We've Got It Covered #55

I was fully expecting to be feeling rough as a badger today, as last night I was out at the last ever Barmellodie gig at Bloc. A top night was had, although I must admit that my DJ-ing skills were pretty piss poor. However, they did seem to improve with the more beers I ad, or perhaps I just got to the stage where I didn't notice how rotten my mixing skills were. Still though a grand night was had, plus I got to see six bands that I'd never seen before. Before hitting Bloc I had popped into the Flying Duck for Jim Ayetunes birthday bash to catch a bit of the Big Nowhere and Verse Metrics. Sadly I had to leave before Black International came on, however, I though that the Verse Metric boys sounded ace.
At Bloc I saw Lady North, who really impressed me. Made up of 3/4 of Dupec, I am not normally one for instrumental music, as I have such a short attention span, however, they really impressed me. London band, Something Beginning With L, who turned up in something resembling the Scooby Doo van, were my personally highlight of the night. Their catchy pop songs reminded me that I really need to stop being so blinkered and listen to bands that aren't Scottish. After that I was well on my way, with things getting slightly blurry after Galoshins and Cuddly Shark, who I remember enjoying, but don't remember much about. Anyway, a top night was had and kudos goes out to Scott and Al from Armellodie for putting on such a top night.
If you're in Edinburgh today and you feel up to braving the rain, then get yourself down to Avalanche from 2pm to catch The Scottish Enlightenment, Le Reno Amps, Something Beginning With L and Cuddly Shark as part of the Armello-day takeover. In honour of this momentous occasion here's Le Reno Amps covering Johnny Cash taken from a session they recorded for Vic Galloway a few months back...

Le Reno Amps-Understand Your Man (Johnny Cash cover)

Le Reno Amps - Vic Galloway Session (25/04/11)

Track Listing
1. Cottonmouth Rock
2. Weight (I Don't Give Up On A Friend)
3. Understand Your Man (Johnny Cash cover)

Download

Le Reno Amps - Appetite: Track By Track

"I should warn you there's a wee set of titties on the cover, try and contain your excitement (is that a yacht in your pocket!?)" - Al, Le Reno Amps

In terms of trying to sell a record to me, Al from Armellodie certainly knows how to grab my attention. Yes, the album has titties on the cover and yes that did excite me, but once I got over all the excitement of the album cover I was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem of a n album. On what is their third long player, the boys from the Highlands have produced a corking wee album that covers an array of genres from creepy pop through to country. Like a roller coaster, it's not a comfortable ride, but it's certainly one that you will want to go back on. Here's Scott Maple from the 'Amps to talk you through the album

This One's Not Waiting

Ironically, this one did. Al disputes this but I'm sure we premièred this as a duo to a bunch of disinterested schoolkids about 4 years ago. A long time ago indeed, but we don't hold grudges.

This One's Not Waiting by Le Reno Amps by Armellodie

Bad Blood

This song is directly about Jay Bennet and Jeff Tweedy, if indirectly so.

Bad Blood by Le Reno Amps by Armellodie

Never Be Alone

Often we write as individuals and finish up a song together, but this one we wrote in tandem, chucking shit at the wall and seeing what stuck. We had a lot of fun with this one. I think if there is a Le Reno Amps' sound, this may define it.

Never Be Alone by Le Reno Amps by Armellodie

Saturation Day

We need another song for the album. "what about that Elvis Costello cover Al?" "it's not a fucking cover" "oh, well let's do it anyway"

Sinners

Bit of a push this, but what happens to all those hopes and dreams that are never realised?

I'm Alive

They come and go, those new sensations - with compensate imaginations. So why oh why am I still alive? It's simple really, we do what we do because we do what we do. We may all be shouting into a void but it beats doing nothing.

Cottonmouth Rock

Musically, it's an Elton John steer on a duo who stopped before starting. Lyrically it's about reminding you to put the cat out at night before you go to bed. Sonically it's Suzi Quatro, pre-menopause.

Cottonmouth Rock by Le Reno Amps by Armellodie

Weight

This song is saying that if you're the committing type, don't commit to anything unless you're 100% committed. Musically it's another waltz, but we took it somewhere different - for us at least. I'm not sure if we put enough bridges in though, if we'd added one more bridge this song could have crossed the Ljubljanica.

You Must Remember

Bit of a character song this, written from the psycho's perspective. "I used to be a werewolf but I'm all right nowoooooooohh!" For anyone who's ever had a psycho for a boy/girlfriend, I apologise.

Stuck in Your Throat

When we were recording the guides for this, I was like "I don't know if this is going to float Al", and Al was like "Oh I'm really confident this is going to float". Then when we had tracked it Al was like "I don't know if this is going to float C" (for that is what he calls me), but I was like, "Oh this is defo going to float like. It's unconventionally conventional" Then when I mixed it we were both like "Yay, this defo floats". We've been trying to write a troll or cyclic piece into a song for ages now, and we finally managed it with this song.

Faded Star

I used to be the shit, but now I'm just shit. Nothing to look forward to but dark empty space.

Appetite is available to buy now on Bandcamp, the band celebrate the launch of their new album with a gig at the Captains Rest this coming Thursday (21st of April), with support from Douglas Firs, Super Adventure Club and Galoshins. Tickets are only £5 and it all kicks off around 7:30pm.


Le Reno Amps
Bandcamp
Armellodie Records

Scots Way-Hay #52 - Le Reno Amps

The one thing I love about Le Reno Amps is the fact that I really don't know what they're going to do next. For the past the few weeks I have been listening to their forthcoming album 'Appetite' on heavy rotation, each time I listen to I have been racking my brains as to how the hell I was going to write up this introduction piece, a nigh on impossible task as these boys aren't for being pigeon holed. One minute they sound like a psychedelic Beach Boys jamming with Apples In Stereo, then the next minute they're strumming out some country western numbers. It's a rollercoaster ride and a half, I can assure you. Although I must admit that on first listen I couldn't quite get my head round it all, but as Al from the band put it quite aptly, Le Reno Amps are like Marmite, you'll either love 'em or hate 'em. Round these parts we're feeling the love...

Would you care to introduce yourself?

Scott Maple (SM): We prefer being introduced like, but if we must, Scott Maple and Al Nero - the future, today.

Al Nero (AN): Hello.

How would you describe the music you make?

SM: Very good.

AN: Very.

How did you come together as a band?

SM: We had our own bands, but were asked to get together and write some songs for a PRS event. We duly did this, appearing as an acoustic duo with some songs built (in the main) around country harmonies.

AN: Thirds and perfect fifths, it's in the game.

How did you start out making music?

SM: I bought a guitar from somebody in High School. I learnt to play by listening to (mainly) American punk and playing along. I started making up my own riffs and melodies. When I moved to Aberdeen I knew exactly one person, so I had a lot of spare time and wrote some songs.

AN: Yeah, similar story for me; got guitar, made a riff, made a song, made a lot of love to a lot of beautiful women.

What process goes into the way you write songs?

SM: First of all I centre myself by feeling the earth beneath my feet. I then create a white cord of energy that goes from the base of my spine up through the top of my head to my soul (which is about 1 to 3 feet above my head). I pull all of my energy into the core or Sushumna (the white pillar of light that runs through the middle of the body, about 6 inches in front of the spine), and centre my consciousness in the head centre. I visualise myself inside the core, I become the core, then I go have a shit.

AN: Thirds and perfect fifths, it's in the game.

Who are your big musical influences?

SM: Soooo much stuff, but I guess Cake and Beck got me interested in country / folk / harmonies and that was probably the starting point for Le Reno Amps' music.

AN: Fiddler on the Roof.

What kind of influence do you feel that where you come from has had on the music you create?

SM: Not much to be honest, not musically at least.

AN: I think a sense of belonging to a place does have an influence but we've never been one's for gushing patriotism, especially musically.

What can people expect to see/hear from your live shows?

SM: High energy, excellent songs, a connection with the audience, excellent songs, good humour, excellent songs, never the same show twice. Did I mention excellent songs?

AN: Come to our shows if you want to get Charlie Sheened.

Has there been a particular gig that has stood out for you so far (good or bad)?

SM: Someone asked me that the other day and we've done so many it's a bit of a blur. I remember once me and Al travelled for 2 hours to do a gig, the band who's gig it was had pulled out but failed to tell us. They hadn't advertised and we played to literally one man and a dog. That was pretty bad, but hey, we just love to play!

AN: Sanctuary Scotland. Priesthill. Carpark. What a day.

What are your plans for the rest of the year and beyond? Do you have any new releases planned for any time soon?

SM: We're about to put out our new album, 'Appetite', which we put a lot of time into. We're going to play some gigs to promote that, make people aware of its fabulousness. As for the year beyond, we're in the very early stages of writing songs for a new project, and of course the next Le Reno Amps album.

AN: What are we doing another one? I better have a sit down.

Le Reno Amps new album 'Appetite' is released on Monday 18th April 2011. A limited version (cunningly named, 'Appetite for Construction') shall see the full album released alongside a free exclusive 6-track digital EP, Construction. The limited version is available for Pre-order now on Bandcamp.

The band officially launch the album at Captains Rest, Glasgow on Thursday 21st April. Support on the evening comes from The Douglas Firs, Super Adventure Club and Galoshins. Oooft that's a line up and a half, tickets are only £5, so no excuses for non-attendance.

Le Reno Amps - I'm Alive

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Presenting: Barmellodie

Next Friday is a going to be a busy wee evening in Glasgow for gigs, at Stereo my good mate Jim has gone solo and is putting on his first ever 'Ayetunes Presents' gig with Boygirlanimalcolour, Kochka and Trapped Mice. Tickets are only £3 in advance and £5 on the door.

After that's all finished it will be time to head up to Bloc for the first in the series of nights beng put on by Armellodie Records. Cleverly billed as 'Barmellodie', this 6-month residency sees the label putting on a series of gigs showcasing acts from their roster plus an array of local talent. The night will also feature guest DJ spots from local bloggers and tastemakers as well as resident ArmelloDJs spinning tunes right through to the wee hours on the third Friday of each month.

Kicking it all off they have Battery Face, Le Reno Amps and The Douglas Firs, plus they have Phil from Elba Sessions spinning some tunes too. If you're going along make sure you buy Phil a drink as he's just become a dad for the first time. The first band should be kicking off around 11pm, after which Al and Phil will be spinning tunes till about 3am. Entry is free until midnight, after which entry will rise to a whopping £2. It should be a pretty epic night considering everyone that they've got involved. Further details can be found here.

Le Reno Amps - Never Be Alone

The Douglas Firs - The Quickening

Battery Face - Lurch

Friday Freebies

Le Reno Amps
This weeks freebies have a bit of Halloween theme to them, our first spooky free download comes from those effervescent pop maestro’s fae the Highlands of Scotland, Le Reno Amps. Just head on over to their homepage for some trick or treat action, if you're lucky then you'll find yourself a wee download of their track ‘Never Be Alone’, which should whet your appetite in anticipation of their forthcoming album which is due out on Armellodie Records in Spring 2011.

Tapes 'n Tapes
I fucking love this band. Their gig at Nice n Sleazys a few years back still rates as one of my all time favourites. It feels like ages since they did anything, so their return is a more than welcome one in my eyes. You can download their new track, 'Freak Out' for free here.

Remember Remember
Next Friday, Mr Ronald celebrates his 30th birthday with a special gig in Glasgow in support of his new EP. Of course none of you will be going since you're all coming to AvsP, right? You can console yourself at missing out on this gig by downloading free track, 'Get Good' taken from the EP here.

Yusuf Azak
I know I go on about my fellow blogger, Song By Toad an awful lot on here, but fuck it, he deserves your attention as he's very good at what he does. He also has a cracking wee label too, jealous? moi? fuck yeah. Anyway, that's enough brown nosing, he's got yet another wee corker up his sleeve in Yusuf Azak. His debut album is due out in a couple of weeks, as a wee taster he's giving away a free single to promote it, download it here.

John Knox Sex Club
I am not sure if I have ever mentioned JKSC on here before, I guess they are just one of those bands that have been on my 'to-do list' for quite a while, but kept getting shunted back. I bought their album ages ago, it is quite possibly the greatest album design ever. So if you like their song, 'John the Revelator, which you can get for free here, then I'd urge you to invest in a copy as it's a beautiful bit of work, and the music's pretty good too.

FOUND
I nearly forgot about this weeks FOUND freebie, I feel kind of bad about that. I am starting to questions myself whether I have become too complacent and just taken them from granted. thankfully though I have managed to reprieve myself by adding it in at the last minute. This weeks freebie is Halloween themed and it's called Something Under The Bed Is Drooling. Go get it here.

Pixies
Mind I posted a link last week that came from the Pixies, but was actually about Interpol, confusing wasn't it. Well at least it was for me. Thanks to Jim Ayetunes, we have the real deal this week, as he very kindly pointed out that they had posted a free download of their set at Coachella 2004.

El Dog
Taken from the soundtrack to Scottish film, 'Wasted' which was on BBC2 last Saturday (it's still on iPlayer if you fancy giving it watch), these three tracks are all pretty damn good. You can download them for free here.

Now Wakes The Sea
It's funny how life works out, sometimes you make friends and then they just drift out of your life, never to be seen again. Or at least that's how it's supposed to work, right?
A month or so ago an old friend got in touch and he mentioned that he was now in a band called Now Wakes The Sea. After a wee catch up, one thing lead to another and I put him in touch with our pals at Elba Session, who asked them to play at their last gig of 2010. Their lo-fi songs did it for me, you can make your own mind up by downloading some free tunes from their Bandcamp.

Girls
Try 'googling' this and not getting shit off your wife, I guess I shouldn't have added the words 'dancing' and 'naked' in there too. Shit. Going off on a ramble. Trying to be amusing and failing and now my wife thinks he less of me, who'd have thought that could be possible. Aye, so there's a band called Girls, they have an EP coming out, Stereogum have a free download from it, blah blah blah porn blah.

Lykke Li
Man that was tough to spell, or at least it was for me in my tired state as I try and work my through this post late on a Thursday night. All you really need to know is that you can download a free copy of single 'Get Some' for free here.

Davies Versus Davies
This freebie came courtesy our friend Drunk Country (if you don't know who this, make sure you go and check out his excellent radio show by clicking the link), who tweeted about it earlier in the week. Apparently it's a side project from John Mouse (being rubbish I have no idea who this is), but seeing as it comes with the DC seal of approval it goes straight into this weeks Freebies.

Crystal Castles
They're not my cup of tea, but I am sure some of you will like this, it's a new version (featuring Robert Smith) of their Platinum Blonde cover, which you can download for free.

Futuristic Retro Champions
Last week I featured these guys in my Fresh Meat Monday post, two days later they announced that they were going to be calling it a day. See the power that I have to destroy a band (NB I am clearly talking bollocks here). The band plan to go out on a high with live dates in December. Until then you can console yourself by downloading their cover of 'Robert De Niro's Waiting' here for free.

The Caretakers
Normally I don't like to just lift bits out folks emails, but I really liked the honesty of the email I got from The Care Takers wondering if I would consider featuring them in Friday Freebies. After I gave them a quick listen and really enjoyed their tunes I couldn't not share this with you... "I’m a PR/marketing professional and college/university instructor by trade, but on the eve of starting my first true musical endeavor I became disillusioned with the corporate world and began feeling contempt for the less-than-ethical mainstream public relations profession. After more than 20 years I decided to give up my day job and devote myself completely to making music; something my body and mind have been screaming at me to do since I was a teen. The album ‘Unfinished Thoughts’ came together with an amazing group of friends, inspired by our working class surroundings, and a call for political insight. We’re not packaged. We’re not young and shiny. We’re not about to be the subject of an 18-year-old’s tweet, but this music is who we are." So there you have it, I was genuinely inspired to listen their songs after reading that, I am glad that I did as it's pretty fucking good. You can make your own mind up though by heading downloading three songs for free from their Bandcamp.

Bullets in Madison
I have no idea where I got this freebie, I must have saved it to my favourites earlier in the week, so I can't credit to anyone as my memory has failed me sadly. There's loads of tracks and you can get them for free here.

CMJ
I know CMJ was last week, but it's worth noting that Insound have a cracking wee compilation up for grabs for free, go get your hands on it here.