Albums of the 2015

It has been another great year for Scottish music as it continues to export some brilliant albums. Some may say Scotland has punched above it's weight for many years, but maybe now it's just something the country is good at - and we don't get to say that very often!

I've been quiet on the blog this year, but I've decided to make a list of albums I've enjoyed this year. 

1. Admiral Fallow - Tiny Rewards

Album number three from Admiral Fallow grew on me a lot over the year, eventually becoming a favourite.

2. Kathryn Joseph - Bones You Have Thrown Me and Blood I've Spilled

It was a huge year for Kathryn Joseph who seemingly came from nowhere to release one of the most enthralling albums of the year. It's almost hypnotic!

3. Idlewild - Everything Ever Written

A bit of a comeback album for indie rock legends Idlewild brought a matured sound whilst keeping their distinct sound we know and love.

4. Young Fathers - White Men are Black Men Too

Surprise winners of the 2014 Mercury Prize, Young Fathers' second album brings more experimental hip-hop in their own unique fashion. I wasn't a fan of the first album, but this has been one of the most played albums this year.

5. The LaFontaines - Class

More hip-hip, this time from Motherwell. The LaFontaines debut album has gone down as a success as they continue to build a loyal fan base right across the country. I first saw these guys play to about 15 people in 2012; 2015 saw them sell out the Barrowlands in Glasgow, and that speaks volumes.

6. Phantom Band - Fears Trending

The Phantom Band have a habit of releasing albums without really telling anyone, so you may have missed this. Melancholic synth-folk music at it's finest!

7. Cherri Fosphate - We Didn't Come Here to Say Goodbye

Another debut album makes the list. It's raw, it's catchy and it was a long time coming. Worth the wait though. I recently did a full review of the album.

8. Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat - The Most Important Place in the World

Man of many musical talents, Bill Wells teams up with the man who should be Scotland's Poet Laureate, Aidan Moffat for the second time. Within the tales of love, sex and drinking, there is something heartening in there, I think.....

9. Rachel Sermanni - Tied to the Moon

It has been a good few years for Rachel Sermanni as popularity for the folk musician has grown tremendously across the world. Poetic lyrics, with perfectly composed music to go with it.

10. The Winter Tradition - Lumi

The Edinburgh outfit have released an impressive album full of guitar/synth driven tunes with big, singalong choruses. Even after some big support slots, The Winter Tradition are still slightly underground in Scotland. I hope 2016 sees them continue to tour hard and get the big break they deserve. 

GoodCopGreatCop

Perth pop rockers GoodCopGreatCop are beginning to make a bit of name for themselves, and with new single Future Habits already being picked up and played by the likes of Jim Gellatly, it's a sign that the band are heading in the right direction.

With only a few songs recorded, it seems that GCGC have a knack for a catchy chorus, and Future Habits doesn't disappoint, with a mix of riffs, jangling guitars and an easy sing-along chorus. Lyrics wise, song writer Andy is protesting against part of the music industry that makes it difficult for new bands to get off the ground. Future Habits available on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

The band have been together since 2012 and have gigged across much of Scotland - most recently with The Winter Tradition where I saw half the band perform an acoustic set. They have a couple of dates coming up:

15th May - Perth Concert Hall with support from FOREIGNFOX and Made As Mannequins(FREE 18+)

26th May - King Tut's- Glasgow supporting The Winter Tradition

Further into the future, GoodCopGreatCop will be releasing an EP - watch this space.

The Winter Tradition - secret show

Secret shows seem to be becoming more of a thing these days. Edinburgh band The Winter Tradition chose this as a way of playing some new material that they have been working on after confirming a second album is in the works.

The Mash House on the Cowgate was sold out on the night but didn't really fill up for opening act (half of) GoodCopGreatCop - an indie/alt rock band from Perth. They played an acoustic set full of catchy chorus, definitely a band I'd want to see again at full strength.

The people at the bar then made their way downstairs and packed out the venue as The Winter Tradition played a long set, making their way through new tracks and old favourites like Nightscape and Gradients.

There is clearly a lot of love for the local band who started their set behind what looked like a bed sheet. The effect of the white light behind the band made for a cool silhouette on our side before it dropped at the start if the second track to cheers from the crowd.

They played for around an hour before finishing with Nightscape as part of the much appreciated encore.

Now just to wait for news on the new album - the bands debut Gradients is still available in the meantime and it comes highly recommended (from me)!

The Winter Tradition

The Winter Tradition are a 4 piece pop-rock band from Scotland's capital. There well recognised sound is something the band have worked hard at in an attempt to create something unique but yet, keeping it to everyone's liking. Their hard work paid off as they now play their energetic sets to equally energetic crowds who the band like to get involved in their music. They must have been doing something right however due to the bands they have supported which include the likes of Enter Shikari, Hundred Reasons and Scottish legends Idlewild.

The Winter Tradition have released their debut EP named We'll Make Our Own History which has received much attention around Scottish bloggers such as the GlasgowPodcart and Detour Scotland as well as radio attention from Leith Fm and New Found Sound.

'FireLight' was the first single to be released and this was bombarded with critical acclaim coming from the likes of Vic Galloway who gave the band airtime on Radio1.The band were rewarded with their very own headline tour and support slots with the more established acts through DF Concerts.

The new album has been recorded and is due for release this Summer- more great music to look forward to! The band have also been chosen for the GoNorth festival in Inverness which I look forward to be seeing them at. As feature previously on the blog, here is the new single/video from The Winter Tradition for you: