Tuesday 24 February 2015

Gig Review - Hector Bizerk, Broadcast - 20th February 2015

Photo courtesy of Árpád Horvárth (www.arpadhorvath.com / www.glasgowstage.com)

With their recent announcement of playing SXSW next month, their fiery loyal fanbase, and the continuing acclaimed EP releases, one might have wondered why Hector Bizerk chose the 150-capacity Broadcast for their latest EP launch gig.  However one track into their blistering set and it's abundantly clear.  The sold out venue crackles with excitement, as hip-hop molds the packed crowd into one entity, upon which frontman Louie dives into just one song in.

Right from the first pounding beats of Audrey Tait's drums Hector Bizerk on Party At A&E ,  which results in the first chant of the night; "nobody seen nothing"; there's a party atmosphere about.  Quickfire crowd favourites Burst Love;  with it's shout along chorus; and Orchestrate;  complete with ska-infused bassline; keep the energy going.

Time for the first new track and taste of the EP which tonight is launching.  Rust Cohne  doesn't disappoint as it showcases Louie respected lyrical talents pulling down the veil on dark inner city problems.  Other new tracks showcased tonight include the dance-along Festival Boy, which expands the percussion to African tribal and reggae beats, and Skin and Bone,  the opener and standout from The Bell That Never Rang.   There's a menace and confidence in Louie's delivery, backed out by the rest of the band; Fraser Sneddon with a killer bassline, Audrey at home behind the drums, and David Calder with wild synths and additional percussion.  Such confidence is borne out because this is amongst one of the finest tracks the band have produced.

Also included in that bracket are Bury The Hatchet,  Colombus,  and Fingerprints On The Drumkit,  all of which get a vociferous reception, the former allowing Louie to spit at a ferocious speed as the crowd jump to the drum'n'bass sound. 

As last EP The Bird That Never Flew  explained the visual element of hip-hop is paramount to Hector Bizerk; and band artist Pearl Kinnear has spent the last 30 minutes on the stage turning the music into a piece of art, which gets centre stage towards the end of the night. 

Sweaty, bruised, and by no means done the band erupt into the jazz drenched The Bigger Picture.  As Louie shouts "it's nothing but hip-hop" with crazed elation he draws to an end the gig which by this stage has transcended.  The evening has been a tribal gathering; a celebration for the Hector elders, and initiation for the new comers. 

As Louie himself often says, genres are irrelevant in most cases.  What is relevant is that Hector Bizerk are one of the best live bands currently plying their trade in Scotland.  Soon they'll be back Stateside at SXSW and it's without doubt that along with Irn Bru and whisky, they are amongst Scotland's finest exports.  Scotland is convinced.  Time for the rest of the world to get on board too.

- Neil Wilson

Monday 23 February 2015

That's My Jam #46 - Kill The Waves - Vow


With a chilly industrial allure to the intro to Vow,  the new track from Kill The Waves, the mind is immediately filled with images of sparse grey landscapes.  The Battles-esque synths and guitars are complimented perfectly with the overlaying of the violin, before Tim Kwant's vocals kick in just before the minute mark.

There's a clever change in tempo midway through when Kwant switches from Korg to guitar, opening the track up from a dark emotional number to one with a sway inducing vibe.  Jerky, glitchy rhythms pulse beneath Kwant's charged vocals; "these words are etched into this pretty heart"; creating a perfect mark of intention for forthcoming album The One That Could Have Been,  which will be released via Bloc+Music on 20th April.

Single Review - Lilac Pin - Come Inside


Come Inside  is the second offering from Glasgow based duo, Lilac Pin, following on from their summer release Easy.  As we await the band's promising debut album, vocalist April May has been quoted as saying that the inspiration behind their current track was Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This is certainly apparent, as the song sounds beautifully sensual from start to finish.

The soft electronic introduction is enticingly seductive.   However, when on the chorus May’s voice purrs to the listener to "come inside" you may feel yourself searching for the door to take her up on this offer.  She is telling you not to fight it, and why would you?  The beauty of this song is not something one should turn down in a hurry.

After this first chorus the song builds even more.  More passion.  More fire.  More vocal dexterity.  This duo are showing off in a fantastic way, showcasing the shared talent between them.  The combination of the intense, electro-pop instrumentation and sweepingly erogenous vocals make this track something truly exciting.   If this is what Lilac Pin have to offer, then I for one will be eagerly anticipating the album.

- Gillian Parfery

Lilac Pin - Come Inside  is available to stream now on Soundcloud.

Thursday 19 February 2015

That's My Jam #45 - Dec '91 - Catherine


With a beautiful melody spilling out from the piano that reeks of melancholy Catherine  by Dec '91 has been a real earworm since I played it on the Scottish Fiction show last week. It's appeal the raw and naked emotion, with the piano echoing the near-tears vocals from Craig Ferrie who repeats "I will never forget", presumably in relation to the titular Catherine.

From Dec '91's latest EP/collection of songs Skint, but sexy  this is a hauntingly beautiful track from the Glasgow based musician.  Check out more via Dec '91's Soundcloud; where you can download this track and others for free; and share in the melancholy for a moment or two.

Foreignfox - Scottish Fiction Session Videos


Dunfermline band Foreignfox enjoyed a fantastic 2014 with their EP We Float Like Sinking Ships  remaining a constantly played listen throughout the year, led by their outstanding track Yoghurt.  Ahead of releasing their new single Frostbite  three of the band joined us in the studio for three live tracks and chat about their plans for 2015. 

Below are videos for the tracks Frostbite,  Yoghurt,  and We Float Like Sinking Ships  which were recorded at Pulse 98.4 as part of the band's Scottish Fiction Session.  To hear the full show, including interview, check out the Scottish Fiction Podcast for 16th February 2015.





Monday 16 February 2015

EP Review - Tetra - Tetra


Alt-rock foursome Tetra have been rocking their way around the Glasgow music scene of late, and their debut self-titled EP is a confident showcase of their bold sound.  Opener Arrival,  is aptly placed and named.  The catchy build up layers electronic future sounds with reassuringly tight drums and solid guitar.  Then Kevin Caldwell's fearless and daring vocals let you know they have arrived - and with a strong sense of British rock.  Already these guys are making big  sounds.

Tetra let loose on the second track, Sweet Release,  where fast paced beats give way to a venom-fuelled track full of momentum and excitement.  This song begs for full-body-fling dancing as it is thoroughly crisp, sharp and satisfying in all aspects of its delivery.  Forget yoga, jump around to this for a bit and the stresses of the day will disappear.

A veritable buffet for a rock-lover follows with, Tommy Lee Jones,  an all-you-can-jam to song, where the band shows what they’re made of.  Sublime atmosphere is created with the sweet open, which then morphs into darker realms as jarring guitar and hyped up rhythm takes us into rockier territory.  The chaotic organisation of the track makes it fantastically wrought with emotion.

The final track on the EP, Inside Is A Maniac,  is infectiously off-beat and littered with quirky kinks.  The guys maintain their powerful sound to the last, this slick offering is another one bound to get you rocking out.

To pull off this kind of music you need to have some serious spirit, tenacious conviction.  With their debut EP Tetra are showing the makings of true rockers: they not only pull it off but do so with notable daring.

- Maura Keane

Tetra – Tetra  is out now and is available for download here.

Yusuf Azak - Scottish Fiction Session Videos


Reppin' Aberdeenshire, and more recently Glasgow, it was my pleasure to be joined recently in session by the immensely talented, not to mention modest, Yusuf Azak.  His albums; most recently Peace in the Underworld and before that Native Son; contain more ideas than many artists manage in an entire career, a style born out of experimentalism and free form. 

Below are videos for the tracks Silver Rose,  Go Native,  and Eastern Son  which were recorded at Pulse 98.4 as part of Yusuf Azak's Scottish Fiction Session.  To hear the full show, including interview, check out the Scottish Fiction Podcast for 8th February 2015.





And check out this EXCLUSIVE video of Silk  recorded for the Scottish Fiction blog.

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 16th February 2015


Dunfermline band Foreignfox enjoyed a fantastic 2014 with their EP We Float Like Sinking Ships remaining a constantly played listen throughout the year, led by their outstanding track Yoghurt.  Ahead of releasing their new single Frostbite  three of the band joined us in the studio for three live tracks and chat about their plans for 2015. 

We also have some Valentine's Day love courtesy of Secret Motorbikes from the Fuzzkill Records Under The Covers  release as our Cover Love track; a Re-Mixing It Up track from Machines In Heaven re-mixing Turtle; plus new music from Sacred Paws, Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat, The Shithawks and more.

Sacred Paws - San Diego
Le Thug - Outer Hebridean
A Band Called Quinn - And Ever Again
Slowlight - Crossfire
Chris Devotion & The Expectation - When The Girl Goes To Town
Foreignfox - Frostbite - Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio
Ded Rabbit - Better On The Day
Red Kites - Salt Walter
Cold Years - Shackled
Gents - Farmer's Wife
The Shithawks - Yo Welcome
COVER LOVER - Secret Motorbikes - Alison
Dec '91 - Catherine
Foreignfox - Yoghurt - Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio
Pronto Mama - Remission
Seas, Starry - Faint Praise
Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat - This Dark Desire
Hustin Bunnets - Kafka on the Shore
Foreignfox - We Float Like Sinking Ships - Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio
RE-MIXING IT UP - Turtle - Lavender (Machines In Heaven Remix)
Best Girl Athlete - He's Calling Me Over
Featherwest - Viking Ship
Miasma - Goldberg


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EXCLUSIVE - Yusuf Azak - Silk - Scottish Fiction Session Track


Reppin' Aberdeenshire, and more recently Glasgow, it was my pleasure to be joined recently in session by the immensely talented, not to mention modest, Yusuf Azak.  His albums; most recently Peace in the Underworld  and before that Native Son;  contain more ideas than many artists manage in an entire career, a style born out of experimentalism and free form. 

This track, Silk,  was recorded at Pulse 98.4 as an extra EXCLUSIVE track for the Scottish Fiction blog.  To hear further session tracks and an interview, listen back to the full radio show here.

Enjoy!

Sunday 15 February 2015

Album Review - Idlewild - Everything Ever Written


When Idlewild first confirmed that they would be taking a break, I was pretty disappointed, but understanding.  Idlewild are a group that have been with me through more events in my life than even some of my closest friends.  Of course, we now know that the break was temporary; Everything Ever Written is the band's triumphant return, but before we consider it, it is worth casting our minds back to where the band were when they decided to take their break.

I believe Post Electric Blues stands as one of the group's strongest albums, and was a great mix of alternative pop tracks and the usual late career Idlewild smatterings of folk.  It was Make Another World however that sounded like a group not knowing what to do next and Warnings/Promises feeling like a band not knowing what to do with the sudden (albeit entirely deserved) success they had stumbled upon.

So where does Everything Ever Written stand?  Well this isn't the Idlewild that you know.  Yes, you'll find the same galloping drumming, the same Woomble vocals, the same Jones guitar; the folk influences are here too of course, but this sounds a lot like an all-new band.  You'll recognise the sounds and the structures, but the album comes with some forays into all new styles new sonics, and, most importantly, a new verve.

Take the lead single Collect Yourself. Yeah, that is Idlewild alright, and, as lead singles go, it is probably up there with You Held the World in Your Arms in quality, but therein lies a hidden tease of the album - you've never heard the band sound this loose and live on record before.  There are tracks that run into each other with others starting with a screech of orchestral tune up like on So Many Things to Decide, and others like the wonderful (Use It) If You Can Use It breaching the seven minute mark.

There-in lies a confidence in having this looser sound that grows in you as you listen.  There are squelches of feedback throughout - sometimes rendering the guitar solos as wailing controlled banshees.  The loose sounds also translates to the band growing in new ways, like the languid Come on Ghost, a single that really does a disservice to the album, sounding far more powerful sandwiched between Collect Yourself and So Many Things to Decide.

Despite being mentioned twice already, So Many Things to Decide does feel like it should have been placed elsewhere on the record, disrupting the momentum.  It is a pleasant enough song, but it skirts too close to the folk-Idlewild that never felt like it fitted the rest of the band as well as it fits Woomble's ever-impressive vocals.  In fact, there are times on Everything Ever Written when you're not quite sure if it is Woomble singing - if you were to compare the vocals on All Things Different to those on Hope Is Important (even Captain, for that matter) it sounds like a different vocalist altogether - his vocals have never sounded more accomplished.

I have always found Woomble's lyrics to land more on the good side between the ridiculous and profound line and Everything Ever Written features some strong work.  Album stand out (and certain single contender / fan favourite) Nothing I Can Do About feels like a more electric sequel to American English with a bit more drive, and reminds why the band did get that mid 2000s blast of Radio 1 success. A favourite line comes from All Things Different - "always running away, running away on my own / mixing up my longing to stay with my longing to be gone, to be somewhere different than anywhere I've been before," resonates with me on many levels and surely links to the band's return itself; stay away from somewhere you've always been, and instead go somewhere totally different.

The album sags in the middle though, despite these peaks - there lacks verve in the middle set of tracks, with the nadir being the throw away Like a Clown, which ranks as one of the most misguided songs the band have placed on record.  There are the requisite punky-Idlewild songs on here too, like On Another Planet which continues the trend from A Modern Way of Letting Go, Too Long Awake, If It Takes You Home and All Over the Town across the band's last albums, but, unlike the last two, it does do something different and feels like a band wanting to do a track like that rather than a band who feels like they have to, which is something I said right back at the beginning of this review - Everything Ever Written feels like the band rediscovering something - it might not be the Idlewild we all knew, loved and missed, but it certainly is interesting and arresting enough to satisfy and impress.

I will admit that, when considering this album, I did feel like I was too close to it - did I want it to be great?  Was I willing it to sound good?  I turned the review over and over in my head prior to finishing it for days on end, checking each line.  What I realised was that it is great to have Idlewild back touring and releasing a new album, and Everything Ever Written is one of the best sets the band have released since their early period, but it won't reclaim the fans that they've has lost since incorporating folk into their sound.  Importantly, that isn't a failing; quite the opposite - it's a triumph.

- Mark Shields

Idlewild - Everything Ever Written is out on February 16th and is available to pre-order here.

Single Review - The Twilight Sad - I Could Give You All That You Don't Want


The Twilight Sad have just finished embarking on a record shop acoustic tour which tied in with the release of their latest single, released as a 7" picture disc featuring I Could Give You All That You Don't Want  and new track The Airport.

The former is, of course, the third track on their recent BAMS winning album Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave.  The song is one of the standout tracks on what is a superb album; a driving, melodic number that turns from a track reminiscent of Joy Divison to one that explodes with power quite spectacularly.  The Airport  is a more relaxed number that shares the lead track's key production motifs of reverb filled vocals and intense guitar sounds and is a good enough track to have fitted on Nobody Wants To Be Here…  quite comfortably.

As you would expect from The Twilight Sad, this is a great release and, if you've somehow missed the album, this is as good an entry point as any.

- David McElroy

The Twilight Sad - I Could Give You All That You Don't Want  is out now on 7" picture disc via FatCat Records and is available from selected record shops including Vox Box, Edinburgh and Monorail, Glasgow.

Saturday 14 February 2015

Single Review - Baby Strange - VVV


Glasgow three piece Baby Strange are a staple for us at Scottish Fiction by now and a new release from the band always gets us excited.  New single VVV  is no different as the band create their rawest punk track yet.

The song is built on a chunky bassline which plods along aside the drums.  The guitar gets to go more manic, zipping into the mix to make screechy, distorted terror through-out.  Johnny Madden as always plays a cool and collected front man, stating that the subject of his song violates and abuses him.  The lyrics aren't unlike the heyday of New Romantic music, or even Marilyn Manson.

- Scott Hastie

Baby Strange - VVV  is out now on Ignition Records and you can also pick up limited edition vinyl here.  If you fail to get your copy before they sell out then you have another chance when the band support Dolomite Minor on tour.

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 8th February 2015


Reppin' Aberdeenshire, and more recently Glasgow, my session guest on this show is the immensely talented, not to mention modest, Yusuf Azak.  His albums, most recently Peace in the Underworld and before that Native Son,  contain more ideas than many artists manage in an entire career, a style born out of experimentalism and free form.  In amongst chatting about his music, Yusuf performed three tracks live in the studio all of which are here for your listening pleasure.

Your new music fix can be sated with cuts from The Duke, Detroit, Baby Strange, Tijuana Bibles, Turtle, and C Duncan.  Hook in and enjoy!

Withered Hand - King of Hollywood
Michael Cassidy - 15 Years
Tijuana Bibles - Sun Chaser
The Insomniac Project - Shake Those Demons
Yusuf Azak - Silver Rose (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
The Phantom Band - Tender Castle
RE-MIXING IT UP - Admiral Fallow - Paper Trench (Miaoux Miaoux Remix)
The Duke, Detroit - Iconic
Malcolm Middleton and David Shrigley - Dear Brain
Yusuf Azak - Go Native (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Lady North - Bum Jiggy - As chosen by Yusuf Azak
Baby Strange - VVV
Catholic Action - Somebody Made For Me
OSKAR - WILDINGS
The Twilight Sad - I Could Give You All That You Don't Want
Yusuf Azak - Eastern Son (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Turtle - Colours
C Duncan - Say
COVER LOVER - Pinact - You Gave Your Love To Me Softly
Atom Tree - Sinner
Prides - Higher Love


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Scottish Fiction - 8th February 2015 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Saturday 7 February 2015

Album Review - Felix Champion - This Lateral Life


As I listen to the initial one minute and nine seconds of the debut album This Lateral Life from Felix Champion, I am perplexed by the very sound of what I’m hearing. Intro creeps in subtly and elegantly with spoils of anticipation and chimes of their own divergent vibes. And suddenly there it is, Snow Graves grabs you with an almighty force, blasting open with overlapping vocals and chords before the pariah of screams begin, and I’m now assured, Felix Champion are here.

These Four Walls runs with a high intensity and adrenaline filled instrumental behind the somewhat more mellow, and authentic vocals behind it. The volatile nature of both the guitar and drums allows the vocals to drop back, and accompany the music as opposed to taking such a prominent role. The dominance of the instruments carries the track and provides the vocals with further substance and authenticity.

The theme of boisterous and rebellious rock continues into Sleeping Ecstasy as the culmination of raging guitar and anguished vocals results in the listener experiencing a high octane journey of Felix Champion in their intricate prime.

Frenzied guitar is taken to a whole other level during Canyons as Felix Champion’s furiously riled up vocals, and instruments explode in a delirium of post-hardcore prodigy. Stitches encourages the four piece’s Scottish accents to come out to play. Trapped to a degree by the overwhelming American genre, it is a breath of fresh air to hear angry Scottish music, with the same momentum and honesty of its origin.

Like Hunter and Ropes continue to ignite the fire within the band, with raw and pulsating vocals.

It is as we encounter track 10 on the album, French Wine, that I discovered a new side to Felix Champion. The guitar and bass is not only intriguingly complex but amidst the gusts of fury, there is a glimmer of beauty. Something I imagine was not part of the band’s original plan but it’s definitely there, seeping out. The guitar lines are in full force, with the same surge of angst but portrayed with more fragility, rendering it rhythmically stunning.

In the lead up to the final track, Breathe In Breathe Out and Animals provide us with the final moments of the album, not before The Lateral Life.

Felix Champion have sustained their own sound throughout this album, allowing for moments of candour and surprise, but all the while providing the convoluted and bellowing album you would expect from Felix Champion.

Guitars swirl in full rapturous manner, which is met equally by the infectious energy of the drums producing a wave of unadulterated rock. Vocals fade and drown, and the instrumental remains in all its wonderful majestic presence. The culmination of every piece coming together so tightly has resulted in a euphoric anthem.

- Melanie McKinlay

Felix Champion - The Lateral Life is out now on Bloc+Music and is available on CD and download via iTunesBandcamp and Soundcloud.

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Single Review - The Insomniac Project - Shake Those Demons


As the old saying goes, playing synthesizers will help you sleep.  The Insomniac Project clearly put this age old theory to the test and the result is recently released track Shake Those Demons.  Hailing from Glasgow, they are a sleep deprived sextet with at least half of them playing the synth.

Accurately described as 'combining live instruments with polished electronic production and pop sensibilities' Shake Your Demons  has a sleepy juxtaposition of male and female vocals, whispering about either being "your dream or your nightmare". The intertwining vocals reminisce The xx's debut.  Synth heavy but without the '80's cheese, it perfectly encapsulates everything good about '80's pop.  While of course giving the bad haircuts a miss.  Most sensible.

- Holly Callender

The Insomniac Project - Shake Your Demons  is out now and available to download for free here.  Catch them playing at The Old Hairdressers, Glasgow on 27th February.

EP Review - Le Thug - Place Is


Le Thug are a Glasgow based trio whose music is a mix of shoegaze effects, drone rock and experimental electronics mixed with dreamy vocals that, when all combined together, produces a intriguing package.

Opener Outer Hebridean  is a short burst of looped effects and treated guitars that immediately draws you into the EP.  It’s a bold opener as it's perhaps not the standout track on the EP, but it has something captivating about it especially in the way that Clio Alexandra MacLellan's vocals float beautifully over the music. 

Over all too quickly, Outer Hebridean  gives way to Pals,  a sparser track comprising simple clean beats, electronic effects and a lyric that speaks of revenge, “Maybe, baby, I’ll pack up all of my things/Take a trip away for a few days.  I’ll let you think I’ve left with no goodbye.”

Next up is Basketball Land  which has a harder sound than Pals  and is built around a distorted, Mogwai-esque guitar line that pulses and intertwines with beats that almost push towards a dancier feel, albeit a slowed down, more intense type of dance music, if that is even alone possible.  The longest track here, and the one that has been used to preview the EP, Basketball Land  is a fine example of the potential Le Thug have, and the standout on this release.

Paints  follows, moving away from the feel of the first three tracks by giving prominence to a pulsating electro bassline that brings to mind the more melodic parts of the likes of Nine Inch Nails' The Downward Spiral  or My Bloody Valentine's  Loveless before penultimate track Losing Song  returns to the script with another enjoyable mix of shoegazing and distortion.  The chorus is a treat too, bursting like a sunbeam through the fog of effects quite marvelously.

The EP concludes with FC,  a more ambient sounding piece with jagged guitar lines bringing to mind the experiments of Harmonia and other electronic Krautrock bands.  All said and done, Place Is  is a extraordinary EP, and one that demands repeated plays, revealing more and more subtleties with each listen.

- David McElroy

Le Thug - Place Is  is released on 16 February via Song, By Toad Records and is available on download or clear frosted 12" vinyl.  Pre-orders can be placed here.

Album Review - Malcolm Middleton and David Shrigley - Music and Words


Combining Malcolm Middleton's atmospheric music with cartoonist David Shirley's blunt humour, the resulting album, Music and Words,  takes you on a surreal and sordid trip.  With imagery encompassing life, death, evolution and the future the album has a gravitas helped by straight-faced BBC style voice over work through out.

It’s the contradiction of the absurd and the serious that this album plays off.  For example, the track Caveman  starts of with a perhaps improvised acapella comedy verse about a caveman looking back at his life and noting that all for all the girls he's known he has, "Pulled their hair, made them moan."  Hilarity then overwhelms the narrator.  The former Arab Strap co-conspirator then treats this prehistoric musing with an electronic after thought.  One of the funniest tracks on the album is diverted into a melancholy introspective direction.

The first track A Toast,  reverts the viral inspirational spoken word songs like the life advice “always wear” sunscreen that was a hit amongst high school leavers a few years ago into a dystopian dirge.  The track plays of the juxtaposition of a knowledgeable respectable person using lots of rude words, the joke being "isn’t swearing funny".

The use of swear words on this album is arguably, over done.  Swearing can work as punctuation or even a shocking punch line but on this album it's used so much it removes all potency from the language and comes across as lazy.  Tracks where the humour does work are where it veers off into more imaginative territory.  Monkeys  for example is another song concerning evolution as well as being funny it is some of the most tender material on the album.

At points Music and Words  tries too hard to be sentimental, songs that might of worked had Aidan Moffatt been involved seem forced.  However the freshness of the music and the moments when the lyrics compliment each other make this an album to experience.

- Peter Johnstone

Malcolm Middleton and David Shrigley - Music and Words  is out now via Melodic Records and can be purchased here.

Single Review - Django Django - First Light


After a couple of years’ absence, Django Django have returned with First Light,  a taster for their new album which is currently being finished off.  What strikes you immediately about First Light  is that it has a harder electronic sound than we're used to with Django Django, and that is no bad thing at all.

A pulsating electro bassline kicks the song off and it’s soon joined by superb, crisp synth sounds and an in-your-face drum machine that propels the song along wonderfully.  The band's trademark vocals and harmonies soon arrive on the scene too, retaining their notable sound whilst adding an almost psychedelic feel, reminiscent of Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd.

As a point to how the band’s new album may sound, First Light  is very encouraging and very exciting indeed.

- David McElroy


Django Django - First Light  is out now via Becase Music and is available on 12" white label from local independent record shops or via download from all good online music retailers.  The band are about to embark on a short tour, playing small shows at The Wardrobe in Leeds on 14 February and The Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh on 15 February.