Hey folks, what with being up in Eigg for Away Game and putting on a gig on Wednesday, I don't have time to draft up a Friday Freebies post this week. I promise to make up for it next week when I get back to Glasgow, instead you can content yourself with this new video from the Pictish Trail for his new single 'Michael Rocket'. The song is taken from his forthcoming EP, The Summer Is Empty Of Idiots which will be available as part of Fence Records' new EP series, Buff Tracks. If you're feeling flush you can treat yourself by pre-ordering the EP here.
We Are Augustines
Out of all of the acts that I saw at last weeks T in the Park, for me the one band that stood head and shoulders above everyone else were none other than Brooklyn's very own, We Are Augustines. Having seen them a few months back supporting Frabbit, I had forgotten just how good they were live. The band have just announced that they're returning to these shores in October, hitting up Glasgow on 7th October. Anyway, you're not here my chat, here's the link you need to download their song Headlong for nowt.
Golden Grrrls
I guess I am a bit behind the times here, but fuck me Golden Grrrls are a bit good eh?! I only stumbled across this Glasgow trio when their name popped up in my twitter feed earlier this week . I can't quite remember who was talking about them, but my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to check them. I am pretty damn chuffed I did as there's cracking wee pop tunes to be had on their Bandcamp page. There is a whole host of stuff up for grabs on a pay what you want basis here.
Happy Particles
Not one's for resting on their laurels, Happy Particles are currently busy working away on the follow up to their SAY Award nominated album, 'Under Sleeping Waves'. Unlike most other bands they're very kindly sharing some of the demos that they've been working on. If the latest offering ' Black Verse' is anything to go by, then all I can say is more of same please gents.
Stuart Kidd
That there Stuart Kidd is one talented fella, when he's not on drumming duties for Jonny and Stevie Jackson, he can also be found playing as one of half of The Wellgreen. As if that wasn't enough he's also managed to record this cracking wee EP of lo-fi pop gems which he's offering up as a free download on his Bandcamp page. This week might well have been a total washout, but these pop tunes really do make it feel it is summer, lovely stuff.
Ariel Pink
4AD are currently offering up a the chance for you to download a free MP3 of the new Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti song, 'Only In My Dreams'.
Randolph's Leap
First thing tomorrow morning I'll be hauling myself out of bed an ungodly hour to head up to my first T in the Park for five years. The last time I went, I came back engaged - I've always been classy. This time round I'll be on my best behaviour as I am acting as tour manager (ie driving the van) for Randolph's Leap, as they will be opening the T Break Stage at 12pm on the Saturday. If you're going to be be there for the gates opening, make sure you pop your head in - even if you're not a fan (how could you not be?!), it will be an ideal place to shelter from the rain. As a wee taster to encourage folk to come and see them play, the band have released a free download of a new unreleased song called 'Man, I Feel Rough'. Which I think is pretty damn ace, but then again I am just a little bit biased. You can make your own mind up by streaming the song below.
Chris Devotion and The Expectations
Another cracking band that will be appearing on this years T Break stage, are Chris Devotion and The Expectations. Having had the pleasure of putting them on at our Bloggers showcase gig at goNorth, I can vouch for how good they are live. Sadly I won't get to witness their set as they're playing on the Sunday and I'll long gone by then, if you are going to still be up then get yourself along at 13.40 for a tight ass rock 'n roll show. In the event that you need a wee bit of persuading, you should check out their song, 'The Girl Is Leaving', which they've made available as a free download. If you're not going to T, you can also catch them at Belladrum and the Wickerman Festival!
Chemikal Underground
Scotland's coolest and most influential label, Chemikal Underground, are currently giving away a free compilation featuring an array of talent, including, The Phantom Band, Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat, RM Hubbert and a whole host of other goodies. You can download the compilation for free from Amazon
Scottish Fiction
My fellow blogger, Scottish Fiction, is back with another one of his series of free EP's. This month he's got managed to gather in a whole host of up and coming talent. If you want to get your grubby little mitts on free tracks from The Seven Deadly Sins, Mad Nurse, Make Sparks and Aaron Wright, then just head on over to his Bandcamp page.
Snow Patrol
I know, I know, if I had any street cred then I wouldn't be posting anything up by Snow Patrol, but fuck it, I don't care if you don't like them, as I do. So deal with it. If you do like Mr Lightbody & Co, then you might be interested to learn that they've made a new version of Lifening (Burst To Life Mix) available as a free download on their homepage.
PET
Okay so it's not quite free, it's one of those pay you want type deals, but you can opt to pay nowt if you like. It's the return of Edinburgh outfit, PET, who have just released their fourth single, 'Together Apart', which you can download from Bandcamp.
We Are The Physics
Monday
there saw the return of Gasgow's finest 'mutant science punks', We Are
The Physics. They've come back with a bit of a bang, with their new
single, 'GORAN IVANISEVIC' taken from their forthcoming album 'Album Details Not Ready Yet'. Did I mention it's free, I didn't need to, did I?!
Tilly & The Wall
It has been that long since I last heard anything from Tilly & The Wall, that I presumed they'd chucked it ages ago. Apparently I was wrong, as they have new album called Heavy Mood in the offing, as a wee taster they've made the first single from it, 'Love Riot' available as a free download through Stereogum. By the sound of things I htink they have ditched he whole tap dancers as percussionists thing. I may well be wrong, and often am.
Drunk Mule
To finish off this weeks freebies, it's our old pals Drunk Mule, once again they've recorded a new tune which they're giving away as a free download. This one's called 'Fancy Pants' and it's free to download from their Bandcamp page.
Two Gallants
It's been about five years since the release of Two Gallants eponymous album. Since then we haven't very much from the San Francisco oufti, but now they're back with a fourth album in the bag. As a wee a teaser they've made the first single, 'Broken Eyes', avaailable as a free download at their website.
Aidan Moffat
To celebrate winning the innaugural SAY Award last week, Aidan Moffat is giving away a free download of “(If You) Keep Me In Your Heart – Mix 5”, an alternative piano and strings mix which was recorded all the way back in 2003 from his first ever session with his partner in crime Bill Wells.
Beerjacket
Ahead of his appearance at T in the Park next weekend, Beerjacket is giving away a free download of his single, 'Cave' on his Bandcamp page. If you like what you hear then I'd thoroughly recommend that you check out his last album, 'The White Feather Trail', you can catch Beerjacket at 12pm on the T Break stage next Sunday. If you're not heading to T, then get yourself along to King Tut's on the 17th of July, where he will be playing alongside Quickbeam, Mike Nisbett and Julia & The Doogans.
Lost Ghosts Up and coming Glasgow outfit, Lost Ghosts have a whole heap of free tunes available for download on their SoundCloud page. Citing influences as ranging as My Bloody Valentine, M83, Frightened Rabbit, Radiohead to There Will Be Fireworks, if that sounds like it might be your cup of tea, then catch the band playing love on the 17th of July at the Art School in Glasgow supporting Man Without Country.
Vigo Thieves
If you visited the T in the Park website recently then you are sure to have come across Vigo Thieves track, Heartbeats. It's a catchy wee bugger of a pop tune and best of all, it's free to download here.
Ambulances
Fife's finest indie pop outfit have posted up a free download of Steve Mason remixing their track Feeling Sick on their Bandcamp page.
Jo Schornikow
I'll warn you now, I am going to be mentioning Jo Schornikow from the Shivers a lot over the next month or so. In case you somehow missed the memo, she's going to be touring the UK next month with Scott Rudd, and I'm putting on her Glasgow date featuring a bill which will also include Mitchell Museum. In case you haven't already heard any of Jo's music, then you're in luck as there is a free download of her song 'Bird's Nest' up for grabs on SoundCloud. Alternatively, if you follow this link you can find that same song, plus a free download from Scott Rudd. As if that wasn't enough, if you head on over to nyctaper, then you can download yourself a live recording of one of Jo's shows (hey that rhymes!).
Kowalskiy
I do like to think that I know a fair bit about up and coming Scottish bands, but I have to hold my hands up and admit that I had only heard of one of the six bands that appear on Kowalskiy's latest free EP. Not that I am complaining as once again the doc has unearthed some cracking wee tunes. If you fancy checking out what M A D I S O N, Naked Strangers, Plurals (the stand out band for me - nice find Mr Kowalskiy!), Saint Max, Scary Shapes and Thank You So Nice sound like, then get downloading here.
GUMS!
Made up of members of Orphans, Collar Up and The Plimptons, Glasgow super group GUMS! of course. The band have come together to release a free one off EP called "A Glasgow Summer", taking their infleunces from the likes of Tom Waits, Arab Strap and The Buzzcocks, this a cracking wee release, that's more than worthy of your attention on a Friday night.
ZED PENGUIN
If you like your music to be loud and scuzzy, then Edinburgh's ZED PENGUIN might well be your cup of tea. Their new single 'Heathens' is free download from their Bandcamp page now.
Sean Armstrong
Former Fresh Meat starlet Sean Armstrong is one prolific young fella, every other week he seems to be cropping up with something new. This week he's stuck up two new track on his SoundCloud page, both of which are free to download.
James Mackenzie
Invernesian singer-songwriter, James Mackenzie has posted up a free download of a demo of his song, Comfortable. Stream it below, if you like it then you can download it from his Bandcamp page.
Drunk Mule
It wouldn't be a proper Friday Freebies if I didn't have a free download from the Drunk Mule boys. It may well be pissing it down outside, so why not put a little smile on your face by downloading their new catchy wee tune, Lovesick, for nowt from Bandcamp.
As there was no Friday Freebies last week as I was still up north recovering from my post-goNorth hangover, this weeks post is a bit a monster. A good friendly monster, filled with lots of free goodness...
The State Broadcasters
I haven't really posted much about what has been going on with the label I co-run, Olive Grove Records, for a while now. Not because I have intentionally tried to keep the two apart, more so because I am a bit forgetful, once I have been doing all of my promo stuff for Olive Grove, it doesn't dawn on me that I haven't bothered to mention it on my own fucking blog. That's what old age and sleep deprivation does to you kids. If you want to remember things, don't try running a label and a blog whilst also trying to maintain some kind of sanity. Oh and adding a child to the mix would just be crazy. Anyway, I'll get to the point, in September we're going to be releasing our first album of 2012 and it's ridiculously good. It's from a Glasgow 6 piece, the State Broadcasters, who some of you might remember from their debut album, 'The Ship & The Iceberg' which came out all the way back in 2009. In a few months time we'll be releasing the follow up album. 'Ghosts We Must Carry' and we're understandably pretty damn excited about it. On Monday their we made their track, 'Trespassers' available as a free download on SoundCloud. I hope you like it.
Touch Sensitive
Our friends at Touch Sensitive launched their first ever album last week in Glasgow and from all accounts it sounds like it was a pretty successful evening. The online directory is looking to establish greater links between underground and alternative music coming out of Scotland, Spain and the rest of the world. As part of their efforts to create greater links between the different nations they've released a compilation which features six of their favourite artists from Spain and Scotland respectively. It's available now as a free download over on their Bandcamp page, featuring tracks from the likes of The Son(s), Plastic Animals and Zoey Van Goey, plus six Spanish bands that are all well worth checking out.
I Build Collapsible Mountains
There's nothing quite like a new I Build Collapsible Mountains to make the day feel that little bit better, admittedly his songs aren't always the cheeriest, but you can always be assured that they'll be good. Luke, aka Mr Mountain, has posted up a free download of a new instrumental song by the name of 'Sleeplesser', bloody great it is too. You can find it on his SoundCloud page, if you're looking for something to soothe you into the wee hours of the night, then this my friend is the perfect soundtrack, lovely lovely stuff.
Campfires In Winter
Croy four piece, Campfires In Winter have pretty much become synonymous with this blog, not only have I been championing the band for several years now, I also have their lead singer writing reviews for me. So I guess I am ever so slightly biased about their music, but fuck it, I wouldn't champion the band if I didn't actually like their music. Having been a bit sporadic with their releases, they continually seem to emerge with new demos which are a massive improvement on the last. In the case of the new songs that they've just posted on their Bandcamp page, they do appear to have developed a much more mature sound that bodes well for their debut album, which should hopefully see the light of day before the year is out. Although I wouldn't hold my breath as I have been waiting for an album for more years than I care to remember. For now though get stuck into these new demos, be warned they're catchy as fuck.
Secret Motorbikes
Do you know what Glasgow really needs, a great surf-pop band and you know what, Secret Motorbikes might well be that band. They've got two EPs up for free download on their Bandcamp page, both of which are pretty damn ace. Ch-ch-check 'em out.
Capitals
Edinburgh electronic duo, Capitals, released their new single 'All These Years' on a pay what you want basis on their Bandcamp page. Dare I say it, but this might well be the best thing they've released to date.
Gummy Stumps
If you like your pop music to be a wee bit bonkers, then you really need to check out the new Gummy Stumps album, "New House Whites" which is available for free download from the good folk over at Winning Sperm Party.
Allan James
Sick of all of the downbeat indie nonsense? well then Mr James might well be your man. His track Don't Look Down is pretty damn awesome, it's also free to download, making it doubly awesome. Nab it for free from his SoundCloud page.
Honey
Glasgow shoegazers, Honey, have two new songs available for free download, if you're not sure which one to check out first, then I'd go for Cape Canaveral, as that's my personal favourite.
The Last Battle
Edinburgh folk-pop outfit, The Last Battle, released their new single, 'Hope Is Gold' earlier this week, as a wee teaser they've made the B-Side to the single, 'The Crunching' available as a free download on their Bandcamp page. Actually scrap that, it's not free anymore, sorry. It's still worth checking out though. The band launch the single with a gig on the 22nd of June at Pilrig St. Paul's Church Hall in Edinburgh.
Supermarionation
Another Edinburgh band who this time are actually giving away a free download are Edinburgh power pop punks Supermarionation who are giving away a free live recording of a couple of tracks on their Bandcamp page. If you like what you hear and you've got a spare grand kicking about, then you could always invest your pennies in their Limited Edition Supermarionation Card Holder!
I'd like to start off this weeks post by letting you all know that there won't
be a Friday Freebies post next week as I am heading up to Inverness on
Wednesday morning for this years goNorth Festival. Instead of sitting in
front of my laptop next Thursday night, I will be at the Bloggers Showcase that myself, The Pop Cop and Song, By Toad are putting on. If you're up in Inverness make sure you come along to Blackfriars on Academy St to catch Make Sparks, Sebastian Dangerfield, CD/EX and Yusuf Azak. Right that's the shameless plugging over, onwards and upwards with this weeks Freebies...
Woodenbox
Funnily enough the first time that I ever saw Woodenbox was two years ago at my first ever goNorth, although they played in a tiny wee pub thta was only half filled, they stood out as one of the best things I caught at that years festival. Since then I have seen umpteen times and played their debut album, Home and the Wildhunt an unhealthy number of times. So unsurprisingly, I am really looking forward to hearing their forthcoming EP, 'The Vanishing Act'. If the lead track, "Kings Liar" is anything to go by, then we should be in for a treat. The single is available now as a free digital download from their SoundCloud page. If you want to catch the boys playing live, then you're in luck as tonight in they're at the Doghouse in Dundee, on Saturday night they're playing at the Electric Circus in Edinburgh and on Sunday they're doing two gigs at the Captain's Rest in Glasgow. That'll be an afternoon show which is 14+, followed by an evening show.
The Pictish Trail
As I have said in the past, I am not really a big fan of remixes, but this Becky Becky remix of The Pictish Trail's Of Course You Exist is pretty shit hot. Since I started this blog I don't think I have ever used the phrase, 'proper bangin', but in this case I can't think of a more apt description. As always the track is free to download.
The Second Hand Marching Band
Good things come to those who wait apparently, in the case of The Second Hand Marching Band that better be true as it feels like we've been waiting an age for their debut album to emerge. Not ones to do things by halves, they have been busy recording, not one, not two, but three albums. One's a happy album, one's a sad depressing one and the other features Benni Hemm Hemm, so that's billed as being the Icelandic album. The first album is due to see the light of day in September, which one it will be is still unclear. However, to get you all in the mood they've posted up a demo track by called Can't Sing, as a free download on their homepage.
Gold Lions
Fans of the Black Keys, Jack White and White Denim take note, as Gold Lions should be right up your street. They've just made their new single 1000 Ships available as a free download on their SoundCloud page, rather ace it is too. With their debut album due out later this year, this Edinburgh two piece are well worth keeping your eye on.
Easter
If you don't listen to the podcast Cloud Sounds, you should as it's fucking ace. Over the past few years, Ted who runs it, has introduced me to a fair number of cracking wee bands. Most recently he's got me hooked on the new Onions album Pleasure Blast, which is one of the best things indie-pop records that I have heard in ages (they're not Scottish, hence the reason why they haven't featured on here...yet). Anyway, I am rambling, sorry, there is a point to this, honest. In his most recent episode he played something from Manchester outfit, Easter. Now this is a band that I have seen Matthew banging on about a fair bit, but I'd never bothered my arse to check them out until now. Basically they've got song called 'Damp Patch' up on their Bandcamp page as a free download, it's taken from their forthcoming album, ''Innocence Man' which is out a week on Monday (11th June). If this tune is anything to go by, then I might well have to invest some pennies when it comes out.
Beerjacket
In recognition of the anniversary of Jeff Buckley's death, Peter Kelly, aka Beerjacket, is giving away a free download of a live version his track Joy For The Sad. The song which was recorded back in 2006 was in part inspired by the early passing of two artists that have were a big influence on Beerjacket's music , Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith. You can also catch Beerjacket live this July as he's going to be headlining King Tut's on the 17th, playing songs from his last album, The White Feather Trail.
Los Campesinos!
The Welsh seven piece are giving-away a free download of a brand new song called “Tiptoe Through The True Bits,” from their homepage.
Profisee
If you were listening to Uncle Vic's show on Monday night you would have had the pleasure of catching Edinburgh MC Profisee in session. If you liked what you heard and you want to hear more, then you're in luck as the Sega Bodega Remix of his track Shake is free to download from SoundCloud.
Ded Rabbit
Edinburgh indie outfit, Ded Rabbit, have a whole host of of free downloads up for grabs on their SoundCloud page.
Dave?
Dundonian three piece, Dave? are giving away a free download of their track Take This Chance on their Bandcamp page.
Drunk Mule
Ah it wouldn't be a proper Friday Freebies post if I didn't have a free track to share with you from those lovely Drunk Mule boys, this weeks new track is called 'Pretty Way Out' and it's another wee belter. Download it for free from their Bandcamp page.
GoldFlakePaint
One of my favourite non-Scottish blogs, GoldFlakePaint celebrated their second birthday last week. To mark the occasion they have compiled a cracking wee compilation album featuring some of their favourite artists. Released on limited edition CD and as a free download, the compilation features tracks from some cracking artists, including a few Scottish acts such as PAWS, Sparrow & The Workshop and Loch Awe. You can download the album for free via Bandcamp, also while you're at it check out GoldFlakePaint's site as it comes highly recommended.
Part-Time Waitress
That Jill from Sparrow & The Workshop certainly has knack of cropping on exciting new musical projects. Not only does she front one of the best bands in Scotland, she also appears on the excellent forthcoming from the Grand Gestures. As if that wasn't enough she's recorded a song with mysterious outfit by the name of Part Time Waitress. I'm pretty confident that some of the boys from John Knox Sex Club are involved in the project, but so far I haven't been able to find anything on the web to confirm my suspicions. All you need to know is that there is a whole host of free tunes up for grabs in exchange for tweet here.
FatCat
If you head on over to the FatCat homepage you will find yourself a whole heap of free MP3 goodness, including tracks from U.S. Girls, Milk Maid, PAWS, Hauschka and Odonis Odonis. Thanks to The Beautiful Lies for the tip off - much appreciated gents!
Cleavers
Elgin's noisiest sons, Cleavers, are giving away 3 songs as a free download on their Bandcamp page. If you're going to be at this years goNorth, then you catch the boys at Detour's Offical Showcase gig on the Thursday alongside Olympic Swimmers, Lady North and DARC.
The Last Battle
Ahead of the release of their new single, Hope Is Gold, Edinburgh outfit The Last Battle have posted up a free download of a home recorded demo version of their song 'Viv Nicholson', which featured on last years The Springwell E.P. You can catch them playing live at Pilrig St Paul's Church in Edinburgh on the 22nd of June with support from the 'mysterious' William Henry Miller, Star Wheel Press and Where We Lay Our Heads.
Gaz Coombes
This is the first that I have heard of former Supergrass frontman, Gaz Coombes solo material and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. Whether I'll ever find the time to listen to his album, Here Come The Bombs, I don't know, the one thing I do know is that Sub Divider which is taken from it, is a cracking wee tune and it's also free to download via Amazon.
Wolves Of Winter
I have to admit that Wolves Of Winter debut single, The Art of Temptation, didn't do all that much for me, but their new single The Thaw might just make me change my mind about them. The only downside is that they've just released a dark wintery song in the middle of the week that is our summer. You can download The Thaw for free from Bandcamp.
The Little Mill of Happiness
Up and coming Invernesian outfit, The Little Mill of Happiness, are giving away an exclusive unreleased track to anyone who signs up to their mailing list. With a promise not to spam you unless it's to let you know about gigs and other free downloads that they have to offer you can hardly say no. Fans of Tom Waits, Joy Division and Dinosaur Jnr might want to take note.
Saint Max
I don't half post some downbeat tunes at times, I'm not such a misery guts in real life, honest. I do like a good up beat tune that makes me want to dance (who doesn't). If you're looking for a great wee pop tune to soundtrack this sunny weather we're enjoying, then look no further than Saint Max. There's everything from 60's pop to a bit of ska going on in their track A Life Worth Living, which is free to download on SoundCloud.
Thank You So Nice
In case you missed Boab's 62 Word Review yesterday, you should check out his review of the new EP from Edinburgh outift, Thank You So Nice. If you want to know what they sound like then you can either read his review, or you can just stream the EP on their Bandcamp page, or you could do both. Yes, that would make the most sense. Shit. I am rambling again, that's what being woken up at half five does to me...
Poor Things
Perth indie-popsters Poor Things have another free demo up for grabs on their SoundCloud page, it's full of lo-fi goodness so get downloading if you know what's good for you.
Betatone Distraction
Fresh from being hand picked to support Graham Coxon at his recent Glasgow show, Betatone Distraction have decided to make their Process Replaces Content EP free to download. If you like what you hear then you can catch them live tomorrow night at Pivo Pivo in Glasgow.
Happy Particles
Having made it down to the final ten in this years SAY Awards, Happy Particles have decided to give us a wee teaser as to how the follow up record might sounds. They've posted up a free download of the very first demo from the new record that they are just beginning to write, called 'Far Enough Inside'. If this is an indicator of what is to come, then I am sold.
CHURCHES
The prize for the hottest new band in Scotland this week goes to 'mysterious' Glasgow outfit CHURCHES (they even have the hipster friendly band name in capitals thing going on). The band who comprise of two boys and a girl caused a bit of a stooshie recently with the release of their debut single "Lies", which was made available as an exclusive download over on the Neon Gold blog. Rumour has it that the 3 piece are comprised of Iain Cook from The Unwinding Hours, Lauren from Blue Sky Archives and Doc from The Twilight Sad, but hey that could just be speculation (i.e. it is them). All you need to know is that 'Lies' is a cracking wee tune and you can download it for nowt here.
Jesus H Foxx
It's been that long since we last heard anything from Jesus H Foxx, that I had presumed they'd given up the ghost. Way back in 2009, the Edinburgh outfit released their Matter EP on Song, by Toad Records and then they disappeared off to record their debut album. Finally after all this time, Scotland's answer to Guns n Roses 'Chinese Democracy' finally sees the light of day later this month. To get us all in the mood and to remind us that they still exist, Mr Toad has posted up their single, 'So Much Water' for free download. If this tune is anything to go by, then the wait will have been worth it.
Kowalskiy's Free Monthly 5-track Scottish EP
There are certain things in life that just make things better, listening to your favourite records, getting a lie in after having a few too many shandies the night before (this rarely happens with me anymore) and to that pile I would like to add Kowalskiy's series of free monthly EP's. Not only does he make my job a hell of a lot easier when it comes to writing these Friday Freebies posts, but he's also introduced me to a lot of music that a lot of the rest of the Scottish blogosphere seems to overlook. Take for example his most recent EP (#23 no less), in which he's roped in an array of great music, which includes Northern Alliance, Fiction Faction, Letters, Foxhunting and The Beautiful Lies. There are a few bands in there that I have to admit I had never heard of until now, sterling work as always that man. You can read a bit more about all of the bands over on his blog, then download the EP from his Bandcamp page.
Wherehumanseat
Fans of Yahweh and Boards of Canada take note, Wherehumanseat might be right up your street. With whole heap of music available for free download on his Bandcamp page, this Glasgow artist is certainly someone I will be keeping my out for in the future.
Poor Things
Perth's finest sons, Poor Things have posted up a couple of demos for free download on their SoundCloud page.
Drunk Mule
Some of you might remember the days of Kowalskiy's Komplimentary Korner, every week my blogger friend used to give me a tip for the latest freebie he'd stumbled across that week. Now he's got his EP series to keep him busy. Nowadays though, it feels as if I should be allocating the Drunk Mule boys their own weekly slot as they continue to churn out cracking wee tunes that they give away for free. This week is no different as they're giving away another brand new song called "Whisky Breath" for free on their Bandcamp page.
Now if I had been super organised I would have had this post up much earlier today. Normally I write my Friday Freebies posts on a Thursday night whilst my good lady wife watches the soaps. Rather than sit in front of my computer all night (which funnily enough is what I have been doing this evening), I decided to head an see Behold, The Old Bear at Bloc. Bloody good it was too, even if I did I have to leave early to catch my train. Although I write a music blog I often feel that I am not out at enough gigs these days. Then again back in the day I was pretty much out every other night. Anyway, enough of my inane ramblings, on with this weeks belated Friday Freebies...
Randolph's Leap
As I already said I was out last night, normally during the week I tend not to drink, however, last night I decided to treat myself as I had a little bit of celebrating to do. In case you haven't already heard, the line up for this years T Break got announced today, featuring amongst others Capitals, Beerjacket and Randolph's Leap. I guess it's not much of a secret how much I love 'the Leap', so it's great to see all of the hard work that we've put in come to fruition. That and I can now tell my folks something that I have been involved in that they will a frame of reference for. Anyway, enough about me, you're only here for the free stuff so here we go... To celebrate the fact that they'll be playing at this years T in the Park,the band have made their double A-side single 'Counting Sheep / Deep Blue Sea' free to download on Bandcamp.
Plastic Animals
It's been a wee while since we heard anything from the Edinburgh outfit, Plastic Animals, so it's nice to have them back. The band release the follow up to their last EP, 'A Dark Spring' on the 2nd of June with another equally as good EP called Automaton. As a wee teaser, the band are releasing the lead track, 'Ghosts' as a free download on Bandcamp. You can also catch them playing live next month in Glasgow at the launch night for the Touch Sensitive album at the Old Hairdressers (across from Stereo) alongside our very own Adam Ross from Randolph's Leap.
PAWS
I don't know if it's just my Twitter feed, but it seems as if half of Scotland has relocated down to Brighton for this weekends Great Escape Festival and I can't help but be a little jealous. I mean where else are you going to get to see The Twilight Sad, We Were Promised Jetpacks and PAWS all on the same bill in an intimate venue. Certainly not in Glasgow that's for sure. On the plus side though, PAWS have a new EP coming out soon on cassette. I don't know about you, but I am really loving the rebirth of cassettes and just because they annoy Kev from Avalanche. For now though, all you need to know is that Misled Youth the lead track, is available for free download on SoundCloud.
Sean Armstrong
Lo-fi expermintalist, Sean Armstrong has just released his new album Hippy Bullshit on Orange dayglo cassette. If you're not a fan of tapes or you just want to check out more, then you're in luck as the album is free to download on Bandcamp.
The Leg
Earlier tonight I found myself listening to the latest episode of Cloud Sounds, one of my favourite podcasts run by a guy called Ted from Manchester, who's patter cracks me up. In his latest episode he played a few Scottish tracks, our very own Son(s), Ambulances and The Leg. Which reminded me that I had fully intended to include The Leg in Friday Freebies fucking donkeys ago, but somehow forgot. So here they are, the Edinburgh outfit released their album 'An Eagle to Saturn' on Song, By Toad at the end of last month. I still haven't listened to it, mainly because I forgot I had it. I have heard the single from it, 'Bake Yourself Silly', which is pretty fucking damn good. Time to get my finger and give the album a listen I reckon.
Night Noise Team
Edinburgh outfit, Night Noise Team have a new EP coming out in June called Pieces, in anticipation of it's release their PR firm, the excellent, A Badge of Friendship have posted up Picking Up The Pieces as a free download on SoundCloud.
Eugene McGuinness
If you listen to 6Music on a regular basis then you're bound to have come across Eugene McGuinness at some point. If you don't listen to 6, then shame on you. Shame on you indeed. His last single 'Shotgun' was getting some pretty hefty airplay a month or so ago, you might recall it's the song that starts off like the theme to Batman before descending into a catchy wee bugger of a pop tune. If you have no idea what I am talking about or even if you do, all that you really need to know is that this song and his other single, Lions, are both up free download on his Facebook page.
Isobel Campbell
I will probably use this for a future 'We've Got It Covered' post, so I'll keep this brief, Isobel has released a cover of Franz Ferdinand's 'Walk Away', which she is giving away as a free download in exchange for your email address. Talking of 'We've Got It Covered' posts, tomorrow is my 100th cover post, so make sure yo check back in for a special wee cover that I had specially recorded for me from Monoganon.
Mike Nisbet
Last years album 'Vagrant' caused a bit of a commotion amongst the Scottish blogosphere towards the tail end of the year. So much so that he even appeared in the BAMS top ten for 2011. If you haven't already checked the Oban born singer-songwriter out, then you should start off by checking out his Coffee & Cigarettes EP, which is free to download on Bandcamp.
Luminous Monsters
If 12 minute psychedelic/progressive/drone/cosmick/freeform ecstasies/ersatz orientalism sounds like your kind of thing, then should check out Luminous Monsters EP 'Golden Scales, Blazing Plumage' which is free to download from Bandcamp.
Queen Jane
You might remember Queen Jane from a few weeks back as they were one of my Fresh Meat Monday starlets, well now that the Cumbernauld four piece have made their Denver EP free to download, you've got no excuse for not checking them out. You can catch them playing live at Scottish Fiction Presents at the Captain's Rest on Sunday, 17 June alongside Michael Cassidy, Spook School and Saint Death.
Scottish Fiction
Talking of Scottish Fiction, he's just posted up the latest in his series of free EP's, featuring The King Hats, aLCATRAZkIDz, Thula Borah and Father Sculptor. You can get yourself a copy simply by heading over to his Bandcamp page.
Bacchanal Party
Last, but not least we have Glasgow outfit, Bacchanal Party, who were also announced as being one of the bands playing on this years T Break stage. If like me, you've only just heard of them, then you get yourself acquainted by downloading their album for free here.
The Pictish Trail
A normal Thursday night for me will be spent sitting in front of my laptop cobbling together that weeks Friday Freebies, so quite often I find myself getting in a bit of a spin when I have plans for that night. Tonight is one of the those nights, as I am off to the CCA to catch The Pictish Trail and Kid Canaveral. Which in a roundabout way brings me to my first freebie which comes from the aforementioned Pictish Trail who is offering a free download of a remix of his new song 'Of Course You Exist' from FOUND, which you can download from SoundCloud
Seams
Having recently recorded a session for Radio One, it's safe to say that Dundee outfit Seams, are being touted as one of the most exciting unsigned bands out there at the moment. You can make your own mind up as to whether the hype is justified or not by downloading their song 'Gorilla' for free from their SoundCloud page.
Fatherson
Another band who are garnering a lot of support from Radio One are Scottish three piece, Fatherson. Having recently had their song "Gone Fission" aired on BBC Radio 1's Introducing Playlist, the band decided to celebrate their success by giving the song away as a free download on their Bandcamp page.
q without u
Glasgow four piece, q without u have just posted up their second album 'do no harm' as a free download on their Bandcamp page. I have only just had the one listen through, but I am definitely digging this, if you're old enough to remeber the band Seafood, then I guess that's the closest comparison that I could compare this lot to. As always, you don't have to listen to any of the rubbsh that I spout, all that you really need to know is that this is good and it's free to download from their Bandcamp page.
Collar Up
Edinburgh dream-pop trio from, Collar Up released their new single, The Fear of Love through Permwhale Recordings on the 23rd of April. It's catchy wee bugger and it's free to download here.
Milk Maid
Last years debut album from, Yucca, was a masterclass in fuzzy lo-fi excellence from Manchester's finest, Milk Maid. My expectations for their forthcoming album, 'Mostly No', is already pretty high. If 'Do Right' is anything to go by, then it looks like FatCat's rich vein of form is set to continue.
Urvanovic
If you haven't already checked out the video for Edinburgh outfit, Urvanovic's forthcoming single 'Bubblewrap', then I'd suggest you get that rectified asap. If you liked what you heard then you can download a fair few demo tracks for free over on their SoundCloud page. Their debut single officially comes out on the16th of June on Survivalist records.
Drunk Mule
It wouldn't be a proper Friday Freebies post if I didn't have something from the Drunk Mule boys, so to round up this weeks FFs here's their new tune Pterodactyl which is for grabs from their Bandcamp page.
