I used to live in Aberdeen, you know. I came across IndianRedLopez when I used to write for another website years ago, supporting someone that I can't remember. They made such an immediate impression on me that I bought their debut album the moment it was released.
Commit is the latest single from the group's second album and is the title track from the record, which was released via Cease:Stop in 2014. The album sees the band hone their electronic influences even further than their debut Empty Your Lungs and Breathe and the single is an anthemic track with ethereal keys and guitar bounce over a four to the floor beat.
The lament, "Some people say never look back... But I always look back," is as melancholic a line as you'll find, but the track adds layers as it moves on, before bursting into a rallying call in the later section. It is a good manifesto for the band who deserve more exposure, as you won't find anyone else on the Scottish music scene that sounds quite like them, and Commit serves as a strong end to the album.
- Mark Shields
IndianRedLopez - Commit is out now via Cease:Stop and is available to download from iTunes.
Having live music on the show is one of my favourite aspects of doing Scottish Fiction, and it was an absolutely delight to finally be able to bring in electro trio Machines In Heaven for a chat and some live tracks. In what may be our most intricate session to date, the band played tracks from their brand new EP Hindu Milk as well as elaborating on their approach to writing and recording.
As well as that, the show is packed to the gunnels with new music from the likes of Hector Bizerk, Ultras, Deathcats and Mogwai, not to mention a brilliant Frank Ocean cover from IndianRedLopez, a 'Classic Track' from the '80's, and much much more.
This week's session guest on Scottish Fiction was Chrissy Barnacle who mixes folk and punk, with narrative lyrics which explore love, loss, life, relationships and everything in between. During the course of the show you can enjoy three beautiful live tracks, as well as an alarming amount of chat about cannibal rats.
Included also in this week's show is new music from The Son(s), Felix Champion, IndianRedLopez, an excellent '90's dance cover from Vladimir as our 'Cover Lover' track, a 'Vinyl Play' from Conquering Animal Sound and a truly classic Mogwai track. It's all good baby baby!
Post GoNorth and pre SAY Awards, this episode of Scottish Fiction coories in snuggly with a raft of great new tracks for company. In bed with us this week is both tracks from the forthcoming IndianRedLopez and CS Buchan split 7", the latest single from Paws, stunning electro-pop from The Wild Curve, and sludgy shoegaze via Wozniak. Scottish Fiction, your one stop shop for the best new Scottish music.
I love split 7" releases. It's like when you buy a packet of crisps from the vending machine and TWO fall out. In the case of the new one from IndianRedLopez and CS Buchan, both sides are fully deserving of the asking price.
Any Given City soars with the vocals of IndianRedLopez front man Mike Chang, amidst a warm and building melody which stirs up all sorts of emotions. When the chorus kicks in, signalled by a pounding bass drum, set dials for epic.
Also lending vocals to Any Given City is Katie Buchan, whose ethereal voice takes the lead on father CS Buchan's track Leave It All Behind. This track however, in a strangely effective juxtaposition, broods like a folky dream.
Both tracks are out on Fit Like Records on 7" yellow vinyl on 16th June, and can be pre-ordered/streamed here or via the widget below.
We-he-he-ell! What a show lies in store for you here! Live session guests in the shape of Audrey and Louie from Hector Bizerk, who played some amazing acoustic versions of tracks from the latest album Nobody Seen Nothing. Plus new music from the likes of Call To Mind, Poor Things, IndianRedLopez, Wecamefromwolves and more! It's a party, and you're all invited!
On the latest podcast, which aired 31st October 2012, features new music from Jo Mango, Collar Up, Gav Prentice, Flutes and much more. There's gig chat and some general banter from me, plus all our usual features.
This week's Featured Artist are Errors, our Classic Scottish Album is De Rosa's 'Prevention' and our Re-Mixing It Up track is a brilliant Miaoux Miaoux remix of 'Where It Snows' by Olympic Swimmers. As always we have some free music in the form of the Aye Tunes Friday Freebie track, which is a brilliant number from The Yawns. Enjoy!
A few months ago we ran the Scottish Fiction free music treasure hunt featured twelve free tracks from some of our favourite Scottish artists. These tracks were then hidden amongst our EP's for you to find and discover, all in aid of celebrating one year's worth of free music via our Scottish Fiction EP's.
As the EP's have come to a, hopefully temporary, stop, we thought it would be good to put all of the tracks together for the first time, and let you get a hold of them all if you haven't already done so.
So get downloading, and share with your pals. Here's what's on the EP:
The Son(s) - Karl a.k.a. The Son(s) has dusted down an old unreleased track,
'Wanton' and given it to us to finally give it a home!
Randolph's Leap
- The eight piece indie folksters have never been bigger, with T In The
Park and King Tut's Summer Nights safely tucked under their belts. For
our treasure hunt they have contributed 'Wack' a track from their mega
special 'The Way Of The Mollusc' EP.
Discopolis
- Electronic three piece Discopolis are one of Scottish music's hottest
property. With a whole heap of new material on the way, they have
kindly given us an exclusive brand new track 'Indiependance'.
Ambulances -
Responsible for one of my favourite albums of 2012 so far, Ambulances
offer up a remix of their album track 'Falling Apart' by Cian Ciaran of
the Super Furry Animals.
Lovers Turn To Monsters
- Kyle Wood, a.k.a. Lovers Turn To Monsters is a creative dynamo. He
also has a penchant for covering lo-fi punk songs, and has given us a
cover of 'The Goldheart Mountain Top Queen Directory' by Guided By
Voices. Kyle's version has been mixed and edited by Craig McConnell.
DOLFiNZ - Another brand new exclusive track from the DOLFiNZ lads called 'Protein Shake Brain'.
Miniature Dinosaurs
- Having recently signed to Integrity Records this can only mean good
things, hopefully in the form of new material. Meanwhile we've got an
acoustic recording of old favourite 'Alligator'.
The Mouse That Ate The Cat - The indie electro pop duo have whipped up a new track with the help
of Kerr Okan of The LaFontaines called 'Going Away'
Satellite Dub
- Craig Brown is Satellite Dub, responsible for some of the best beats
around. He's given us a brand new and exclusive track 'Kizuna
Encounter' for our EP. Enjoy!
IndianRedLopez
- The Aberdeen five piece are tucked away in the studio working on
album number two. On the EP's is an
alternative version of 'Silence/Vacuum' which will feature on that new
album.
Run/Lucky/Free -We love a good live track, and Run/Lucky/Free have given us just that! A live acoustic version of their track 'Denim Skyes'.
Mitchell Museum
- We were majorly chuffed when Mitchell Museum reformed, and even more
so when they generously gave us a brand new exclusive track 'The Closer
We Got The Harder We Fell'.
Before we get into the nasty and brutish business of Battle Of The Bands Top Trump style, it's announcement time! The fortnightly duel between David of Kowalskiy and I shall be shimmying onto a Wednesday night from now on, so set your calendars accordingly! As always you can follow the action on Twitter with #battleofthebands(insert round number accordingly).
Time for Round 8! So far in the series, aside from a draw in the opening heat, home advantage has proved invaluable. Essentially who ever has first pick of the stats, has borne out as the winner. This was true in Round 7 where I led the way with the boys from Croy, Campfires In Winter as we took victory over David's choice Toy Machene.
The ball is now back in the Kowalskiy camp as we enter into Round 8 at level pegging. For those who haven't been keeping up with the rules, you can remind yourself here. For those up to speed with everything... Let's battle!
In the Scottish Fiction corner you'll find someone who is quickly becoming our 'house band', given the amount of times he's featured on the show. I make no apologies for it, 'cause his output is both vast and impressive. It is the appropriately named for Halloweeen, Lovers Turn To Monsters.
Once again David heads north in search of inspiration, and has plumped for Aberdeen band IndianRedLopez, who were responsible for one of my favourite albums last year, 'Empty Your Lungs And Breathe'.
The action kicked off with the Band Name Scrabble Score stat, and as you've probably figured out the band with a 'Z' in their name won that fight. With a score of 27 IndianRedLopez trumped Lovers Turn To Monsters score of 23. 1-0 Kowalskiy.
Make or break time with the next pick, and David went for Twitter Follow Ratio, in honour of our battleground. It was a close call and I thought LTTM's score of 1.15 would be enough to win, but sadly IndianRedLopez pipped us with a score of 1.23. That brought the score to 2-0 and game to David.
Despite losing there's always the chance to save face with the last point. That hope turned to despair as David chose Average Age. As LLTM (a.k.a. Kyle said himself on Twitter, at least he has his youth... David won the point with a score of 28.2 to 24, sealing a 3-0 win and a whitewash in round 8.
Scores on the doors are now 5-4 to David, but I've got home turf again in two weeks time so we'll see if I can level the scores. Remember to follow us on Twitter to keep up with the action live as it unfolds. My Twitter is here, whilst you'll find Kowalskiy here. As always though, there's not really a winner or loser (that's what me and Kyle are telling ourselves anyway!) and it's about the two artists involved.
Let's start with Scottish Fiction favourite Lovers Turn To Monsters, a.k.a. Kyle Wood, who is a lo-fi singer AND songwriter (not singer-songwriter!). His simple (not a bad thing) style of recording and writing, means his Bandcamp is filled with hordes of songs, amongst which there are plenty of gems. His latest offering is a collection of tracks on an EP entitled 'This Horror Movie Is A Metaphor For Puberty'. Check out the track below and keep an eye on the blog for some more stuff from Kyle soon!
David's winners (a meaningless term surely!) were of course IndianRedLopez. Last year's 'Empty Your Lungs And Breath' was a cracker of a debut, and earlier this year they contributed a track to our Hidden Tracks feature. New song 'Break Us Both' is a great indicator of things still to come!
This week's show featured a bevvy of new music including the likes for The State Broadcasters, the new single from Admiral Fallow, Discopolis and some unearthed gems from Tambay and Nassim Donald. Our Featured Artist this week was Edwyn Collins, and we also had a track from our Classic Scottish Album 'Please Describe Yourself' by Dogs Die In Hot Cars. Get stuck in!
We have released our twelfth FREE EP today in the form of Scottish Fiction July 2012 EP and as promised we have scattered 12 exclusive tracks from some of Scotland's finest artists across our 12 EP's which you can find on our Bandcamp.
Here's a reminder of the 12 artists and a little synopsis of their tracks:
The Son(s) - Karl a.k.a. The Son(s) has dusted down an old unreleased track, 'Wanton' and given it to us to finally give it a home. Just where that home is however is up to you to find out!
Randolph's Leap - The eight piece indie folksters have never been bigger, with T In The Park and King Tut's Summer Nights safely tucked under their belts. For our treasure hunt they have contributed 'Wack' a track from their mega special 'The Way Of The Mollusc' EP.
Discopolis - Electronic three piece Discopolis are one of Scottish music's hottest property. With a whole heap of new material on the way, they have kindly given us an exclusive brand new track 'Indiependance'.
Ambulances - Responsible for one of my favourite albums of 2012 so far, Ambulances offer up a remix of their album track 'Falling Apart' by Cian Ciaran of the Super Furry Animals.
Lovers Turn To Monsters - Kyle Wood, a.k.a. Lovers Turn To Monsters is a creative dynamo. He also has a penchant for covering lo-fi punk songs, and has given us a cover of 'The Goldheart Mountain Top Queen Directory' by Guided By Voices. Kyle's version has been mixed and edited by Craig McConnell.
DOLFiNZ - Another brand new exclusive track from the DOLFiNZ lads. Get searching to find their track 'Protein Shake Brain'.
Miniature Dinosaurs - Having recently signed to Integrity Records this can only mean good things, hopefully in the form of new material. Meanwhile we've got an acoustic recording of old favourite 'Alligator' hiding in amongst our previous EP's.
The Mouse That Ate The Cat - The indie electro pop duo have whipped up a new track with the help of Kerr Okan of The LaFontaines. Get looking for 'Going Away' and enjoy!
Satellite Dub - Craig Brown is Satellite Dub, responsible for some of the best beats around. He's given us a brand new and exclusive track 'Kizuna Encounter' for our EP treasure hunt. Enjoy!
IndianRedLopez - The Aberdeen five piece are tucked away in the studio working on album number two. Lurking in amongst our previous EP's is hidden an alternative version of 'Silence/Vacuum' which will feature on that new album.
Run/Lucky/Free -We love a good live track, and Run/Lucky/Free have given us just that! A live acoustic version of their track 'Denim Skyes'.
Mitchell Museum - We were majorly chuffed when Mitchell Museum reformed, and even more so when they generously gave us a brand new exclusive track 'The Closer We Got The Harder We Fell'.
Now you know what's up for grabs the only place to get them is by going in with our treasure hunt. Each of the above tracks is hidden in one of our 12 FREE EP's. So head over to our Bandcamp page and get downloading each of our FREE EP's to discover each of these hidden gems! For those of you who like things made even easier, just click on each of the 12 links below to be taken directly to the relevant EP and download it there.
Also please take the time to listen to the other music which is on each of these EP's. They are from hugely talented Scottish artists, and whilst we are excited about offering some exclusive tracks, we also want to promote as much Scottish talent as possible!
We know how much you love free stuff, after all who doesn't! We certainly like giving away free stuff, in the form of our FREE monthly EP's. And with July's EP due at the end of this month, it's a milestone of sorts. July's EP will be our 12th* and we're doing something a little bit special to mark the occasion.
* Technically we've done 13, but our Christmas one was a special EP for the charity Shelter so it wasn't free.
On the release of this month's EP, we are going to be hiding 12 tracks in amongst our existing 12 EP's. We've asked 12 of our favourite Scottish artists to contribute a track each, amongst them are some exclusive brand spanking new tracks, and every one of them is a topper!
To add to the suspense and secrecy, we won't be revealing where the tracks are hidden, so to find them you're going to have to download each of our previous EP's to get the full lot. But that's a good thing, because already on those 12 EP's is great music from the likes of Shambles Miller, The Spook School, The King Hats, Plastic Animals and many more! So we'd like you to download them all because, and I guarantee this*, there will be something that will excite you in ways you've only experienced with the lights off.
* As the EP's are free, even if I break this guarantee, there's no refund.
To help whet your musical appetite here are the names of some of the artists involved. We'll unveil the full 12 nearer the time!
Satellite Dub - Responsible for the blistering and sonically orgasmic 'Velikovsky Said' EP, Craig Brown (no not that one) a.k.a. Satellite Dub draws influence from Krautrock and Psychedelica to create textured synth inspired music. Already a big favourite in Scotland's electronica scene, he's featured on BBC Radio 1 and played with Calvin Harris. Sweeeeeeeeet! Expect a new tune of epic proportions!
Lovers Turn To Monsters - A self billed lo-fi superhero, Kyle Wood, a.k.a. Lovers Turn To Monsters, specialises in acoustic emo-indie pop. Armed with his guitar and a tape deck, LTTM has a prolific work rate, and when at his best stirs emotions that you stored away the last time you listened to early Bright Eyes. Coming your way is a beautiful, and unheard/unreleased, cover version of a Guided By Voices track.
Miniature Dinosaurs - As well as hosting five-a-side football tourneys, the MD lads also made pretty darned good music! The Stirling pop/rock four piece have in the past received praise from the likes of Ally McCrae, and have released singles on Saraseto Records and Electric Honey, and their new single 'Lemonade' will be out on Integrity Records on 13th August. Get ready to go hunting for an acoustic version of a firm favourite.
DOLFiNZ - I'm showing my age when the first thing I can think of saying about Stonehaven three piece DOLFiNZ relates to grammar. The uber cool use of a 'Z' instead of 'S', coupled with their fast and furious grunge/garage rock and an actual dolphin cursor on their website, means I'm more than willing to push past their penchant for over-using text speak. With releases by Tuff Wx, CATH Records and more recently Song, By Toad all tucked in their baggy jeans, DOLFiNZ are ones to be excited about. We've got something a little bit different in the form of an acoustic recording ready for your ears.
Ambulances - Having just released their second album 'Flying Simply Explained', which is fantastic by the way, the Fife 6-piece have also had the track 'Feeling Sick' remixed by Steve Mason. Dubby! With an ability to create insanely catchy hooks, and mix electronica with indie-rock effortless, we are excited to hear the track Ambulances are contributing from their vault. You can bet it'll be good!
Randolph's Leap - Having recently had lead singer Adam on our radio show as a very special guest, it's no surprise that I'm a big Randolph's Leap fan. And with good reason too! This summer has seen the 8-piece take their quirky indie folk-pop to T In The Park, and with a headline slot at King Tut's Summer Nights as well as playing Fence Record's Away Game, they'll hopefully be filling the ears of more and more people. Hiding away on one of our 12 EP's is a track from their very secret 'The Way Of The Mollusc' bonus EP. Exciting!
The Son(s) - The Son(s) is as talented as he is mysterious. Specialising in dreamy Americana, The Son(s) music at times is so easy going and laid back that you'd be forgiving for mistakenly thinking you were drifting down the Mississippi river on a warm summer day. With the 'Leviathian' EP released on Olive Grove Records recently, we've managed to get our hands on the wonderful track 'Wanton', which, until now, has been previously unreleased. It's, in our opinion, as good a track as any on the recent EP.
IndianRedLopez - Despite not knowing what the spacebar is for, Peterhead four piece IndianRedLopez know damned well how to make infectious indie-electronic music. Their last album 'Empty Your Lungs And Breath' delivered plenty of promise, making it onto our top 20 albums of 2011, and with the band currently working on album number two we won't have to wait too long to hear that promise fulfilled. Get a sneak preview of what's to come by getting a hold of an exclusive track!
We'll be announcing the remaining four artists in due course, and I can assure you they are just as exciting and talented as the eight acts above. So mark Sunday 29th July in your diaries, not only for the release of July's EP, but for the release of these 12 secret tracks. In the meantime you can check out what's already available by heading over to our Bandcamp page.
The more observant amongst you may have noticed that I've been rather late in revealing part two of my favourite albums of 2011. Part one (which was my top 30 albums by International artists) was nearly two weeks ago! (read it here)
However I've been busy inbetween putting out the Scottish Fiction Shelter Christmas EP, two Scottish Fiction shows on Pulse 98.4 FM, recording a end of year special which you can here on Pulse 98.4 FM on Boxing Day at 9pm AND rocking out to We Were Promised Jetpacks at ABC and Mogwai at the Barrowlands.
So without further ado here is Scottish Fiction's Best Of 2011 Scottish Albums numbers 20 to 11:
Third album from the experimental Glaswegians who do not know the meaning of the word quiet. Released on 4th July (a fitting nod to the American metal influences) on It's A Stiff! Records, this album will not be to everyone's taste, but that's part of what makes it so good, it fully commits to the alt metal vibe that thrashes from the word go.
I first discovered Black International's music earlier this year when the band agreed to do a Q&A session for the blog and subsequently contribute a track to one of our free EP's. Their album 'In Debt' was released on 11th March on their own label Return Of Order. Its an album choka block with influences, different sounds and bursting with energy.
Released on Gargleblast Records on 10th October, ex De Rosa man Martin John Henry has produced an album that is a open and beautiful as it's coverart. It's an intriguing and compelling listen, which is full of so much detail that multiple listens, because you'll want to listen again, pick up on little gems obscured from first glance. Personal highlight is the below 'Ribbon On A Bough'.
Contained on this album of 16 tracks, part new material, part reworking of older tracks, are some of the finest songs released by a Scottish artist this year. The album staggers from minimal acoustic hummings, to ambient drones, and all the while takes the listener for a most enjoyable journey through the brain of creator Derek Bates. 'Returned In Time' is a gem of a song. Have a listen below.
Hailing from the granite city (Aberdeen for those not in the know), IndianRedLopez released on of the finest debuts this year. Released on 6th June on A Badge Of Friendship, 'Empty Your Lungs And Breathe' is an album with the legs to propel IndianRedLopez to bigger things that their sound craves. Never straying too far of the mainstream rock path on songs such as 'Ropes' and 'My Eyes' which would be snug at home on any commerical radio stadio, there is also plenty of dabbles into electro and alternative rock to keep everyone interested.
I think it's pretty safe to say that The John Knox Sex Club are unlike any other band on this list. Their second album, self released on 29th August is an absolutely fucking (note this is the only profanity in this post) triumph of an album. It shouldn't really be this good, it's heavily folk influenced, it's opener is 13 minutes long, and it's pretty depressing to listen to, but my oh my does it hit home. The band are mighty fine live, and on this record they've captured that as best as they could.
I think a lot of people have either missed this off their list completely or had it a lot higher. And I think that's because Build A Harbour Immediately, released on Wise Blood Industries on 22nd August is either loved or not. So strangely I'm in the middle. Well not really the middle, because I think it's an excellent record, but not quite top ten material. But let me rescue myself by saying that this is one of the most creative records of the year. Stafford quite often pulls the rug from beneath your ears halfway through a track, which generally results in a broad smile across the face.
Released on Song, By Toad Records on 13th June, I've been listening to Don't You Touch My Fucking Honeytone for a good portion of the last few weeks, and it really reinforced in my just how good the whole King Post Kitsch album really was. Whilst '...Honeytone' is a standout brawling highlight, the rest of the album is of equal quality. The slight roughness of the sound helps add a certain underdog feel, and makes you want to spread the word about this album even more.
Peter Kelly, a.k.a. Beerjacket is Glasgow's premier singer/songwriter. Up until the release of The White Feather Trail on 3rd October this year, Beerjacket's releases were self recorded and produced, which it should be said doesn't take away from the quality of the music at all. TWFT is that little bit cleaner, and the album soars for it. Heart firmly on sleeve, TWFT is full of positive uplifting honest stories that make your day that little bit better.
Born from the ashes of Union Of Knives. Add in Louis Abbot and self released 'Limits' (6th June) is the result. And what a result. At times you can feel the angst in some of the songs (UoK where unceremoniously dropped prior to their album being released). Song Of Return create big songs. Atmospheric, slightly dark at times, and climxing in almost anthemic sing along moments. 'Trajectory', below, was the sound track to the TITP 2011 website. Nice.
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