Every now and then a new album comes along and makes you take notice. Hex is the eponymously titled album from a 3 piece band based in Glasgow. I know and have played with some of the band but please dont take that as a reason for my love of this album. I shared a stage on a couple of occasions with Emma (vocals) and John (bass) but that was covering mod pop and rhythm n blues covers but Hex is probably as far from that as you can get.
The album is a sparce, dark yet melodic collection of tracks with Emma’s powerful vocal tracks laid on top of thumping bass and swirling guitar chords and picks (from James). Also echoing harmonies add to the atmospheric nature of these soundscapes. Tracks you must check out are The Lodger, Deva, Sad Song (a more americana feeling belter) & Closer.
Hex is out now on all good streaming platforms. I’ve picked spotify for you to have a listen
As many of you know I like to keep busy at the weekends so to have a Saturday night off is a very rare thing indeed. You would think with an opportunity to stay in and chill I would get the slippers out and curl up on the couch. Well…… that was until I remembered about the Liv-AYR-pool gig.
After drving to Ayr I parked up where I thought the Venue was. I was close but having never having visited Venue 38 before I was actually a street a away and having as usual turned up so close to doors I decided to take a quick walk first. As luck would have it I walked around a corner which led to the front doors of the venue. How did I know this…. we as soon as i walked round the corner I met The venue owner and Gav from the headline band The Mocking Byrds. Well that was lucky. After initial chit chat we spoke about the band who had just come off stage from soundcheck and how much I would love them. The Band were called Violet Mercy but more about them in a minute.
After buying my ticket I opened the two large doors and entered the venue. A well sized venue with a well stocked bar, sunken dancefloor flooded by a plethora of lights perfectly leading you to a stage area which allows bands to roam as they play. Above the dance floor and around the bar has loads of seating areas for those like I who cant stand all night at gigs now. The seated areas also have TV screens which allow everyone to feel like they are right down the front. If you get the chance get along and support this fantastic live music space.
The gig itself as the name suggests was a showcase of bands and artists from Ayr & Liverpool. I met my good friend Andy Strachan, from Pelikan Rogue and the Prestfest festival, and as always our conversation about music quickly turned to their upcoming release from ‘the rogue’ (single review coming soon!!)
It was then time to kick off the gig and one of the main reasons for me coming down. My fellow Kink and fantastic songwriter in his own right Rikki Mckay. I was a fan of his when he was the front man of Blackberry Jack but even though I have been a band mate for a few years now I sadly have been more or less a novice to his own compositions. The set included many of these which I feel really need to be recorded and released so many more people can appreciate them(Come on mate you know it makes sense). A couple of covers from The Beatles & Pink Floyd were added for some sing along fun.
Next up were the aforementioned Violet Mercy. First Liverpool band on the bill and the energetic quartet rattled through their set. Pumping bass lines from Joe and Jamie’s machine gun drumming along with Guitar riffs from Kav along with front man Jake’s soaring vocals brought a raw power to the tunes that had my feet tapping and my head nodding from start to finish. Yes I do love this band. You will too. Check out their latest single Battery (Running Low) below and remember the name as they will be heading up the festival bills over the next few years for sure.
Next up were a band I was very aware of having featured their Self titled EP Mexican Dogs on the radio shows back in 2022. I was very excited to see this power trio and they didnt disappoint. Rock n roll should always be played with a smile on your face and with an intensity. Both were apparent in their set. I recognised a few of the tracks in their set and enjoyed hearing some that were new to me. Mexican Dogs are another band on the up and well worth keeping a look out for them in the future.
Third and the final Liverpool band on the showcase were the wonderful Firehead who again lit up the stage with a set of Original tracks and with Jamie Murphy from Space in their ranks a few versions of their tracks were included to. Their stage experience came to the fore as they worked the crowd and even Jamie losing his voice a bit didnt diminish their barn storming performance. Top stuff from top lads.
And then onto the headline act. I’ve been a huge fan of Jason Skimming’s voice since I first heard Seaside Sons and now with his new band The Mocking Byrds I was very interested to see how different it would be. Another rocking quartet spurred on by Gav’s guitar licks and of course an another band who know how to work a crowrd. From first song to last they held the audience in the palm of their hands as they worked through a set which included the trio of tracks from their latest Power to the people EP (linked Below) and even managed a Duran Duran cover. The band are heading back in to the studio to record more tracks and i look forward to an album from them very soon.
If this is how nights off are maybe I should have a couple more.
After a 5 year haitus Ayrshire Indie rockers have been back in the recording studio and have released their latest track ‘The Vet’. Lead singer and songwriter Scott Russell wrote the track after watching the Michael Cimeno classic movie ‘The Deer Hunter’ and commented we are delighted to release new music after a 5 year wait . We’ve been working on 6 songs to release in the next 6 months and with our new 5th member Gavin Lauchlan on keys it’s brought a new energy and sound to the band.
The Vet was the first song I ever wrote (I think) and really proud of it. It’s a band favourite to play live and when writing I deliberately wanted to write a song using the “hit” chords too see what I could come up with. I wanted to tell a story and after watching the film Deer Hunter that gave me an inspiration to write a story in the song. So it’s great to get it out.
The track itself can be found on all streaming platforms. Save it to your playlists on Spotify or follow the band on Facebook , Instagram & Tik Tok
Go check out the video below
Scott wanted to thank Tony Strachan who is Andy our bass players son , who produced the track and to Ayrshire legend JP Reid for the mastering. Another family link in the recording is Sophie Lauchlan on backing vocals who is Gavin’s daughter.
Nightbridge won’t be asking you to use your ‘Imagination’ of how their music will sound for much longer. Their new Ep will be released on Saturday 29th October at the Old Hairdresser’s in Glasgow City Centre. Support on the night will be provided by Peter Cat, Two Metre Man & Mayor Stubbs
I’ve managed a sneak preview of the Ep and you are going to really enjoy the soundscapes and remarkable vocal harmonies. Beautiful music that will live in your head for days after hearing it. You can hear their track ‘Into the Sea’ on my shows this week in lead up to the gig
Tickets are priced at £8 or a reduced fee of £6 for student and can be picked up here
We have all had those Hazy Sundays hungover and stuck to the sofa but now we have a reason to love them. Hazy Sundays are a new Indie rock band from Glasgow and the release of their debut single ‘Never know’ is almost upon us.
The upbeat garage rock sounding gem will be released on Friday 28th October on all the usual streaming platforms and after having a sneaky listen you are in for a treat. The swirling distorted guitars, thumping drums and spat out lyrics blend bringing a well kent sound with a freshness which have me wanting to hear more. I’ll be keeping a keen eye and an ear for more from these guys in the future
You can follow the band on Facebook & Instagram for more information
Today see’s the third release from Ayrshire alt-rockers The Breathing Method. The track is following hot on the heels of their debut single Secrets and a breath taking cover of the Seal classic killer cover. All three tracks are played with a snarl and a distorted sound that transports you back to 90’s seattle but with a contemporary twist.
Burden takes on a journey with a protagonist who obviously is not having the best of times (perfect for a grunge classic in the making) as the forthcoming video accompanying the release will show. The gritty guitar, thumping bass, smashing throbbing drums and throaty vocal roars through the track really keep the listener hooked. Listening to this track is far from a burden.
The Irvine 5 piece met at Ellis Studio in Irvine and quickly gelled into a very solid live act as well as strong songwriters as their current releases clearly show. The band have many gigs to look forward across the summer and autumn so if like me you love a noisy energetic band then keep up to date with them at Facebook or follow then on Spotify
After a hiatus that has lasted far too long Irvine Indie rockers Soldier On are back. Their latest release ‘If You Feel’ is out today wherever you get your music (go on click here) . The lads are back to their best and I have been lucky enough to catch up with them in a few locations but was sworn to secrecy. Fortunately for me the cat is well and truly out of the bag now and with 2 sold out home town gigs already to look forward its looking like it could be a busy summer ahead for Jordan, Liam, Ben & Steve.
If You Feel finds the band back to their songwriting best with each member bringing their signature musicianship to the fore, sounding as if they have never been away. I’ve always been a huge fan of the band and its great to see them back stronger than ever. But dont just take my word for it check out the video which was filmed at Rocknrollas in Paisley.
One of the perks of being a new music radio presenter is that bands are very happy to send you their work before its officially released . Sometimes electronically but less often on CD or Vinyl. On this occasion I had a chap at the door from my good friend the postman handing me a 12″ square box that was instantly recognisable. Anyway we have all had mail so lets get on with what was in the box.
The band new album from Glasgow Sextet James Edwyn & The Borrowed Band ‘Highlight of the Low Nights’ due for release through the wonderful Last Night From Glasgow record label on Friday 28th May.
I couldnt wait to get back upstairs to the studio and get it on the turntable. Before I could do that the day job got in the way…….. tick tock to lunchtime.
Lunchtime came and I could then concentrate on the cardboard box sitting beside me. I ripped off the sellotape, opened up the box and run my eyes over the cover. Cellophane covered (but not for long) but when removed allowed the gatefold to open to show the words to the dozen tracks. I turned the album over to the back to read who were on each track, where it was recorded, who engineered it etc etc….. can you tell I miss stuff like this?
Anyway I finally slid the inner sleeve out and carefully eased the record from within. My eyes widened as the green marbelled vinyl appeared. I placed it carefully on the turntable, dropped the needle, turned up the volume and sat back to hopefully enjoy.
James Edwyn & The Borrowed Band
I’m glad I had turned this up as the record is a classic in the making. All 12 tracks are musical masterpieces with a strong americana feel with that glasgow sound that appeared around the 1980’s when their hometown bands took over the world albeit with their very on take on both. I have only recently heard about this band who I embarrassing have to admit this is their 3rd studio album and even though I am a late convert it’s better late than never. And you should be too.
Highlights on the album for me are Gasoline, their latest single (above) Hold On, Buy Me a Ticket, Stargazer and the album closer Vows.
Pick up a copy of this amazing album from Last Night From Glasgow from Friday 28th May. The band are also having a release night gig supported by Lola in Slacks and Felix Saunders and you can pick up tickets here for only £10
Keep up to date with the band on their Facebook page
Aberdeenshire songwriter Kevin Robertson (The Vapour Trails) is back with a brand new solo album Teaspoon of Time released through Futureman Records. As you would expect from Kevin the level of songwriting and performance is of the highest level. As you progress through the 13 track masterpiece its soothes and give you one musical cuddle after another finding it difficult to believe that Kevin is from Scotland and not Laurel Canyon. He transports you back there with beautiful soundscapes filled with Jangling guitars and heavenly harmonies. As soon as this album had finished I had to put it straight back on. Highlights for me were Moments of reflection, Misty Dew Soaked Mountains (click to listen) Forty-Five losing streak & Psychedlic wedding song but this in no way detracts from the other wonderful tracks on the album.
Grab a teaspoon and take a little mouthful of musical medicine by picking up an electronic copy of the sold out physical album from Bandcamp
From the heart of the Midlands comes a band of Indie Villians bringing their ‘Council Pop’ to the masses.
The Assist who released their debut album recently and followed it up with a mini UK tour which has cemented their reputation as a live band not to be missed. Their 11 track ‘Council Pop’ album includes their two previous singles Irrational Movements & Television Kid and also charted at #6 in the Indie charts and #21 in the main itunes album chart
I featured both these singles on my show and was blown away when the rest of the album appeared in my inbox. Since receiving it I have to admit its been difficult to listen to anything else.
The band are booked across the country during festival time including perrformances Isle of Wight and This Feeling. I’m sure they will be on the bill at a festival near you too so make sure you go check them out.
To grab a copy of the album of some great merch pop along to their site
Keep up to date with what the band are up to on their Facebook or Instagram pages
The Third Class Ticket 