Fatale at McChuills - March 2026

Fatale l-r James, Euan, Oscar (top), Ben, Chris

Saturday nights in McChuills have been the source of much pleasure for me over the years. Old Nick DJ-ing behind the bar early on, DJ's taking to the decks later, playing (or attempting to play in a busy area!) pool, meeting friends, ending the night there after a gig at the Barrowland Ballroom ... It's a wonderful pub full of characters, behind the bar and on the other side. McChuills has soul and strong values. They know what is right and what is wrong. And they love music! Lots of old faces still regularly frequent the bar and the decks. 

McChuills the kind of pub you fall for, dream of and pine for. These days, visiting is more of a treat, but every time I visit I think of my old flat in Dennistoun and times where I'd wander in for a pint after work and stay for a few, or ... wilder weekends.

It's great to see that McChuills still attracts a variety of subcultures of all ages. I mentioned Old Nick (who was DJ-ing before Andrew Divine last night) above and his son young Nick has done a grand job of changing things just ever so slightly, to put on bands and club nights in the side room ... or Acid Arch. Wet Leg (old blog here) and David Holmes are just 2 of the names to have graced the stage through there.

Fatale were back to the venue where they played their first gig in May 2025 - still less than a year ago! The band hang out in McChuills regularly and both are a perfect fit for each other. Fresh/recovered from 3-date tour of Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness with The Cords and a show with Warren McIntyre and James Kirk in Edinburgh the previous night, the 5-piece were gig fit. 

Taking to the stage at 10pm, Fatale blitzed straight into Moves You, their traditional set closer. It was a bold move and it worked a treat, the place was bouncing. This is a fuzzy punky pop gem with a glorious breakdown, before zipping back to full throttle. Exhilarating!

Fatale have improved every time I've caught them live since last summer; sound, performance and songs. New song Sugar Bowl was melodic with the duelling guitars sounding sublime. Own Embrace and Another Sunrise sound like old friends. I find myself half singing a-long, even though I've only ever heard them live.

A cover version of Buttermilk by Eugenius fitted like a glove. That guitar riff never got the credit it deserves. Winged Horse, By The Tide and September kept things going while allowing Fatale to show different sides to their natural instinct for melodies, guitar sounds and hooks. 

The rhythm section of Oscar (bass) and James (drums) keep things tight, while also driving the sound along, while the guitars of Euan and Chris (also backing vocals) carry the joy of youthful enthusiasm through chords, riffs, solos and the effects they use. Ben Robertson was born to be a front man - conducting band mates and crowd with his on stage moves. All have fantastic hair! 

Wired sounds like a potential single. While Jesus Christ most definitely will be at some point. Beginning with a warm Big Star-esque riff, the song then explodes into life and is like one big chorus, full of infectious energy.

Fatale seem to have a natural feel for songwriting. Their musical knowledge and taste comes across in the songs they have covered since I first caught them last summer. The confidence that comes from playing gigs and generating a buzz from them seems to be lifting them to new levels. Building on the solid foundation they had from the off with early songs like Moves You, Jesus Christ and Another Sunrise.

Speaking of which, the band are clearly taken by new song Saint Mungo - named after the patron saint and founder of the City of Glasgow. It's the title track of their debut EP that is coming out on a limited edition 12-inch. ORDER HERE

Coming on for an encore, Ben announced that this would be the last time they played their cover of The Velvets Femme Fatale, however given the reaction, I'd be surprised if that's the case! They should definitely keep it up their sleeves for their adventures outwith Glasgow.

The band ended as they began, with an even more super charged version of Moves You, starting with Ben crowd surfing, before their good friend Ben Brown took over and somehow managed to stay aloft! Great fun.

Keep an eye on Fatale's Instagram page for news of up coming shows.

Next up is a gig at The Art School as part of the multi-venue House Guest festival on 4th April. The festival also takes in Sleazys and The 1990 (formerly Broadcast).

Fools Creation launch at Mono

Fool Creations sell-out launch - photo by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Fool Creations is a new events and promotions company set up in Glasgow, with a focus championing music and art, merging legends with rising stars. Fool Creations is run and led by young Adam Graham, who I mentioned in a January blog where I introduced his band Supersun. 

Graham has an infectious energy and a desire to make things happen. Good qualities for an event organiser and every band needs someone with that kind of drive. His Cabbage nights at The Doublet are selling out in 10-minutes and I was delighted for Adam that his launch night for Fool Creations at Mono was a sell out. Thank you to the photographers for their wonderful photos.

The step up from The Doublet to Mono is significant. From 45 to 300! Adam put together an excellent 3 band bill - The Cords, BMX Bandits (acoustic) and Supersun, also choosing super cool DJ Holly Calder to spin records before, in between and after the bands.

Supersun by Div Barrett (@div_barrett)

Supersun's debut gig at The Doublet left a very positive impression, so much that I've been checking in on their Instagram page to see what they have been up to. The band were recently down in London recording demos (in Jack's studio), which, Adam highlighted to me in a chat, have turned out to be better than demos. I look forward to hearing them. 

While their Doublet show was a stripped back affair to suit the venue, last night saw the addition of a drummer and their sound flourished with that back beat and the larger PA that Mono offers. Their sound? Two chiming and jangling 12-string guitars, effortless and gorgeous family harmonies from Adam, brother Jack and sister Julia (also playing some great keys and string effects), cool bass lines from cousin Chris (definitely some McCartney-esque stuff in there) and cool beats by Harvey Haldane to back them up.

Supersun by Div Barrett (@div_barrett)

I mentioned a couple of Liverpool bands in my January blog on Supersun, and the pop and psychedelic qualities of Shack, The Coral and Cast came to mind again at Mono. Interestingly, while speaking to friends at the show, they felt the same. I look forward to seeing them again.

 Citrus Sun sounds like a natural single, while I'm a pure sucker for a song called Shine On. All of their songs are full of melodies and harmonies. The two 12-string guitars sound heavenly together.

Supersun setlist - Forever, Cream Tangerine, Citrus Sun, Go Up, Shine On, Boy and a Girl, Coco's Song.

Keep an eye on their Instagram as they might be releasing their London recordings in the next month or so.

Photo by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Duglas T Stewart is looking well. Accompanied by a guitarist (Rory), this was a super stripped back BMX Bandits set, although Duglas was quick to assure us that they would be playing full band sets later this year. 

Whether with a full band, or stripped to the bones, Stewart's charm and his ear for melody shine. Whether thanking someone for a funky and cosy pair of knitted slippers, or introducing each song with a little story, Duglas' love for music and people brings a warm glow wherever he goes.

Duglas T Stewart by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Bandits classics like The Sailor's Songs and Serious Drugs were welcomed by the crowd, however their song Foggy was possibly my favourite in their set on the night. Hopefully this stays in their set for full band shows. I'll be catching Duglas again very soon at their FRETS show with Jonny (Norman & Euros).

Could it really be

There'll never be a we

And I'm just kidding, myself on?

The Cords have had an incredible couple of years that led to the release of their eponymous debut album in September 2025. After a run of February shows with Fatale, they then head out on tour with The Charlatans in April. A great support slot and a huge opportunity to win new fans.

The Cords by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Eva and Grace have a natural feel for music; Eva's voice is super melodic and pure, her guitar playing is pop punk - three, four or maybe five chords, finding rhythm and riffs almost by instinct. Grace's drums can be primal at times, while there are plenty of colourful rolls at others to fill out the sound. Last night was the best I have heard Grace on drums.

With loads of songs under 3-minutes long (many hovering around the 2-minute mark), The Cords can fairly zip through a set. October is actually under 2-minutes in length, and the sisters might have raced through it in record time. The thrashy 3 chord punk guitar has a lovely innocent freshness to it. 

I'm Not Sad has a beautiful vocal melody through the verses, the chorus (at first) is simple and catchy ba, ba, ba, ba's and finally the title is sung a few times towards the end. Glorious.

I think I tried

But the time went by

And I, won't remember a thing

Well done to Adam for launching Fool Creations with such a busy, buzzy and brilliant night.

The next Fool Creations night is a Vinyl Party at The Rum Shack on Friday 27th March. Spinning records are Chris Geddes (Belle & Sebastian), Holly Calder, The Cords and Adam will also be DJ-ing. TICKETS

And hot off the press, their next night at Mono has Lung Leg, with support from Homework and Angel Face. TICKETS

The Cords at Fool Creation, Mono, by Mours (@visualsbymours)

2026 - Scottish music scene

Happy New Year.

Welcome to my first blog of the year. Read on to learn about;

• New bands/artists I'm excited about following through 2026 and beyond
• Emerging acts I continue to champion 
• Albums I am looking forward to
• Gigs I already have tickets for
• Gigs or festivals I am looking forward to

I hope that you might check some of the artists and shows out.

ENJOY!

5 new bands/artists

Fatale

The most exciting young band in Scotland? I think so. They are certainly my favourite. Fuzzy and scuzzy guitars, loads of songs (Moves You, Another Sunrise and Jesus Christ to name a few) that sounds like potential singles and choice covers of songs by legendary Scottish bands like Primal Scream (Velocity Girl), The Mary Chain (Taste of Cindy) and The Vaselines (Molly's Lips) as well as The Velvets Femme Fatale where they got their name from.

Fatale are a real gang who (literally) bounce off each other with natural ease and humour. Their taste and knowledge of music is exceptional and they have a thirst to discover all kinds of stuff - the influences of their influences. Like all good bands, Fatale have fantastic hair. As an added bonus, they regularly showcase a first class collection of retro band t-shirts and AC Milan (via drummer James) football tops.

Fatale are kicking off 2026 with a headline show at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut on Friday 9th January. Still in single figures for gigs, they then head out on the road with fellow faves of mine The Cords for dates in Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness in February. Teenage Kicks!

Yet to release a single, Fatale are focusing on building a following, while also hitting the studio to build up a string of singles and work towards an album.

Instagram  Soundcloud - demos

Introducing blog (June 2025)

Radhika

Citing The Pastels, Cocteau Twins and Strawberry Switchblade as inspiration, Radhika has played some choice gigs through 2025 and starts 2026 by playing London and Manchester shows with support from Gerry Love and Wor_kspace (Finlay MacDonald). Radhika's song Future Me on her Bandcamp is gorgeous dreamy indie pop, I hear a tinge of Belle & Sebastian (especially in the outro) in addition to her aforementioned influences. Starry Eyes (below) is swirling, swoony and sublime. 

Full INTRODUCING blog and interview coming soon.

Bandcamp  Instagram

Angelface

Described by my sister Carla as - the best new girl band in Scotland that you haven't heard of yet. Think The Sundays meets Big Thief with a massive dose of harmonies a la The Roches. 

The band themselves say - we're an all girl indie folk dream pop band.

Angelface play King Tuts on 29th January. 

Instagram

Supersun

3 siblings and their cousin, two twelve string guitars, a shared love of melodic guitar pop music, the introduction of their own regular night and the desire to become part of Glasgow's musical heritage and future. Supersun formed in the fall of 2025 and have only played one gig to date.

Their next is at Mono on 12th February with The Cords and a stripped back set by BMX Bandits. TICKETS 

Full INTRODUCING blog and interview coming soon.

Instagram

Other People's Leisure

Other People's Leisure have a studio/lock up with a bank of electronic equipment and lights. IT LOOKS AMAZING!  The duo released 3 singles within a couple of months at the end of 2025, mixing house beats, ambient and shoegaze textures with all kinds of synth goodness. Debut shows are booked at Leith Depot and The Hug & Pint in March.  Full INTRODUCING blog and interview coming soon.

Instagram

2 emerging bands/artists

Kerr Mercer

After a very busy 18-24 months on the road, supporting a vast array of artists, Kerr 'finally' released his debut single Alcohol at the end of 2024. I say 'finally', as his social media posts made it clear that he was chomping at the bit to get his songs out into the world. No wonder! 

Alcohol is a belter of a debut.Stripped back, leaving plenty of room for Mercer's rich and soulful voice, telling the teenage tale of going out drinking and falling for someone. Check the live video below - exceptional.

Kerr's voice is incredible and in addition to a busy time gigging, Kerr has also been writing constantly. Alcohol could open the floodgates. Still a teenager, Mercer is set to be around for decades.

Instagram

March 2025 BBC Scotland article

The Cords

Eva and Grace gigged hard through 2025 and released their eponymous debut album. With a 3-date tour with Fatale in February followed by an extensive tour supporting The Charlatans in spring, The Cords star is set to continue to rise. Infectious melodies, punky guitar, primal beats and honest lyrics that make observations and tell stories and feelings are winning fans everywhere.

Instagram

Introducing The Cords (Jan 2024)

3 albums I'm looking forward to

Gerard Love & The Magic Influence

2026 will surely be the year that Gerry releases the much anticipated solo album that he has been working on for a while. This has included time down in Liverpool with Bill Ryder-Jones. 

Given the members in his band, Gerry is likely to have to fit a release around Belle & Sebastian and Teenage Fanclub tours. My hunch is that if it happens, it will be a Spring or Winter release ... of this year! 

News of Gerry going into CHEM19 to mix leaves me extremely hopeful. But who knows?

Instagram

Carla J Easton

Solo album number 5 for my sister. 10-years since her Homemade Lemonade album and also Say It All With A Kiss by TeenCanteen. 20-years since she formed her first band - Futuristic Retro Champions.

Carla recorded at CHEM19 with Howard Bilerman on production duties. The two had previously worked together when Carla recorded her Impossible Stuff album in Canada at Howards hotel2tango studio. It's probably my favourite album of Carla's, I love the natural and live feel to it. 

What a shot of confidence to have Howard fly over! And to have so many friends answering calls to play on the album. I think it is Carla's best body of work to date. Her live show at the Old Hairdressers for Tiny Changes was brilliant - I loved seeing and hearing Carla play guitar with a huge beaming smile on her face.

Website   Instagram

Teenage Fanclub 

Touch wood. Teenage Fanclub will be recording an album in early 2026! Will it come out this year? Well, if it's mixed and mastered quickly, you just never know! Autumn gigs? You never know ;-)

Website

4 gigs I already have tickets for

Fatale at King Tuts - 09/01

Less than a year since playing their debut show, Fatale headline King Tuts. Expect new songs alongside early favourites.

Hen Hoose album launch at The Tramway - 30/01

Hen Hoose have really gone from strength to strength in the last couple of years. Tamara Schlesinger had a clear vision and along with her growing collective, she has paved a way for female and non-binary artists to gain peer support, confidence and community. 

12 of the community decamped to the Isle of Lewis in late summer of 2025 to write and record an album, suitably entitled The Twelve, due for release this month. I've been fortunate to hear the album and it's a super fresh mix of pop, reflection and joy.

Instagram

Geese at The Barrowland Ballroom - March and August

Photo by Tommy Krause

Instagram

Big Thief at The Barrowland Ballroom - May 

Photo by Michael Buishas

4 gigs/festivals I am looking forward to

• Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand

I already have tickets for Cast playing the Bandstand, but I always look forward to the Summer Nights announcement.

• Heather on the Hill Festival

Nathan Evans and the Saint PHNX Band are putting on a massive show in Edinburgh and it is all ages and family friendly. In addition to seeing friends Stevie and Alan headline with Nathan, my kids have their eyes on Ella Henderson.

• Teenage Fanclub tour

Teenage Fanclub are at a beautiful stage in their career where they are releasing and touring regularly, with a desire to play venues, towns and countries they have never played before. The band have played pretty much everywhere in Glasgow, but have yet to play Saint Luke's ... maybe a couple of nights there? Come to think of it, BAaD would also be brilliant for them!

• Tenement Trail

My friend Joe and I try to go to this every year. Can we last until the end in 2026?!

The area around the Barrowland becomes awash with exciting young bands and artists, full of fans mingling between venues, a real buzz. Madra Salach (below) were a highlight.

Camera Obscura at Kelvingrove Bandstand

Wednesday 5th June saw me race from a work meeting in Edinburgh back home to Uddingston to ditch the car, get changed, grab some dinner and hop a train to the Exhibition Centre. No, I wasn't going to see Lionel Ritchie like most of the other people in my carriage, I was heading into the stunning Kelvingrove Bandstand for a triple mini-festival style indie bill - Camera Obscura with support from The Vaselines and The Cords.

The Cords were the reason for my dash. They were scheduled to go on at 7pm, but thankfully they came on at 7.20pm, just after I had got in and secured a nice pint of IPA. £7 a pint! Ouch!

It's been so pleasing and heartwarming to see how more experienced bands have taken The Cords (Eva and Grace) under their wing, recognising their talent, potential and unbridled enthusiasm. Support slots in Glasgow and on tour have ensured that the young teenagers are road ready and experienced, while their debut album is recorded, mixed, mastered and ready to be unleashed later this year. I can't wait to hear it.

The Cords from up the back

Kelvingrove Bandstand was already reasonably full for them coming on. Eva's naturally melodic voice over raw guitar and beats has a wonderful charm to it. The melodies seem to come naturally and they will have won even more fans from the Bandstand and from their dates in London, Leeds and Liverpool supporting Camera Obscura. 

Next up were a 6-piece Vaselines band with Stevie Jackson from Belle & Sebastian guesting on 3rd guitar. What a glorious racket they created! The Vaselines absolutely blitzed through their set and while I missed the usual banter between Eugene and Frances, I was enthralled by the rocky sound of Dying For It (The Blues), one of my favourites, like a garage nuggets pop punk tribute to Motown.

I'd like to give a special mention to two songs that I think get better with every year and every listen. Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam is a three chord gem. Seemingly so simple, but so deep and moving. Eugene and Frances singing together is such a beautiful sound and the three guitars crashed and collided beautifully.

The Vaselines

And then we have Son Of A Gun, fuzzed up to be more like the Nirvana cover version thanks to the three electric guitars. Is this the best chorus by a Scottish band ever? It felt like it last night. Teenage love and poetry. Beautifully pure.

The sun shines in my bedroom, when you play

And the rain it always starts, when you go away

The verse is also like a chorus, super catchy, Eugene singing over a primal beat, building and leading to Frances singing the chorus. I hope The Vaselines get some more dates in the diary soon. I think I'll venture through to Dunfermline to see them in August.

On to the headliners. I was beginning to regret only wearing a t-shirt and light cagoule by the time Camera Obscura took to the stage! The skies had turned from blue to grey and there was a chill in the air. 

Traceyanne Campbell's voice could warm the coldest of days. I spoke with Lou (Mum of The Cords) about how beautifully she harmonises with Donna Maciocia on keyboards, while at others I marvel that it is just Tracyanne singing alone. Somehow it sounds like she is harmonising. What a voice!

Camera Obscura wisely played a couple of their 'hits' early on to get people down the front. Let's Get Out Of This Country and The Sweetest Thing sounded glorious, despite the grey skies overhead beginning to empty on top of the crowd.

Campbell did make a little joke about the £50 ticket price; 'you must be our rich fans', and it was a fair point. The Bandstand should have been sold out for a triumphant homecoming with excellent support. I have no doubt that it would have been if the tickets had been around the £35 mark. 

A couple of miles west, Lionel Ritchie would have been belting out Dancing On The Ceiling, while at Kelvingrove some die hards down the front were dancing in the rain, determined to not let the mini downpour dampen their spirits.

Bass player Gavin Dunbar had dressed for the occasion in a super sharp suit and white shoes, his riffs and grooves held everything together and allowed all kinds of flourishes over the top.

As the set and night progressed the rain eased and more people came down the front to dance, or they rose from their seats to let themselves loose. And no wonder. Who could stay seated to French Navy when the flowing chorus kicks in? 

I wanted to control it

But love I couldn't hold it 

Then we have Lloyd I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken, and was that still rain running down some peoples cheeks during Razzle Dazzle Rose? Or was it tears of emotion and joy? What a truly beautiful song that tugs on heartstrings in all the right ways. 

Camera Obscura formed in 1996, wouldn't it be nice if they returned to the Bandstand in glorious sunshine for their 30th anniversary next year?

BMX Bandits in Bellshill

"I create beauty out of pain." Duglas T Stewart

Last night (Friday 30th May), Duglas T Stewart and his beloved BMX Bandits made a triumphant return to Bellshill, marking Stewart’s first hometown show in over 30 years.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen Duglas perform over the years. There have been memorable gigs of all shapes and sizes—from intimate shows in bars like The Lismore to festival slots at T in the Park and Wickerman, and headline sets at venues like King Tut’s and Oran Mor. But (and maybe it’s just because it’s so fresh in my memory), last night might just have been the best of them all.

Photo by Paul Quinn

Why?

Well, I could put it down to the venue, location and significance. Bellshill Cultural Centre is tucked away just a 2-minute walk from the station. Duglas mentioned how he was born and raised in Bellshill, how he lived just a few streets away, formed BMX Bandits 40-years ago in 1985 and wrote many, many songs nearby. His friend Paul Quinn, formerly of Teenage Fanclub, was promoting the show. The Bellshill connection brought out the best in Stewart and subsequently his band. 

"There was a bunch of us in Bellshill with the same dreams." Duglas T Stewart

Speaking of which, is this the best BMX Bandits band?! How about that for a pub debate among fans?! Andrew Pattie (guitar), Amanda Nizic (bass) and Liam Chapman (drums) are super tight and totally get Duglas in 2025 and Duglas from 1985. Of course, not to do past members a dis-service, that could be said for all previous participants in Stewart's vision for his music. But I was exceptionally impressed last night.

"You never really leave the band completely." Norman Blake

"Being in BMX Bandits is like being wrapped in your favourite chocolate bar with everybody you love all around you hugging you at the same time." Sean Dickson

BMX Bandits family tree (from circa 2011)

Maybe absence makes the heart grow fonder. I missed the last couple of Bandits shows in Glasgow. And with Duglas now living out on the west coast, they don't come around as frequently as they once did. It had been a while since I basked in the warmth of Stewart's songs and charm. I still have a Readybrek glow from the show.

Of course, the wonderful songs were central to last night. Opener Setting Sun set the tone for a night of melodic, heartfelt and soulful pop music. Then we had an incredible trilogy of The Sailor's Song, Little Hands and Serious Drugs. Three absolute classics! We were being spoiled.

"My favourite Bandits composition has to be The Sailor's Song. In a little over 3.5 minutes it unravels like a movie in minature. Love conquers all." Sushil K Dade

Duglas and the Bandits played songs from across the Bandits 40-years. The aforementioned Setting Sun opens most recent album Dreamers On The Run,  Time To Get Away is also taken from that LP and it is a real gem. I appreciate it all the more after the introduction Duglas made at the start regarding how he wrote it for a friend he was concerned about. 

Stewart told a number of stories, of writing songs with his great friend Norman at 3am. Of seeing a shop called Razorblades & Honey while in Berlin and then writing and recording a song of the same name with Anton Newcombe in his studio in the city. That was one of many highlights, the dirty groove is delicious.

Amanda sang a glorious I Wanna Fall In Love, Foggy was absolutely beautiful, Disco Girl was super fun and an acapella Your Class had us all clapping and singing, the melody lifting and carrying us all.

And what you do, what you do

Is breaking my heart in two

And I'll never get too tired of you 

Duglas told of Dan Treacy of Television Personalities sending him a cassette of Girl At The Bus Stop with instructions to destruct the tape after recording a Bandits version - Mission Impossible style. As Duglas said, it is possibly more BMX Bandits than any song he has written!

Beloved debut single E102 might run that close, with the glorious refrain of I'm so happy, that love has come around being sung wholeheartedly on stage and off. 

Closing with the gorgeous Spinning Through Time from their Music for the Film "Dreaded Light" album, this was a truly wonderful and heartwarming show.

Support on the night was by The Cords who I first blogged about HERE. The sisters must have blitzed through a dozen songs in a 30-minute set that bodes well for their debut album, due out later this year via the excellent Slumberland Records. Eva's vocals are naturally melodic and beautiful, her guitar playing is feisty and firesome, and her songwriting feels unforced and pure. I can't wait to hear the album and look forward to them playing some launch shows later in the year.

"If I could be in any other band, it would be BMX Bandits." Kurt Cobain

Check a couple of old blogs below, including a podcast I recorded with Duglas on the 30th anniversary of BMX Bandits.

10 from BMX Bandits

30th anniversary podcast 

Bo's New Haircut / Rather Not Stay by The Cords

Back in January I interviewed The Cords, a young band of two sisters from Inverkip. They'd been on my radar for a while, thanks to my own sister Carla who met them at Rig Arts Centre in Greenock where she helps out with a community class. Carla sent me recordings that she had captured on her phone and raved about their creative nature and pure raw pop guitar sound. Pretty much everyone who meets and sees The Cords live goes on to rave about them. 

Eva and Grace Tedeschi are young teenagers who, if they had a Delorean, access to a flux capacitor, plutonium or the ability to harness a bolt of lightning, would set their time circuit settings to circa 1985 so they could try and get a song on NME's C86 compilation. 

The Cords have racked up some impressive support slots (including The Vaselines and The Umbrellas) and won the heart of Lauren who runs the label Heavenly Creatures (check the Adventure Club album they have just released) and most (probably all) of Monorail where they regularly hang out and buy records.

And now, if you haven't seen them live yet, you can hear why.

Bo's New Haircut / Rather Not Stay is the debut single by The Cords, released on limited edition tape. 

Bo's New Haircut has an instantly pure and catchy vocal melody over fast paced guitar (with limited or no effects) and beats. Told from the perspective of their dog Bo, this is over in a beautiful 100 seconds and a flash of sunshine. Three verses. Fast paced fun indie guitar pop. Pure. No pretence. No bullshit. Just naturally cool without trying. 

I think it might be cool if I looked like you

Give me a new haircut and I will be happy

Grace (drums) and Eva (guitar an vocals) - The Cords

Rather Not Stay sounds absolutely ripe for a good old indie disco (National Pop League) at the Woodside Social Club! After a slow burning 20 second intro, the fuse is well and truly lit and the song explodes delightfully into life. Eva's vocals sound pretty angelic and her lyrics are full of teenage innocence and honesty. The chorus will win your heart.

I don't want to go away

But I'd rather not stay

Produced by Simon Liddell and Jonny Scott and mastered by Nova Sound, The Cords have captured a beautiful moment in time for their debut single. I can't wait to hear what they capture next.

The Monorail edition SOLD OUT IN 15-MINUTES!

A Heavenly Creatures version is out this evening complete with handwritten lyrics and lollipops! 

NOW - available on all streaming/download platforms.

Keep an eye on The Cords Instagram where they may be announcing a show real soon. 

Introducing The Cords

One night last year, my phone repeatedly pinged with a series of WhatsApp message from my sister Carla, who had started doing some work at The Rig Arts Centre in Greenock. Carla's constant pings told me about how she had begun mentoring a young, still at school, teenage band called The Cords and she raved about their pure indie pop sound, comparing it Sarah Records, C86, early Pastels and Shop Assistants.

The Cords are Eva on guitar and Grace on drums, two teenage sisters from Inverkip in the West of Scotland, who have quickly gathered support via a couple of shows at Mono (supporting The Vaselines and then Carla) and a couple of in-house shows at The Rig Arts Centre.

My heart melted when I caught The Cords live. Warm guitar chords with limited/no effects, beautifully pure melodies and beats, playful hooks and a sibling chemistry easily won me and the Mono crowd over. Afterwards, it was great to see kids and adults supporting the band by buying up their pin badges and homemade bracelets. My youngest daughter Rosie and her friend Emily were in the front row and they proudly wore Cords pin badges to school the next day. 

I love that The Cords proudly declare their love for 80's and 90's DIY indie pop and that it is inspiring them to do it themselves. And I love that they have the confidence to put up a live bootleg recording of their first proper gig (supporting Frances and Eugene from The Vaselines) at Mono. This is true teenage angst delivered in a beautifully raw, honest and pure garage guitar pop style.

The Cords - live at Mono 14/09/23

The Cords are definitely a band to watch out for over the next couple of years. It's still very early days for the duo, but I dropped them a message via Carla to ask a few questions for the blog and Eva kindly took the time to answer them.

When and how did you form?

My sister and I have both been drumming since we were 6-years old and our drum tutor Lesley McLaren started Rock school at Rig Arts to give teens the chance to form bands and be given guidance so we jumped at the chance to be involved! 

I had started teaching myself guitar and Grace decided to learn bass. I hadn't even thought about singing or songwriting at this point but after meeting Carla she really inspired me to start writing. Keiran Savage (master of all things guitar) was a great help and gave us so much encouragement. Within the first few months we had written and learned 2 songs and learned The Pastels Check My Heart to perform at the first Gig@Rig. From there we carried on writing more and more and started an Insta account which gathered a great following @the.cords_band

Do you both write your songs?

I mostly write but Grace helps with ideas and she wrote Weird Feeling alone. Grace comes up with the drum parts but we mostly work together on everything.

Do you have any plans to record at present? Or are you taking your time?

We are very very excited to be going into the studio to record with Simon (Poster Paints/Frightened Rabbit) and Jonny (Chvrches) this month!

You've already played 2 shows at Mono. What do you enjoy about playing live?

We really love playing live as it's so much fun and we love that people come to see us and even the little ones when we supported Carla at her all ages album launch as it doesn't happen that often. They were dancing and enjoying the music which was brilliant. We just love Mono, it's our favourite so to have played 2 gigs there already is incredible!

Did you receive any words of encouragement from The Vaselines?

They said they enjoyed our set and we got a hug from Frances after the set. Their set was amazing and we never imagined that we would support The Vaselines never mind our 1st big gig!

What music are you enjoying listening to at the moment?

Anything Rose Melberg for me is a winner and she is such an inspiration to me. Also The Umbrellas can do no wrong as they are my favourite band. Grace loves The Cure, Slowdive, and My Bloody Valentine, she's a wee shoegazer. We both love most of the same music and both loving Seablite just now.

Any plans for 2024 or are you taking your time?

We do have very exciting plans for 2024 but you'll just need to keep following to find out more!

Carla J Easton at Mono

My sister Carla doesn't really do things by halves. It's part of her charm, part of what makes Carla, Carla. She goes all in. Sometimes, it might feel like she has taken on too much, but her work ethic, creative nature and desire to leave a mark tend to mean things work out in her favour.

Carla is mentoring a young teenage band called The Cords. So she wanted an to put on an all-ages show. And she wanted it to be accessible for people with disabilities or impairments. Somewhere people could feel safe to be themselves.

I was proud to see someone standing nearby me with a white mobility cane. And I was delighted to see so many young kids catching live music from Carla and her band, The Cords and Curlew. Who knows what impact that will have on them - will they be encouraged to pick up a keyboard, guitar or pester their parents into buying a drum kit? I hope so!

Mono was the venue of choice and Noel (manager) and his team were incredibly supportive of Carla's idea for an all-ages show. As someone who has put on a number of gigs over the years, I did worry about who would buy a ticket for a Sunday afternoon matinee show!

I needn't have. Mono was packed out. The atmosphere was friendly, supportive and inclusive. Kids bought bracelets from The Cords, overdosed on Haribo and wandered about blowing bubbles. 

Adults bought pin badges, records and CD's, and sampled the many beers (non-alcoholic for those of us driving) that Mono has to offer.

Kids sat at the front while adults stood around them, admiring the old keyboard that Curlew played and the way she looped and layered her voice and melodies. How did she do that? 

The Cords were brilliant. Carla has been telling me so much about them. She mentors them through a course at Rig Arts in Inverclyde. Eva (15 on guitar and vocals) and Grace (17 on drums) are young teenagers who are mining C86, the Glasgow School and Sarah Records for influences. I look forward to seeing them again and hope they can record some songs soon to capture their youthful innocence and energy. Their set generated enough applause to demand an encore of The Vaselines Monster Puss. Ones to watch for sure.

The Cords

On to the main act! Carla and her regular band of dreamers on the run extended to being a 9-piece band at times; veering from pure pop, to gorgeous ballads and string laden gems. 

Title track Sugar Honey opened the show with a sugary rush to match the haribo fuelled kids sitting at the front of the stage. Melodies poured off the stage as Carla and co played Tempt Me and Be OK from the new album with the beats, layers and complex arrangements played beautifully.

Then there was a run of 'non-hits' as Carla said. The New Order fronted by Carly Rae Jepsen pop delight of Get Lost and the super powerful blast of Weirdo.

Man of the Minch joined the band to play violin on Impossible Stuff which was absolutely gorgeous, the little jam at the end was outstanding. Things were slowed down for beautiful ballad The Girl From Before, the melodies flowing out effortlessly. 

View from side stage

Angus Munro then took to the stage with his saxophone for some glorious pop. One Week and Weekend Lover sounded huge. Carla then introduced You Made Us, her love letter to Glasgow, written in Queens Park during a lockdown while gazing across to the huge pink People Make Glasgow sign. 

The tale of neighbours, community, friendship, anonymity and love for Glasgow poured out of Carla's soul. It's quickly become a real favourite of mine.

Gorgeous dreamy Sleepyhead was sublime, before a triple blast of glorious noisy pop as the band became a 9-piece; Attack Of The Glam Soul Cheerleaders was an outrageous stomp. Blooming 4U was defiant, euphoric and triumphant and the closing Wanting What I Can't Have was like the little sister of Primal Scream's Loaded.

A brilliant set. A brilliant day. A brilliant effort by all to bring it all together and make it happen.

You can order Carla's Sugar Honey album from Bandcamp.

Or opt for a special dib dab cherry and orange version from the good folk at Monorail.

The Easton clan