR SUN IS SHINING


Monday, 4 January 2016

16 Scottish bands for 2016

There are absolutely loads of Scottish bands and artists set to have exciting years in 2016 - some will be releasing music via major labels, others on small indie/DIY labels and then plenty will be self releasing.

The most important thing is that Scottish music is in an incredibly rich vein of form at present. There are loads of bands set to progress with many doing so on precisely their own terms which is very pleasing to me as a music fan - no label or management interference.

Here are 16 relatively new/up and coming artists to look out for in 2016.

A second blog on 16 things I am looking forward to in Scottish music will follow later this week.

1. Kathryn Joseph - will she follow up her SAY Award winning album with a new release in 2016? I would expect at least an EP from the very talented songstress. Check this sublime live recording of her song The Bird from a BBC Radio Scotland session


2. Happy Meals - won hearts with their Apero mini-album. They are winning more with their live shows. I don't think we will need to wait too long for their next release. Unique and gorgeous.  I hope to have a guest blog on Happy Meals in the near future.


3. Neon Waltz - set to tour with The Coral in the Spring, I think 2016 could be another year of development or see an Autumn album release for this hotly tipped band from Wick. The band have been living in their own world up in Wick, forming their own sound unaffected by any scene or scenesters, it is a sound that people want to hear more of. Singer Jordan Shearer look like a young Bobby Gillespie and has the charm and style to win and melt hearts.


4. White - currently getting loads of support from the BBC and set to tour the UK in Feb/March including a huge hometown show at the QMU on 20th February, White's high energy guitar pop could lead to a big year. Their next single could be the one that will see them break through.


5. Kloe - I have to admit to being sceptical about Kloe; however I really enjoyed her set at Wickerman and look forward to seeing how she develops in 2016. I expect a couple of singles and maybe an EP along with a good support tour and festivals would be a productive 2016 for her to aid her development. But you never know, an album might sneak out if a single kicks in.


6. Fatherson - The main question re Fatherson for me is whether or not they are going to transfer to the rest of the UK and beyond? Signed to Easy Life Records (a Sony offshoot) will give them every opportunity. The same questions were asked about Biffy Clyro and we all know how they got on -given time and the opportunity to develop. Their latest single Always explodes into life with the guitars sounding billiant. It will be interesting to hear their first album on a major label.

Check this incredible performance from T in the Park.


7. Model Aeroplanes - 4 young, good looking and talented boys from Dundee , this band have every chance of breaking through in the next couple of years. Signed to Island Records, I think 2016 might be too early for an album, but I look forward to hearing a couple of singles or an EP. Expect loads of shows and festivals to get their name out there. Check their self released single Electricity for an example of what they can do.


8. Catholic Action - I've blogged about them recently and I've really fallen for them. Prolific and set for a big 2016. They've released a load of material via local label Fuzzkill Records (on cassette) and I wouldn't be at all surprised for a larger label to come in and take them on.


9. Crash Club - A band who have been building and building towards something quite special. 2015 was a riot for them, their live show has been honed and toned to perfection leading to loads of praise and a growing fanbase. An album isn't their priority but they pretty much have one in the bag. Expect a single/EP in the first half of the year and then we'll see what happens.


10. TeenCanteen - my sisters band finished recording their debut album in December and are waiting to master it. A single will come out in March/April along with some live dates with indie legends Shonen Knife. The band also play the ABC as part of Hazy Recollections as part of Celtic Connections on Sunday 17th January.

The band have had the Cairn String Quartet in the studio for a coupe of songs. Check this gorgeous version of Honey from their recent Mono show as a taster for what might be on the album.



11. Gerry Cinnamon - I am really enjoying the rise of Gerry Cinnamon. I first came across Gerry when he fronted The Cinnamons and always enjoyed watching them live. Gerry has been playing and running open mics for a couple of years and then he went viral in 2014 with his song Hope Over Fear which led to him playing protests and rally's. The exposure led people to Gerry's catalogue of songs and his shows started getting bigger. Gerry's personality helps, he is funny, positive, up for it, kind, quick-witted, intelligent and he also speaks his mind and the truth.

Check the response to Good Feeling at a recent show at the Biscuit Factory in Leith HERE



12. November Lights - I blogged about this band back in November and also interviewed them. Check that HERE. I look forward to catching them live at King Tut's on 23rd January (when I will also be dj-ing between bands) to see if they have more songs up to the standard of their debut release Bring You Home. If they do then I think they could go all the way.



13. Atom Tree - Glasgow band move to London shock! It is kind of against the norm for a Glasgow/Scottish band or artist to move to London these days. Atom Tree have upped sticks and moved to the big smoke having signed a publishing deal that has allowed them to become a full-time band. They've been working on material for the last 6-months so they could explode in 2016. Check out this for a beautiful electronic gem.

I first blogged about them back in the summer of 2014 when their song Desired Effect was picked up for a Burberry advert. I've caught them live a few times and they have some incredible songs.



14. The Bellybuttons - I caught The Bellybuttons supporting Ultimate Painting at Mono in November and I look forward to catching their energetic guitar pop again in the near future. Another band to have released via Fuzzkill Records, they have a great laid back Pavment-esque sound, also taking in lovely warm Teenage Fanclub style guitars at others.


15. JR Green - came to my attention via Joe McAlinden on Twitter and when he took Edwyn Collins to check them out in Inverness I thought I had better do the same. The duo (brothers Jacob and Rory Green) have signed to Hits The Fan Records who released the gorgeous Kathryn Joseph album, their debut Bring The Witch Doctor EP is a delight and contains the following lyrics on their song Nigerian Princess.

I'm sorry for my output but I'm surrounded by wankers
I'm only 17 so I don't have all the answers (YET)


16. Man of Moon - had a blinding 2015 and are set to crack on further in 2016. Their debut release The Road was an exceptionally assured release from a couple of teenagers; gripping, menacing and full of energy - controlled and then explosive. I've yet to see this band live but all reports have been full of praise and I look forward to catching them soon.




Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Scottish music scene - 4 sign to majors

The Scottish music scene is in a particularly rich vein of form right now with 4 young artists signing deals with major labels since the turn of the year and many more turning heads and gathering attention.

Here is a quick run down on the 4 acts that have been snapped up, it will be interesting to see how they develop and if the labels allow them time to do just that;

Neon Waltz, a young band hailing from Wick, captured the attention of many by seemingly coming out of nowhere with their home made demos, covers and videos, signing with the same management company as Oasis and then subsequently to Atlantic Records. Their young front man has something about him and the band gel superbly. They are still very much in their infancy but 2016 could be a big year for them.


I caught them live at Wickerman recently and they had a few stand out songs as well as many more that sound promising; they look good, the frontman stands out a mile and demands attention, their duelling guitars create a brilliant sound and they really do gel superbly.


Fatherson went about things the complete opposite way from Neon Waltz - working hard, playing loads of shows, self releasing and building a bigger and bigger following. Their young manager Michael Lambert teamed up with Idlewild's manager Bruce Craigie to form A Modern Way - a management company and record label; very handy and indeed - very modern. Fatherson's I Am An Island that they released in 2014 only increased the interest in the band leading to an incredible performance at T in the Park where they packed out the King Tut's tent (see video below). Their hard work has paid off and they recently signed with Easy Life Record, an offshoot of Sony.


Singer Ross Leighton is in this for the long haul and I have heard many people compare them to Biffy Clyro; not just for their Ayrshire roots but for their growing sound, reputation and fanbase - they could be building to something pretty special and now they have the backing to do it.


White burst on to the scene last year and my friend Gordon alerted me to their fantastic song Living Fiction. The song mixed Franz Ferdinand with LCD Soundsystem and all kinds of 70's and 80's pop, funk and disco. It sounded fresh, vital and fun.


Another friend Sam told me that they had labels coming up to see them rehearse - there was a buzz. White have now signed with Sony and released a second single Blush which shows more signs of promise and the band are attracting more and more interest through the media and radio, things are building up nicely. From a personal point of view, the drummer Kirstin is absolutely lovely and I am delighted for her that things are going so well.


Model Aeroplanes are a young band from Dundee that have been attracting interest since they formed in their teens (some of them may well still be in their teens). I first saw them live supporting Vigo Thieves back in late 2013 and really liked the look and sound of them - playing cracking guitars, looking too young to be in the venue and having an ear for a pop tune. I was also very impressed with their musical talent - these boys can play, just check out the variety of their live and acoustic sessions on YouTube for evidence.


The band have been working extremely hard since then under the guidance of their lovely manager Paul who has been working his socks off for them. As someone who managed bands I always root for a good young manager and I am absolutely delighted that Paul's work and the bands talent has landed them a deal with Island Records.

The hard work continues - this good looking young bunch of lads who can really play could take off in a big way if they get a hit single. Best of luck to them.


It is fantastic to see labels venturing north of the border for talent - there is plenty of it and I wouldn't bet against other acts being snapped up in the near future. Here are just a few that might also get a major label deal;

Man of Moon could well be described as the buzz band in Scotland at the moment. A young 2-piece from Edinburgh, they have been working hard under the guidance of a lovely guy called Jamie Webster and recently released their debut single on indie Melodic Records to rave review. Festivals and sold out shows have added to the buzz. Watch them go.


Kloe is a young teenager from the outskirts of Glasgow creating a real buzz. I thoroughly enjoyed her set at Wickerman; the way she strutted around the stage, fell to her knees, posed for the cameras and treated us to a display of modern pop written by a teenager for teenagers. Word on the street is that a new EP will be coming out before the end of the year. if it generates anything like the response of her debut single then she may well get snapped up. Young, ambitious and talented. Definitely one to watch.


Vigo Thieves have been working hard on writing and recording and I have been fortunate enough to hear some exceptional new songs. These boys are going for it big style and I sincerely hope they get the deal they deserve. Stevie Jukes is a star in the making, he has the look, voice, soul and songs to go all the way.


Other acts to keep an eye on that should certainly attract label attention (perhaps not a major) include; Catholic Action, TeenCanteen, The Insomniac Project , Atom Tree and Crash Club. Oh and if Gerry Cinnamon's forthcoming self released debut does well then he may well get snapped up too - that is if a label doesn't come in before he released it himself.

There are bands and acts all over, DIY labels and nights, blogs, podcasts, radio shows, venues, nights - and it is all exceptionally accessible in the modern day and age. Scotland continues to punch above its weight - producing an incredible amount of fantastic bands and artists for a country with such a small population.

Enjoy this brilliant time for music.






Friday, 14 August 2015

Introducing - Poor Things

The Scottish music scene is in a particularly rich vein of form just now with a number of new bands coming to the fore, loads of bands and artists developing and pushing boundaries and established bands still coming up with the goods.

I'm aiming to introduce semi-regular interview/highlight/introducing blogs focusing on new bands coming to the fore. Here is the first one....

Poor Things are a band that came to my attention through a recent split single release on the fabulous Gerry Loves Records label. Their warm guitar pop sounds displayed on No Way, Jose caught my ear - very Fanclub-esque. I look forward to seeing them live in the near future.


I caught up with Craig Angus to find out a little more about the band.

1. Tell us how you formed - where are you from, how do you know each other, how and why did you get together?

Richard and I (Craig) got put in registration class together on the first day of secondary school and instantly bonded over music, he was the cool kid that could play the guitar really well and I was the over-active underachiever.  Eventually we met Gavin who at the time was going out with one of our friends from school and we formed out first band, in 2004 - which is crazy.  

Anyway long story short we started a new band once Richard and I came to University in Glasgow and Poor Things have been playing since 2011 -  our sound has changed a lot since then.  I feel like we've only really existed since 2013, like I was a different person before that... 

2. I’m pretty new to the band, you seem to have released your debut album quickly (which I like) - what made you decide to do that? What has the response been like?

I think maybe because we'd been plugging away for two, three years in the sidelines, it felt like a bit of a bucket list thing - something it would be cool to have as a momento to the band.  I guess because you never know when something like that can just stop - all it takes is one person to emigrate, or just say they've had enough.  With this band and us being such old friends, it could't function without the core three members, and no matter how things go from here that's our small contribution to the world of music.

The genesis, Andrew Dyce from Saraseto Records, who is a great friend and supporter of the band, asked us if we wanted to do it, and we had a bunch of songs that we were happy with and we had made a bit of money from various festival gigs and our first EP, so yeah - why not? 

I think writing an album is a great challenge that presents a few structural obstacles - the whole process definitely improved us as songwriters and the record seems to have reached a lot of people, a lot more than we could really have hoped for considering it was such a DIY effort.  It's not the most well known or hyped release of recent times, but we played a few cool shows off the back of it and the people that like it seem to really like it.  I'm still amazed that people choose to listen to music we make.  I think they're taking the piss probably.


3. Tell us about your other releases - what have you put out to date and is there anything in the pipeline?

One EP (Hurricane Poor Things), One Album (Poor Things), two split singles, one cassette on Fuzzkill with the formidable Catholic Action and one on Gerry Loves Records, a 7" with Halfrican, Sharptooth and Pinact and a contribution to Fuzzkill's Now 666 tape which some of our favourite bands were part of;  Secret Motorbikes, Deathcats, Kill Surfff.   

We've been writing songs for a while now, over a year, with the aim to do another album.  We demoed a track last week, and we're pretty excited about how it sounds.  The scattergun approach to the last record was great but we can probably take a bit more time, spend a bit more money and do something really memorable.  I'm really, really excited about it.  Richard has written some absolutely brilliant songs, and I think I'm putting my best stuff forward too.  

Visit the Poor Things band camp page for releases to date 

4. What has been your best gig to date?

The Gerry Loves launch parties were an obvious highpoint.  We also had a crazy show in Paris in May 2014 that ended up being really busy and I think having travelled so far that was pretty special.

5. What gigs do you have coming up?

We are playing The Hug and Pint on Saturday 22nd August and beyond that are doing a mini tour with our pals Min Diesel in October, the focus right now is writing and finishing off new songs. We're going up to Loch Fyne to do 4 days of solid demoing in early September, before emerging to an unsuspecting world. 



6. Tell us about your influences - what music do you like?

As a unit we're big Weezer fans, big Pavement fans, beyond that we're into Teenage Fanclub, Smashing Pumpkins, Big Star, any indie music from that wonderful 1990s period.  

7. How do you write as a band?

Richard lives in Aberdeen and I live in Glasgow, so we write things individually and then share them over emails, and then when we practice with Gav we bring it all together and pick things apart a bit more.  It's quite a good way of filtering the good stuff.

8. What other young Scottish bands do you like?

We're big, big Halfrican fans - they've got excellent legs.  Also Pinact and Sharptooth who were on our 7" release.  We've done a lot of shows with Catholic Action who are about to really take off and they're a really fun band with great songwriting at the front and centre.  I never miss Tuff Love either.

9. What do you think of the music scene in Scotland - what is good, what is challenging, is anything missing?

That's a tough one.  There's a lot of really great stuff going on, and then stuff that does nothing for me and that perplexes me - but hey, opinions right?  It feels futile criticising a band you're clearly just not into.

I think things are pretty good now thought, and the rise of DIY labels is a brilliant thing, it's encouraging people to be creative and be independently minded. Long term there's an obvious glass ceiling, but it shouldn't matter too much.  

10. For those new to the band - why should they check you out?

It's what Elvis would have wanted.


Monday, 29 June 2015

Wickerman 2015 preview



The line-up for the 2015 Wickerman Festival is their strongest to date while remaining typically eclectic; offering a fantastic mix of new and up and coming music alongside established and legendary artists.

Synergy Concerts have taken over the booking of acts for the festival and they have brought in some of their favourites and used their experience to bring in some acts that could and should make Wickerman 2015 the best yet. If only they could book the sunshine!

Who am I looking forward to?...

In no particular order, here are 20 acts that I am hoping to catch over the course of the weekend...

Of course there is much, much more on offer and part of the joy of Wickerman is just wandering around the beautiful site and taking in a melting pot of everything.

Stereo MC's
Stereo MC's at the Barrowland Ballroom back in 2002-ish was an incredible show. Over 10-years down the line Stereo MC's live shows still have a reputation for being high energy; with singer Rob Birch bounding all over the stage and getting the crowd on his side with ease.

The 1992 album Connected spawned massive singles including the title track, Step It Up and Ground Level. An early evening slot in the sunshine would be a perfect time for this band. Funk, pop, dance and soul.




Sugarhill Gang
I caught the Sugarhill Gang at King Tut's last summer. Rappers Delight will be one of the songs of the festival and the summer. Look out for loads of people trying to rap along.


Lulu
Lulu is sure to get the party started. Shout is going to be a massive Wickerman hit with the audience bellowing along. Little known fact - Lulu has also written some monster hits including Tina Turner's I Don't Wanna Fight so expect her band to play some of these songs and some choice covers - Lulu released a cover of Bowie's Man Who Sold The World back in the day.


Squeeze
Up The Junction is a guitar pop fave of mine, it is pure pop perfection and the thought of singing a-long to it at Wickerman is a good one. Squeeze have much more than that in their arsenal though and I expect them to be a real festival favourite and gain many new fans.



Neneh Cherry
Buffalo Stance at a sunny Wickerman - oh please, please, please. Neneh Cherry's show at SWG3 received outstanding reviews, as did her last album. The lyrca and shell suits may be gone but Neneh will bring a set of sassy funk, jazz, pop and soul to Wickerman. Sure to be a hit. Check this extended re-editversion of Buffalo Stance

Pic from brandammo.com

Julian Cope
The legendary Julian Cope is a must see for me. Pop hits like World Shut Your Mouth and Trampolene will hopefully feature alongside some material from The Teardrop Explodes and surely Out Of My Mind On Dope On Speed will be a festival anthem for many



Jimmy Cliff
I can't wait to see this genuine legend live and to hear his stunning voice on hits like Many Rivers To Cross, The Harder They Come, Wonderful World Beautiful People and  You Can Get It If You Really Want. Sunshine reggae vibes will be perfect for Wickerman.


The Waterboys
I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon
What a song! It flows, rises, soars and keeps on going. Expect people to be dancing around and punching the air with glee when The Waterboys drop this. It is their defining moment and rightly so - not many artists write something as good. Mike Scott and co will astound with their tight musicianship and songs from throughout their career with may lifted from the Fisherman's Blues album.



Tal National
Brian Reynolds who is one of the bookers for Wickerman 2015 has mentioned this band a few times on his Facebook page. He then tweeted me to make sure I checked them out ahead of the festival. I can understand why.

One of the great things about Wickerman is that it will give bands a chance and literally a platform. Tal National's jazzy african rhythms could steal the show - expect quite a performance if their videos are anything to go by. Embrace it.



BMX Bandits
Bellshill legends the BMX Bandits have just been announced as the first headliners for the new Phoenix Tent. Their warm guitar pop is sure to be a festival favourite. Serious Drugs is their most famous song, but look out for some stunning songs from recent albums and I hope they also play songs like Little Hands.  I know I'll be going to see them and if you haven't then you should try to pop in.



The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
A rush of indie guitar pop always warms my heart and this band are masters at that. Catchy, fuzzy, fun, melodic and pure - I look forward to seeing them play songs like Heart In Your Heartbreak.


Kathryn Jospeh
The winner of the 4th annual SAY Awards with her stunning debut album Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I Have Spilled. Check the gorgeous live version of Bones below. Kathryn's music and reputation is growing by the week, making this a perfect booking for Wickerman - an artist on the rise.


Miaoux Miaoux
Electronic pop pushed as far as possible. Miaoux Miaoux are capable of sublime moments and also downright dirty dance stuff like Hey Sound! Stop the Clocks is one of my all time favourite songs and It's The Quick off their new album could be your favourite of the festival.



Catholic Action
Are another new band I intend to make the time to see at Wickerman. Their upbeat punky guitar pop is winning them lots of fans. Check L.U.V for evidence of what to expect - could be a real highlight if they have a set of songs like this.



The Sonics
Legendary garage band The Sonics have some incredible songs and their guitar sound is one that many look to for inspiration with James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem being a real fan of their raw punk edge. Have Love Will Travel is a garage classic.



Errors
Errors are on the rise and made the shortlist for the SAY Award this year with their latest album Lease Of Life. Their expansive, spacey, electronic vibes and soundscapes will gain them new fans at Wickerman.




Ela Orleans
Stephen Pastel has been on about Ela Orleans for ages, converting Tim Burgess among others to the beautiful leftfield electronic pop that the Polish artist (now residing in Glasgow) is capable of creating. Listen to The Sky And The Ghost below for starters and imagine this at Wickerman.



Withered Hand
Withered Hand is gaining fans with every release and performance. He blew me away with a solo show in tiny Bowlers Bar last summer. Dan Willson has an incredible ear for melody and his lullaby voice is a joy to listen to.



Tuff Love
Tuff Love are picking up fans as they go about their busy touring schedule; supports with Ride and an assortment of festivals added on to their own gigs over the last year or so have turned this fuzzy scuzzy indie guitar act into one that is road ready and set to win you over. They were in brilliant form at the SAY Award ceremony and i look forward to seeing them at Wickerman.


Neon Waltz
I have yet to catch Neon Waltz live and fully intend to do so at Wickerman. The band hail from Wick in the Highlands and the fact that they are so removed from any 'scenes' has stood them in good stead as they remain true to their own style and tastes. Definitely ones to watch over the next year or so.