Those Who Wait

Hailing from Scotland's second city, seven piece Those Who Wait take a number of instruments including saxophone, trumpet, drums guitar, and keys and create a jazzy rock 'n' roll ensemble. In my opinion, there is a strong Rolling Stones influence in the 4 tracks currently available but the band also cite other influences such as The Jam, Queens of the Stone Age and The Who. 

These guys are definitely ones to watch for the future, and bring something other than indie-folk music or all out rock to the Scottish scene. Singer Thomas Ferguson's powerful voice is backed up with some really solid guitar work, catchy keys and quite an elaborate wind band setup to create music that wouldn't be out of place in the 60's, 70's or even the 80's. This is a band for those people who think they have been born in the wrong era and missed out on music that had passion and soul; Those Who Wait have plenty of that.

For now, the band just played their first couple of gigs in Maggie Mays- one of which was opening for Katie Sutherland (Pearl & The Puppets) on the last night of the Merchant City Festival. They are going to continue to record over the next couple of weeks also, so we are definitely looking forward to hearing more from the ever exciting Those Who Wait.

KOBI

If you are in on the Scottish music scene then you are bound to have heard of Dingwall/Inverness based alternative-rock band KOBI. After a good couple of years for the band- they have performed at a number of festivals including RockNess as well as Belladrum this weekend- they have now released a brand new single called Fight. You can listen to/download this song, as well as a live Rockhopper session of A New Before and the subsequent remix by Them & Us on Bandcamp for a mere £2.50. Do it.

Be Like Pablo- The New Adventures

So the guys from Be Like Pablo were kind enough to send out copies of their brand new debut album The New Adventures to bloggers and reviewers alike. With all the hype of the Olympics underway, I was looking forward to hearing this album even more than watching some of the best athletes on the planet reach the pinnacle of human endeavour. Luckily for me, it more than lived up to expectations.

The Forres based band have self-funded this release and are even generous enough to be giving it away for free on the 3rd of August, but after having a listen, I would happily pay the full amount for this debut which dazzles with it's diversity. For me, it's like Belle & Sebastian meets Jimmy Eat World meets Beach Boys: male/female vocals; some heavy riffs mixed with melodic guitar and piano; and the uplifting noise of Moog synths. Oh and throw in a bit of rap while you're at it.

(Tracks aren't yet up but will be asap) Lyrically, Ewen is all about love and I've tried to interpret some of them while also doing some sort of review. These aren't going to be bang on but hopefully in the ball park (And they aren't in order either!):

In The Things That You Do, he is looking to get into a relationship, but it just seems a bit impossible for him because the other person isn't giving off the right signals, but he is intent on working out how to win her heart- even though he 'can't understand (your) heartbeat'.

Song number two- The Post-it Song- shows off some of Jen's awesome synth playing skills, as well as the Jimmy Eat World esq guitars. Again Ewen is open about his feelings as he wants to be in someone's life, but he isn't too sure how to go about it and whether it would be good for them. JUST GO FOR IT EWEN!

It turns out Ewen is in love with Julianne which is the third song. Maybe this is the girl from the first two songs? But anyway, it doesn't matter because 'everybody knows the words!' (That's your cue to shout, 'I'm in love with Juli-a-anne!) Okay, fun over. In all seriousness this is one of my favourite Be Like Pablo songs. It's catchy, upbeat and easy to sing along to- which are always the best and most memorable songs. You'll definitely find yourself singing this one in the shower.

Oh Emily Another lover perhaps? Who knows really, but this song seems to show a bit of an issue for Ewen because the two seem to have a relationship that's trying to blossom but she's not entirely convinced. No one ever comments on bass playing, but there is a nice bit of bass going on in Oh Emily, bringing something different to an already excellent song.

Someone To Love could be an Elton John song with the first few bars of piano, but don't worry, this is still Be Like Pablo. This song goes by its title, in which we need to find someone to love and care for us when things aren't going our way. I enjoyed the big chorus in this song; it's one of the middle songs where the album peaks, so it makes sense to have the big vocal performance here. This is the most diverse song as it's actually almost a power ballad with a hint of barbershop quartet.

Spirit of Adventure continues with the male/female vocals with Jen and Ewen sharing the mic. This song is mostly guitar based and could almost classify as a rock song. The anonymous subject of the song is said to have the same spirit of adventure as a child. Maybe Ewen likes this, but then again maybe not. Who knows, but that's all I can get out of this song meaning wise; otherwise Spirit of Adventure is an awesome head nodding song.

Without The Pain was a bit of a surprise for me when I first heard it. I didn't see the rap song coming but it really does work for the band and throws another genre into an already eclectic mixer. This song also reminds me heavily of Where Is My Mind? by The Pixies. Another one of my favourites.

The shortest song on the album- Love Is For The Living- seems to be a bit of a dream or fantasy for Ewen. He attempts to make a girl feel better by showing her his love, but it turns out to be false as love only happens in real life (hence the name of the song, I guess).

I Can't Dance involves more cool synth, more romance, and a reference to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers...even though Ewen can't dance. Oh and there's also a reference to Batman and Catwoman, but let's leave her out of this, no one likes Catwoman.

Between The Lines rounds off this flawless album with, of course, more romantic lyrics as Ewen points out all of the best traits in his romantic interest. He is more direct and confident in himself in asking someone to spend time with him. He realises you have to 'read between the lines' to find the truth.

All in all, this album is the result of multi-talented individuals coming together to reach the first step of -what I predict to be- a very long and successful career. The New Adventures will open the gateway for this relatively small band into the greater reaches of the music scene, not just in Scotland, but in the rest of the UK, I'm sure. Next years SAMA'S beware!!

Mata MacDonald

Taking a mix of country folk and Americana with a heavy Celtic twist, Mata MacDonald creates his own brand of music; Hebricana. This stems from his rural upbringing on the isles of the Outer Hebrides, which has been the main source of influence on his music- as well as travelling in Canada.

After many years of playing only to friends and family, Mata finally began to record in February 2010 and his efforts were rewarded when he placed at #10 in the Myspace charts for both Americana and Country music, after only 3 months. Shortly after he was further rewarded with his first gig before going on to record more tracks.

In September 2011, Mata released his debut EP "Hebricana" which achieved great success, reaching #6 in the Amazon Country charts. Lyrically, Mata's music is a modern take on his rural island upbringing but also deals with love and loss, making his music easy for listeners to relate to and the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing Scottish Summer (I use the term 'Summer' loosely!) 

For now, Mata is continuing to look for gigs, write, record and expand his fanbase- check him out on Facebook or Twitter or even on his own website which is, aesthetically, very appealing and makes it simple to get to grips with Mata's music.

Holiday Hiatus!!

Hey everyone, just to let you all know, I'm off on holiday for a couple of weeks to Israel so, as you can imagine, it will be almost impossible to do any updates on the blog and I'll very rarely check my email/Twitter but do get in touch anyway and I'll get back to you when I get back home. Don't miss me too much now!! :)

Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers.

You may have already seen the new video for Findlay Napier's 'Cut Me Off' , but if not then now you can! It was shot and produced in the East end of Glasgow and in a concrete bunker underneath Merchant City by Martin ÓFarraidh and the song is available to download on amazon or the whole album on iTunes.



cut me off from Martin ÓFarraidh on Vimeo.

The Mouse That Ate The Cat

It's not often I get emails from people who were in bands such as the Dykeenies or Drive-by Argument, but that's where Brian Henderson and Colin Keenan first made a name for themselves. Both bands now cease to exist to the dismay of many, but the duo have moved on and are now focused on The Mouse That Ate The Cat. After just a couple of years together, they have headlined three Scottish tours, released two singles and reached number 5 in the Amazing Radio charts with their electro pop music.

Next up for the band is the release of their new single 'I Am The Hottest Fire' and subsequent B-side 'Ou Les Morts Est Sont Des Diuex' which, according to the band, translates to "something ridiculously pretentious and borderline embarrassing" (or something about the Gods being dead according to Google Translate). Both songs will be released as a free download on July 23rd but, if you sign up to their mailing list you can get them a week early- and I would suggest you do this because they are both awesome tracks.

The Mouse That Ate The Cat will be following this up with a short tour. All dates can be seen below:

 July:

26 - King Tut's, Glasgow
27 - The Attic, Bathgate
28 - Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
31 - PJ Molloys, Dunfermline

August:

10 - Doghouse, Dundee
11 - Mad Hatters, Inverness

The Bedroom Hour

With the limited success of previous bands on the unsigned London circuit, The Bedroom Hour formed as a band wanting to progress further than they previously could individually. At the moment the band are writing as well as building up their fanbase around the country with a view to gig. They are not the type of band who are in it for the money however, they are looking to do everything the proper way and even though it may take longer, it's something they enjoy doing which, to the band, is more important than money.



Music wise, The Bedroom Hour produce psychedelic guitar/synth based tunes similar to bands such as The Boxer Rebellion and Doves. They are a 5 piece and are lucky enough to be able to have their own studio where they can practice and record. The band are on Twitter so give them a follow if you're on it too. Also if  you are yet to like our Facebook page or follow our Twitter then please do to keep up to date with future proceedings which will more than likely include The Bedroom Hour as they are definitely ones to watch. 

Sub Couple- Beat100 vote.

If you're in the mood for helping out, please give the band Sub Couple and their amazing video a vote here: http://www.beat100.com/music-video-chart/watch/sub-stomp-by-sub-couple_11149/#.T-Oai4ZDVWU.twitter



 They have the chance to win a share of £1000 if they finish in the top 3 and with only a few more votes they will be up there. There is 9 days left to vote so get cracking!!

There will be a full feature on Sub Couple coming up shortly. Look out for The Bedroom Hour next!

Johnny 5th Wheel and the Cowards- Part 2

You may remember the post last month about Johnny 5th Wheel and the Cowards.
You may remember that they had a new double A side out on the 25th of June.
You may remember that those songs were called Nancy and In My Laboratory.
You may now be interested to hear- and see- that both of  these songs now have videos.


You may now view the videos. 

You may now leave.

We Came From The Sea

After the downfall of previous bands, Paul Gavienas and David Simpson formed Glasgow/Edinburgh's post rock band We Came From The Sea.  They began as a duo in 2009 but were soon joined by a third member, Euan Thompson, to complete the band, making their all round sound much more refined. 

I began speaking to the band through Twitter, and after listening to the two songs available, I took an interest. They have now released their EP 'hunt.kill.run' which was met with a gig supporting Zulu Winter at King Tut's. This is available either through the band or on SoundCloud. 

We Came From The Sea make post-rock music which ranges from melodic to sinister, similar to that of the legendary Mogwai, but is instead mixed with intelligent and thought provoking lyrics. The band are on both Facebook and Twitter and you can like/follow them as appropriate.

All songs minus the last are from We Came From The Sea's EP 'hunt.kill.run'.

Be Like Pablo- Interview.

Be Like Pablo are a 5 piece indie power-pop band from the small town of Forres in Moray, Scotland. Formed in 2009 by brothers Ewan and Ross, the pair were joined by Jen, James and finally Blair who completed the line-up. Music wise, the band mix up your classic pop song with some loud, electric guitar, Moog synths and is completed through the use of girl/boy vocals, echoing Beach Boys harmonies.

The New Adventures will be the title of Be Like Pablo's debut, self-funded album. They began recording in 2009 in Glasgow and are working with experienced people who have been involved with Isobel Campbell (ex Belle & Sebastian) and also American rockers Queens of the Stone Age. Recording was completed in January and now it's a waiting game until the 3rd of August when the album will be released for free on the bands hand-drawn website. Be Like Pablo have a number of gigs under their belt including time on the T-Break stage at T in the Park as well as Belladrum and also the goNORTH showcase event in Inverness.

If you sign up to the bands website, you can receive monthly tracks, artwork and also limited edition merch, if you're lucky enough. Best of all, this is free and a great way of spreading the word of Be Like Pablo!

I caught up with Ewan from Be Like Pablo- have a read to find out how the name came about, what they are looking forward to most this year, and also his tips for future bands.

Hello, please introduce yourselves!

My name is Ewen Watson and I play in Be Like Pablo: Forres' premier powerpop band!

Who is Pablo and why should we be like him? 

Pablo is a good friend of ours from Chile.  Jen, our synth player, randomly met him on a train a few years ago.  He was doing a work placement in Forres for some strange reason that I don't quite understand.  We ended up befriending him and he turned out to be the most upbeat, enthusiastic and hard-wroking person we've ever met.  Naturally, we believe that everyone should be more like him.  And so the name was born!

How would you describe your music?

We make noisy music with guitars, synths and lots of vocal harmonies and we place an importance on making our songs fun to listen to.  We make music that sounds a little bit like early Weezer, Ben Kweller and Grandaddy but we mix it up a little by drawing from classic '60s bands like the Beach Boys.  As you can imagine, there's not a lot of this sort of thing kicking about right now.  Especially in the north of Scotland.  We're quite old school.  

What has the band been up to this year?

We've been quiet on the gig front this year so far but have been incredibly busy preparing for the release of our debut album, The New Adventures.  We've been recording it for quite a while now and we're all set to let the public hear it on the 3rd of August.  We've also been busy booking gig dates for summer and beyond to support the release and let people see us live.  I can't wait!

What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2012? 

Of course, the release of the album's the big one for us this year.  It seems like we've been building to this forever.  In fact, we basically have.  The first thing we did when we formed the band in 2009 was start recording the album.  We're really looking forward to playing at Rockness on Sunday the 10th of June too.  I've never been to that particular festival so it's exciting!

What made you decide to self fund your upcoming album and release it for free?

I'm not sure it was a conscious decision to self fund the album.  I've been writing songs for nearly 10 years now and I wanted to do a whole album because I thought it would be really cool to write 10 songs that would work well as a collection.  Admittedly, we're not that well known a band in the grand picture and, at the time, we had no music industry contacts at all.  So we weren't going to get the funding to do it any other way, really.  So we hit the studio whenever we had enough money.  I think we recorded it in about 4 blocks over two and a half years and we played gigs, released singles and shot music videos in between.  It was a really, really weird approach.  

When we finally finished the album, we did have to actually make a decision: do we try to get it to a label or perhaps sell it ourselves; or do we do something a little bit different?  So we decided to give it away for free but make it look cool and professional and release it through our own cartoony website, belikepablo.com, where we could precisely manage everything relating to the release.

Any albums your looking forward to this year? 

I can't speak for the others in the band but I'm looking forward to the new Regina Spektor album.  She's the most naturally talented musician I've ever heard.

Any upcoming talent we should look out for?

Hrmm.  I'll pick a wide selection of musical styles to keep it interesting.  Check out Capitals, The Spook School, Cleavers, The Deportees, Kid Canaveral, Dallas Don't and Team Kapowski.

Churches- Lies

This Glasgow based band (although comprised out of musicians from other big-ish bands) seemed to have come out of nowhere with this awesome anthem. It's heavy on the synth and heavy on the ears as the female voice works well with the HUGE sound. I hope to hear loads more of the same from Churches in the future- they are something new and are desperately needed in the Scottish music scene.

Johnny 5th Wheel and the Cowards.

It's a strange experience listening to Johnny 5th Wheel and the Cowards, but it's a sort of good-strange feeling- I like it... But reviewing these two songs has taken so long, merely because I couldn't find the words to fit with this music- and I still can't!
The 6-piece (although by my calculations, there's 9 in that picture) from the North-West of England are specialists in the art of creating strange, almost hypnotic music that is described as "steam punk, doomjazz."
The band made their first release in 2010 with their debut album 'Tales of...' and soon after signed to Sotones Records where they are due to release their second album in September.

However, first of all they are to release their double A-side 'Nancy/In My Laboratory' which will be their third single from the upcoming album- this will be out on the 25th of June.

To be honest, it's pretty hard to follow what goes on in these songs, but Nancy starts off slowly and builds and builds up, singing about a girl called Nancy (who turns out to actually be named Lil). It's almost a fantasy/dream like feeling, given off throughout this song, though the rhythm of the increasing musical pace sounds more like something out of a horror film.

In My Laboratory is just as hard to follow. It is dedicated to the lineage of scientists and storytellers, in particular Tom Waites and Thomas Truax. The rest of their 'laboratory' is filled with an American Cartoonist, deceased musicians and many former Mongol Emperors...or something along those lines, feel free to make up your own mind and leave a comment if you can decrypt these coded songs.


I was not allowed to embed these songs onto the blog post so you will have to click the link below which will take you to Soundcloud- enjoy!


Johnny5thWheel&thecowards - Nancy/In My Laboratory

An apology/ Song of the Week.

First of all, I do apologise for the lack of blogging the past week. I will use the usual excuse that it has been a busy week for me and so I haven't quite had the time for anything and I now have a backlog of submissions to contend with- great!

However, I can fit in a quick Song of the Week (that was due on Thursday, sorry) and this one goes to the acoustic master Mike Nisbet and the song is called Rolling Thunder. Listen, enjoy and buy Mike's album. I can assure you that you won't regret it and it only costs £7- it's a bargain really!