This week's show sees the welcome return of our Cover Lover feature with Robert Smith covering a recently released single from The Twilight Sad. Oh and there's an interview with James from the band on the show too. See how everything links together!
Additionally we add a new track from WOMPS to our playlist, plus there's new music from CHVRCHES, Inspector Tapehead, Earths and dune witch trails.
This week's show is packed with interviews from T in the Park as I chatted to Pinact (pictured), Prides, Catholic Action, Monogram and The Van T's. There's also music from Inuit, Phases, Great Cop and Keeping Dirt Clean who play King Tut's Summer Nights this week.
After focusing on the BBC Introducing Stage on last week's show, this week we focus on the artists playing the T Break stage at T in the Park, as well as rounding up the rest of the Scottish artists playing across the weekend including Hector Bizerk, The Twilight Sad and Admiral Fallow.
SEØUEL is added to the playlist, there's a stunning remix of The Great Albatross from Tongues, plus new music from Akela, Nieves and Tetra.
Boots have already trudged the ground, tent pegs and guy ropes put in completely inappropriate places, and cans of Tennents lager cracked open to the cries of "T IN THE PAAAAARK". Yup, Scotland's biggest music festival is about to begin, this year in it's brand new home at Strathallan Castle.
While the site will be new, there's a few things that will stay as loyal fans to the festival have always known. Food and drink will be plentiful, the weather will be unpredictable, and there will be over 100 acts playing across three days and six stages catering to all tastes.
There's some big hitters on the bill this year, but as always here at Scottish Fiction we have our eyes on the home grown talent, and so present to you our top tips of acts not to miss during this year's festivities.
One of the hottest tipped bands about at the moment are Catholic Action. Fronted by former Casual Sex, and current Pinact, member Chris McCrory the band are prolific with recent single The Real World released via Fuzzkill Records. Check them out on Saturday on the T Break Stage.
I was very impressed last month when I caught Edinburgh duo Man of Moon performing at the BBC at the Quay event. Their single The Road is catchy as anything, with chuggy guitars and crashing cymbals creating a steady pulse throughout. The band are playing the BBC Introducing Stage on Sunday.
The Sad of course need no introduction, and are primed to play their fourth T in the Park set to date in King Tut's Tent on Friday afternoon. The band have progressed up through the stages, T-Break to BBC Introducing to King Tut's Tent, and of course this summer's festival appearances come fresh of the back of the critical success of fourth album Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave.
Exciting times surely lie ahead for Stillhound, a Glasgow foursome, who play only their second live gig to date on the BBC Introducing Stage on Saturday. Their brand of artful, electronic pop harks to the soundscapes of Boards of Canada, but is more accessible with instant appeal making them potentially the discovery of the festival for you.
The duo of Corrie Gillies and Chris McCrory released one of our favourite albums of the year back in May via Brooklyn label Kanine Records. With a well-honed, energetic, and passionate live act, plus seriously infectious melodies and a raucous guitar/drum combo, Pinact are a band to lose yourself to. They'll be on the BBC Introducing Stage on Saturday.
Another band with real promise on the T-Break stage are twin sisters Chloe and Hannah, better known as The Van T's. Their grungey, garage rock style twists in surfer-pop, and reverb soaked '90's alternative rock for an altogether enthralling sound. It's completely plausible to see The Van T's follow in the path of Honeyblood or PAWS, and their set on Sunday will be a good marker for that.
Conflicted over whether to see headliners Kasabian or David Guetta? It's not a problem for Hector Bizerk, who were a late addition to the bill and take up headliner duties on the Transmission Stage on Friday evening. Guaranteed to be the top pick here at Scottish Fiction, their set can be guaranteed to be full of energy, sing-a-long raps, and body draining bounce alongs. NOT TO BE MISSED.
Someone call Daft Punk and Pharrell. Miaoux Miaoux has taken the 'sound of summer' mantle from them with his new album School of Velocity. The new LP, out now on Chemikal Underground, was made with sun and good times in mind, and hopefully that's exactly what we'll get from the band's set on Sunday in the BBC Introducing Tent. Prepare to dance, sway and vibe.
Last but not least is Monogram, another electro-pop act from Glasgow who strive to make infectious tunes that extract dancing from listeners. Fronted by Liam Rutherford, and backed with Gordon Skene and Ben Singer, the band have been working hard to bring their polished studio sounds to a live environment. Catch them on Sunday in the BBC Introducing Stage to see how well they've managed it.
Having had the idea of doing a live review show for the best part of six months, it was great to finally get the Scottish Fiction Roundtable off the ground and on the air. Not that it was overly difficult mind you. Step 1: Ask a blogger to come on the show and review records. Step 2: Do it.
So I was delighted to be joined by my monthly EP series partner in crime David McElroy from Almost Predictable. Almost to run through tracks from Deadly Rides, Reverieme, Ambassadeurs, Holy Esque, Hudson Mohawke and Pinact. There's also a BBC Introducing Stage slant to the show, with no less than 7 acts playing the T in the Park stage featured on the show. Wrap that up with a Re-Mixing It Up track and new music from Miracle Strip, Outblinker and Big Cloud, you've got yourself two hours of Scottish Fiction.
If you’re at all in touch with the Scottish local music scene, you’ll be aware of the rising number and popularity of noisy surf-gaze, fuzz-pop, insert-obscure-music-genre-here bands. This is, in part, thanks to excellent local labels like Fuzzkill Records who are reaching out to these young acts and nurturing their talent. But, if Pinact’s debut album Stand Still and Rot proves anything, it’s that this duo are not just another surf-gaze act, looking to feed off the international fame of fellow Scottish noisemakers such as PAWS and The Xcerts. No, much more than mere copyists, Pinact are set for great things, and all from their own doing.
With the title track opener, the band refrain from jumping straight into the nitty gritty, instead, opting for a smooth introduction, almost lulling the listener in as singer/guitarist Corrie Gillies proclaims, “If we stand still, we’re gonna rot,” before the chaos inevitably ensues. With Anxiety, however, it’s no holds barred as the band reveal their true musical identity in the form of pop songs drenched in fuzzy reverb. The addition of Chris McCrory (Casual Sex, Catholic Action) on drums has done wonders for the band’s music and begs the question, with killer riffs and some heavy, well-executed drum parts, who even needs a bassist?
The main lyrical theme throughout the album is (surprise, surprise) relationships, or rather, the struggles and downfalls of relationships (it’s kind of a package deal). But there’s much more to it than merely weeping over a broken heart or two. Corrie does all but serve up his heart on a plate on Stand Still and Rot, lyrically exploring some super dark, sensitive issues surrounding relationship struggles and his own experiences, most notably, with mental health on songs like Anxiety, Scars, Negative Thoughts And Jealousy and closing track Novembore. At some points, it’s as if he’s invited us to read some of the most private entries of his diary. There’s a strong sense that Corrie puts a lot of trust in us as listeners to do just that: listen and not judge. For this, we should appreciate and respect Pinact’s music all the more.
What’s thrilling is how the band execute that fun old juxtaposition of energetic, happy-go-lucky, summery fuzz-pop guitar riffs and Corrie’s otherwise dark, emotional lyrics, something which is evident on songs like Into The One, Brew and standout track Terrapin. With slower, more bittersweet songs like Limbs, Up Or Down and The Beginning Of The End, where the music doesn’t shroud the lyrics as music, not only do they provide a short respite from the fuzz, but they allow the listener to truly appreciate Corrie’s sincere vocals and honest, confessional songwriting skills.
On the flipside, there’s Spill Yr Guts, Make Some Noise which allows the duo space to go, for lack of better words, fucking nuts on their respective instruments. The result? An audible representation of the song title itself.
There’s no doubt that, while Stand Still and Rot is an excellent album, these songs were made to be played live. The energy and passion is already abundantly present on these studio recordings, but on stage, in front of some equally pumped music fans is where these songs and this band truly belong. Pinact are already doing exceptionally well in America and, having recently signed with Brooklyn based indie label Kanine Records, you’d be well advised to catch them while you can. With that in mind, make sure you catch the album launch on May 19th at Broadcast. It’ll brighten up what is sure to be a rather dreary, lacklustre Tuesday evening.
- Nina Glencross
Pinact – Stand Still and Rot is out on Tuesday 19th May via Kanine Records and will be available to pre-order on digital download and limited edition cassette tape on Bandcamp.
Fuzzy duo Pinact have unveiled the video for their new track Anxiety which is the first track taken from their forthcoming debut album Stand Still and Rot. The album will be released via Kanine Records on 19th May and has been produced by Hookworms' MJ.
With a door opening nod to Joy Division, the video then showcases the band at their finest; noisy, rowdy and melodic as frontman Corrie Gilles throws himself about and drummer Chris McCrory thrashes and crashes.
Glasgow based drums-and-guitar duo Pinact were always a band who have pushed their music further than the usual 'local scene' so it was no surprise to learn that their debut album Stand Still And Rot would be released via Brooklyn label Kanine Records.
Anxiety is the first sounds of that album, but with frantic drumming, Corrie Gillies distinctive droll and garage-rock fuzzy guitar fans of the band will be more than happy. Like PAWS, Pinact are adept to harboring real catchy melodies at the heart of their songs, and Anxiety, despite the lyrical revelations of the song, has a real earworm of a melody guaranteeing that it will stay with you for days.
This week's show is absolutely stacked with great new music which more than makes up for the fact that I can hardly talk. Covering all bases there's music from Hector Bizerk, the new single from Foreignfox, hazy pysch pop from LYLO, a vocal led track from Turtle, rich instrumental from digitialanalogue and much much more. Make sure to check out each artist if you like the cut of their jib.
Awrite. My name is Owen and I play drums in Algernon Doll. Most people
call me Oj, so if we ever meet, go for that. As you probably know, Neil
has been kind enough to leave his blog in our hands for the week and now
it's my turn to say some hings.
I've decided that it could be a good shout for me to tell
everybody about some Scottish bands that I'm dead excited about this
year. I know that's not particularly creative or anything but I didn't
really know what else to say.
I'm gonna list three bands who definitely have records out this year followed by a few mentions of other bands I like a lot.
Herbert Powell
I think I've only seen Herbert Powell twice now, which seems insane.
They're a 4 piece band from the surrounding areas of Glasgow and they
seem to play aw the time in the city, which is great. Imagine Gang of
Four, Fugazi and Speedy Ortiz all had a wean. They're kind of like that,
but also so very different. Anyway, they're releasing a record this
year and I really can't wait for it. They're always on great bills too
so definitely go and see them live.
Pinact
Pinact
are great. They write pop songs that are awfy fuzzy and awfy loud and
awfy gid. I have no idea how many times I've seen Pinact (gonna guess
around 20?) but they put on a good show everytime. We toured with them
last summer and are touring with them again next month which is gonna be
aw the fun. They also have a record coming out this year on a cool
label so that's defz something to check out.
Poor Things
Poor Things released a record in 2014 that for some reason
seemed to slip completely under the radar. It's an absolute banger anaw!
They also write pop songs that have fuzzy elements, and other cool
elements. I really hate describing bands. I'm sorry. Just go and listen
to them k.
Thank you if you took the time to read my beige patter. But trust me, everyone listed above is well worth checking out at some point. The Scottish music scene is pretty exciting just now. As I type this I'm thinking about more bands and labels I could talk about. Go and find cool stuff!
Glasgow's Pinact have all the ingredients to join the ranks of successful noisy two pieces. They combine brassy punk rock, melodic pop sensibilities and a DIY ethos into a winning combination. Guitarist and lead singer Corrie joined me on Scottish Fiction to chat and play some stripped down versions of the bands songs.
Below are videos for the tracks Limbs, Novembore and a cover of Weezer's Butterfly
which were recorded at Pulse 98.4 FM as part of Pinact's Scottish
Fiction Session. To hear the full show, including interview, check out
the Scottish Fiction Podcast for 13th October 2014.
And check out this EXCLUSIVE video of Beginning Of The End recorded for the Scottish Fiction blog.
Glasgow's Pinact have all the ingredients to join the ranks of successful noisy two pieces. They combine brassy punk rock, melodic pop sensibilities and a DIY ethos into a winning combination. Guitarist and lead singer Corrie joined me on Scottish Fiction to chat and play some stripped down versions of the bands songs.
This track, Beginning Of The End was recorded at Pulse 98.4 FM as an exclusive session track for the Scottish Fiction blog. To hear further session tracks and an interview listen back to the full show here.
The Scottish Fiction Sessions continue as I welcomed Corrie from Pinact
into the studio for a chat and some live music. Sounding excellent on
the eve of the bands trip to New York, he treated us to three live
tracks, including a Weezer cover.
The show is also jam packed with new music from We Were Promised
Jetpacks, RM Hubbert, Stanley Odd, Conquering Animal Sound and more
more more.
I've had baby brain since last week following the birth of my daughter (it seeps a little bit into this podcast too. Sorry!) So as much as that is fantastic, it's also great to sit behind the microphone to record this latest episode of Scottish Fiction. Mainly because I've been sitting on a ton of great tracks that deserve an airing. Included in that are new ones from Garden Of Elks, Prides and Owl John, plus two session tracks courtesy of our friends over at Netsounds Unsigned and Houdidontblog.
Originally airing as a Christmas special on 25th December, this show is a Scottish Fiction round up of the year we have just enjoyed. 2013 has been a fantastic year for Scottish music, and we run through some of our favourite tracks and EP's, with a festive smattering of alternative classics.
Prides - Out Of The Blue Randolph's Leap - One More Sleep 'til Christmas Campfires In Winter - Picture of Health
Book Group - Victory Lap
Tom Waits - Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis
Collar Up - Jam Jar Full of Wasps
Young Fathers - iHeard
Machines In Heaven - Mistletoe And Crime
There Will Be Fireworks - In Excelsis Deo
Atom Tree - Tide Of Thorns
Nevada Base - Foresight
Naked - Lie Follow Lie
Campfires In Winter - Christmas Song Giant Fang - Aqualung Eels - Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas Lovers Turn To Monsters - Skeletor
East Coast Defector - Xmas At Home
Fake Major - Little Researcher
Michael Cassidy - Everybody's Scared
ballboy - Merry Christmas To The Drunks, Merry Christmas To The Lovers
DEATHCATS!!! - I Wish It Was Summer
Honeyblood - Bud
Poor Things - Morgan
Pinact - Beauty Freak
Gone Wishing - Decoys
Lidh - Rockpool Hospital
Mast - Romance
Idlewild - In Remote Part/Scottish Fiction
Hot on the heels of début album Deerheart Blood Relatives swung by the Pulse Community Radio studio for chat and tunes. Their bubbly and witty strain of indie-pop boils over making the session a charming interview about influences, summer festivals, and puns. Three excellent live tracks are also dotted throughout so dig in.
The second hour of the show includes regular features 'Tweet-a-track' and a 'Cover Lover' track from perennial Scottish Fiction chum Lovers Turn To Monsters. There's also new music from Miracle Strip, Mungo's Hi-Fi, Book Group, Call To Mind and more!
Guesting on the show this week was Julia Doogan, lead vocalist and namesake of the splendid Julia And The Doogans. She performed three achingly beautiful tracks live in the studio including two new songs and an unexpected Kylie cover. We also chatted about the band and the glitz and glamour of US TV shows. Your usual injection of new Scottish music includes both sides of the new Gerry Loves Records 7" split from Over The Wall and John Knox Sex Club, plus there's the last of our Oxjam: We're Skint, They're Skinter features.
I'm baaaaaaack! Did you miss me? Didn't think so. A HUGE thanks to Chris Murray for covering things whilst I was away. There was really only one way to get back into the swing of things and that was to dive in with another live guest.
Kevin Harper, former front-man of Little Eskimos, released his brilliant album Kingdom Of Wires in March this year, and it was our delight to have him join me in the Pulse 98.4 studio. During the session we find out the real origins of Kevin Harper, and discuss the wealth of musical talent that exists in Scotland. We also cram in new music from Lidh, Blood Relatives, Campfires In Winter and much more!
There's only so many times I can start the intro to the podcast with 'more live music'. But that's exactly what what we have in the latest Scottish Fiction show. There's new music from Sparrow And The Workshop, Night Noise Team, Homework and Holy Esque. There's chat about Saturday's Scottish Fiction Presents: Aye Tunes vs. Peenko, with music from Le Thug and Pinact. And there's 'Tweet-a-track' and 'Re-Mixing It Up features too.
Aaaaaaaaand our live guest is the wonderful Panda Su, who treated us to some live music and chat about her upcoming tour. It's positively, absolutely, definitely superb.
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