Vasa's mathy post rock
is something to behold. The meaty bass tangled with the chiming
guitar lines is a recipe for something really special. The whole EP
is excellent but a special mention must go to Not Now, But Soon,
which shifts silkily from from its optimistic major key riffs to
something a little more Eastern, heavy and dark. This is beautiful.
Queen Jane have a real
knack for writing catchy guitar pop songs. Their sound sits somewhere
in between Vampire Weekend and The Maccabees, and there's a summery,
breezy feel about the whole thing. However, it's actually one of
their slower numbers that stands out here. The shimmering chords and
reverberant vocals on Sometimes give it that 'sailing away' feeling.
A solid EP.
Romantics will be launched on 2nd December at the Art School with Campfires In Winter and Mickey 9s
So Many Animal Calls
describe themselves as failpop. I have no idea why because they
certainly haven't failed here. SMAC have a talent for arrangement,
having all the loud bits and quiet bits and all bits in between in
exactly the right places. This a big epic pop song with big guitars
and big snares and big vocals. It's fucking brilliant too.
The single is released 3rd December. There is a launch gig at Nice N Sleazy on 8th December.
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.
After 8 years of madness, Glasgow's longest running 'indie, punk, soul & electropop' night, Pinup Nights have decided call it a day, but the gang have decided to go out in style. For their last ever night, "Game Over", they've got one of the most stellar line ups that the Flying Duck will ever have witness which will include live performances by Sonny Marvello, Miaoux Miaoux, Malcolm Middleton (acoustic); Emma Pollock (acoustic) and The Twilight Sad (acoustic), plus as if that wasn't enough there will of course there will be the classic Pin Ups disco action through until the wee hours of the morning. Tickets for the gig are only £6 and are available here.
Tomorrow night at Oran Mor in Glasgow sees the launch of this Billy Kelly Award Songwriting Award. The songwriting competition was set up in memory of promoter and prominent figure in the Scottish live music community, Billy Kelly. Having started back in 2008 the event aims to provide the opportunity for songwriters of all ages and styles to perform in front of a panel of judges from different aspects of the music industry, and win a £5000 prize. Tomorrow nights fee event which is hosted by Tommy Reilly, kicks off at 8pm, unsigned songwriters, regardless of whether they are solo performers or in bands, are invited to take part. So if you want to find out some more information and get hold of an application form to take part, then get yourself along. Further information on the night can be found over on The Skinny's website.
If you were planning on heading along to Fence's Eye O' the Dug Festival, but haven't already bought a ticket, then I am afraid to say that you're going to be a bit disappointed as they've now sold out online. If you live near St. Andrews then if you're quick you might be in luck as a very small batch will be available for sale in St Andrews tomorrow. Just to rub salt into the wounds they've just added The Shutes, Randolph's Leap, Monoganon, BARBAROSSA and Standard Fare to the bill - ooft!
In the run up to this years Doune The Rabbit Hole Festival, the organisers have decided to put on a series of gigs, starting off this Friday at Stereo where Honey & The Herbs and Helicon will be joined by the new favourite thing ever - Behold The Old Bear (I will continue to bang on about this band until I have converted every last one of you!). Tickets for the gig are £5 on the door and there will be a raffle for a chance to win a pair of festival tickets at the show. Everything else you need to know can be found here.
The whole bloggers doing gigs thing really seems to have been catching on, as now Neil who runs the Scottish Fiction blog has decided to get in on the action with his maiden gig. Taking place at the Captain's Rest on Sunday 17th June as part of this years West End Festival, he's roped in four of his favourite local artists, Michael Cassidy, The Spook School, Queen Jane and Saint Death. You can find out more about the gig over on Neil's blog.
And last but certainly not least, Bart from eagleowl is putting on a fundraiser show for Shelter Scotland at The Third Door in Edinburgh. The evening's entertainment comes from none other than My Tiny Robots, ballboy (solo) & The Occasional Flickers, it all kicks off at 8pm, with the promise of party games, a raffle, and Shelter Scotland house DJs all for the bargain price of £6. More information can be found here.
Hi there. I’m Mark, the bassist of Queen Jane. The other members of the band are: James (vocalist/guitarist), Chris (guitarist) and Craig (drummer). We come from a town in Scotland called Cumbernauld.
How would you describe the music you make?
Our sound would generally be described as guitar pop, but with a heavier twist. Our songs are typically upbeat, but we also have slower, mellower songs in our repertoire. The presence of synth in our last EP really stretched the band’s capabilities in terms of our music. In many ways, it has added another dimension to our overall sound.
How did you start out making music?
We were actually a band during our time together at school. We performed our rendition of ‘Love Machine’ at a Red Nose Day show, which I think will forever remain a low point in all of our lives. We took a “break” for over a year or so, during which time we did attempt to resurrect the band but to no avail. It was like a really volatile marriage. I believe it was in late 2009 that we decided to really get our heads down and take the band seriously. Since then we have grown much closer, and that previous turbulent relationship has now evolved into us becoming a very tight-knit group of friends!
What process goes into the way you write songs?
Usually James will have an idea and meet up with either Chris or myself, sometimes both of us, before a scheduled rehearsal and jam in his house. By the time of the rehearsal, the idea has usually blossomed into a full song, leaving only Craig to add his drums to the mix and give his verdict on what he hears. He’s sort of like a cuddly Simon Cowell. We work on our songs as a band, where we all contribute and say what we like or dislike, improving or changing parts where necessary. I believe this is the main reason why we all take so much pride in our music.
What can people expect from your live shows?
The band revels in the atmosphere and the emotions attached to a live performance, where we give nothing less than 100% effort. As important it is to release a good record, we feel that live shows should be even better, with the aim of leaving people hungry for more. Playing music is what we love to do, which can hopefully be seen and heard by the people watching us perform.
What are you all listening to at the moment?
We are currently listening to a pretty varied mix of music. James is currently listening to disco music, enjoying a new Horse Meat Disco mix he recently bought. Chris and James are both enjoying ‘Given To The Wild’ by The Maccabees, with Chris also listening to Bombay Bicycle Club and Craft Spells at the moment. Craig is currently listening to Trapped In Kansas and The Stills, but has also admitted listening to Stevie Wonder on repeat. As for myself, I’ve been hooked on The Twilight Sad’s ‘No One Can Ever Know’ since its release a few weeks ago.
What can we expect to see/hear from you in the future?
After the release of our EP ‘Denver’ at the start of the year, and our very recent support slot at King Tuts with King Charles, we hope to continue and build upon the momentum that’s already been established. As well as regular gigs throughout the year, we will be producing a music video in the next few months. There’s a good possibility of further recordings by the end of the year, and also good prospects of us widening our horizons and playing a couple of gigs down in England in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled!
French Wives
Exciting times lay ahead for Glasgow folk-pop outfit, French Wives, in just a matter of weeks time the five piece will be heading stateside to represent Scotland at this years SXSW, after which they'll be venturing north for Canadian Music Week. As if that wasn't exciting enough the band also have the release of their forthcoming debut album, ‘Dream of the Inbetween’ to look forward to. If their new single, Younger, is anything to go by then we should be in for a bit of a treat. The song is the second single to be taken from the album and it's available for free download on their Bandcamp page, there's also a nifty wee video to accompany it. The band are playing a SXSW fundraising gig next Friday at Stereo in Glasgow, with support from Bwani Junction and Galleries.
Meow and A Mew
Not to be confused with the one man electro outfit Miaoux Miaoux, this new project in fact a collaboration between Phillip Taylor from PAWS and Christina Tweeddale from indie pop outfit, Boycotts and fuck me it's a bit good. They've just released an EP entitled 'Lasso The Moon' on the CATH RECORDS label, which sees Phil and Christina taking up the writing duties for a song each and the results are something pretty fucking spectacular. Find out for yourself by downloading Lasso The Moon for nowt here.
North Atlantic Oscillation
It's been a couple of years since we heard anything from Edinburgh trio, North Atlantic Oscillation. Having been a bit obsessed with their track, Cell Count, I have admit that I was a wee bit disappointed with their debut album Grappling Hooks. With their follow up album, Fog Electric, due out at the end of April the band are giving away a track from it for nowt on Bandcamp.
Queen Jane
It's not often that you see the words Cumbernauld and exciting in the same sentence, but here goes. Exciting new Cumbernauld outfit, Queen Jane released their debut EP, Denver a few of weeks back there. Their sounds not a million miles away from the likes of Vampire Weekend and Bombay Bicycle Club, but don't count that against them as they have some catchy as fuck pop tunes on the go. You can download the lead track from their EP for nowt on their Bandcamp page.
Scottish Fiction
It seems that the whole bloggers releasing free EPs thing has really taken off, first off we had Mr Kowalskiy and his excellent series of EPs featuring an array of Scottish talent and now we have Scottish Fiction jumping on the bandwagon. The more the merrier I say! This months EP sees him giving away free tunes from The Dirty Demographic, Maydays, Run/Lucky/Free and Wolves Of Winter. Further information can be found here.
Permwhale Recordings
The Edinburgh based label, Permwhale Recording, have posted up a whole host of free tunes from their roster, if you head on over to their Bandcamp page you'll find songs by an array of artists including Night Noise Team, Collar Up, Flooze and The Duke, Detroit.
Mad Nurse
There's one thing for sure, if you tag your music as Fucking Awesome on SoundCloud then it's going to grab folks attention. Whether you live up to that billing is another matter all together, in the case of Edinburgh duo, Mad Nurse, I'd say that fucking awesome is quite fitting. If you head on over to the bands SoundCloud page you'll find yourself a whole host of cracking free tunes including an ace wee tune called Submissive, which I am told is more representative of the direction that the band are heading. Ones to keep an eye I reckon.
Nebyudelic
If you've emailed me in the past few months and I haven't replied to you please accept my apologies. To say that I am working through a bit of a backlog of stuff is a bit of an understatement. Nebyudelic would be a good example of my tardiness as they sent me their music way back in December and it's taken me until now to listen to it. I guess it would the lazy way to describe this would be to call it experimental, but hey I am a bit lazy and I really don't know how you would categorise it. All you need to know is that it's pretty damn good and that there are a host of free songs up for grabs on SoundCloud.
the douglas firs
Those Douglas Firs kids don't hang about, I am sure I was only just posting about one of their side projects a few weeks back, then the next thing I know they're putting out a new EP. Available on CD and cassette, the EP is also available as a free download on Bandcamp.
Stephen Harrison
If you're looking for some chilled out songs to ease you into the weekend, then Edinburgh singer-songwriter Stephen Harrison might well be the man for you. His new album Today Tomorrow is available on a pay what you want basis on Bandcamp.
Holobeams and Broken Machines
If you're a fan of artists like the Field, Boards of Canada, M83 and Orbital, then Holobeams and Broken Machines might be for you. Their latest EP, Holofractal is up for free download on SoundCloud.
Bronto Skylift
Scotland's noisiest duo have been a bit quiet as of late, with plans afoot for future gigs they've posted up a whole host of free tunes from their debut album, The White Crow, up on their SoundCloud page.
Drunk Mule
To finish off this weeks freebies we have a late entry from those lovely Drunk Mule boys, it must be all of a week since we last got a free tunes from the boys. This tune is called Upon Exit, Check For Signs Of Life and it's free to download on Bandcamp.
Admiral Fallow
If you're headed off to the ABC tonight to see Admiral Fallow then you're in for a treat, I only know this as I saw them play a last minute intimate show in Glasgow last night. As a wee teaser, the band have me their new song 'Beetle In The Box' free to download, a corking wee tune it is too. You can download yourself a copy for free in exchange for your email address here.
Ajimal
I had fully intended to include this link in last weeks Freebies, but for one reason or another it go overlooked. My bad, I know. Having heard of Ajimal plenty of times but not actually witnessed him live, I was genuinely taken aback by how good he was at Tuts last week. If you like your Jeff Buckley then you really need to check this guy out, his SoundCloud is full of free goodies that come highly recommended.
New Town Triptych
Glasgow folk pop outfit, New Town Triptych have just made their new single Never Again / Simple, available on Bandcamp on a pay what you want basis. If you're looking for some chilled out tunes for this weekend, then this might just be the thing for you.
Shambles Miller
Seeing as he ha just sold the last physical copy of his EP "Shambles Sails the
Clockwork Sea", Glasgow troubadour, Shambles Miller has decided to make
both of his EPs available on a name-your-own-price basis on his Bandcamp. Whether or not your willing to spend some pennies is your call!
Bellow Below
Innovative new Glasgow label, Overlook Records continue to build upon an already impressive roster, in the past week they've announced that they'll be releasing As In Bear's debut EP this summer. Plus they've also just welcomed Ayrshire rock outfit, Bellow Below to the family. You can get yourself acquainted with the band by downloading a whole load of free tunes from SoundCloud.
Queen Jane
Cumbernauld four piece, Queen Jane have made their Confetti EP available as a free download on Bandcamp. If you like what you hear then you can catch them at the 13th Note on the 12th of February with Campfires in Winter and Kith & Kin.
Always Read The Label
Glasgow three piece, Always Read The Label are giving away their new single 'Forsaking All Others / Promises' for nowt on their Bandcamp page.I must admit it's not really my cup of tea, but i you like your metal/post-hardcore mixed with a touch of melodic rock then this might just be for you.
Tanera Heights
Another three piece from Glasgow who are giving away some free tunes are indie pop starlets, Tanera Heights, who have posted their second E.P, The Arrow's in Flight up on Mediafire.
