What a year it's been for new music across the UK, and more specifically here in Scotland.
Since we started this blog malarkey back in May, we've covered bands bursting onto the scene with debut singles, others consolidating their back catalogue, and unfortunately some calling it a day. The sheer amount of work which each and every aspiring band puts into their work should not be under-estimated; it's no surprise some fall by the wayside.
However, we couldn't let 2018 pass without sharing our favourite tracks which excited us, from live performances to just heavy rotation on our playlists. The countdown to Christmas is on!
**The order is pretty much irrelevant, they're all bangin' tunes**
#25 The Dunts - Birds and the Beez
We couldn't start our countdown with anyone else, 'Birds and the Beez' lit the spark for the self-proclaimed council punks. After a successful 2017, it was vital they capitalised, and with this single they produced a more refined sound without losing the youthful energy we've come to love.
It grabbed the attention of Huw Stephens which saw them at Reading and Leeds Festival, Electric Fields and now SXSW in the USA.
#24 Zoe Graham - The Anniesland lights
Next up is one of our favourite artists of the 2018. We saw Zoe Graham support St.Martiins earlier this year at Sneaky Pete's as she put on an effortless performance full of charm and emotion, especially with this track; it blew us away.
The sincerity in her voice matched with heartfelt lyrics makes for something special.
#23 Paris Street Rebels - Freakshow
We first saw these guys at Dunfermline's Outwith Festival and - despite the early slot and ropy sound - their quality was undeniable. Debut single 'Freakshow' was the stand-out track; with its infectious melody, raw energy and punk attitude.
"We're not in it for the money, the free love, or alcohol honey" - and they sincerely mean it.
#22 Sisteray - WANNABES
We take our first trip outside of Scotland for this next track.
Taken from their latest 'Sisteray Said' EP, it's a glorious swipe at todays scene, with witty lyrics and hooks that don't let go.
The London 4-piece haven't lost any of their punk ethos, which sits at the core of 'WANNABES'; it's just wearing a sleeker sounding rock n roll jacket. Perfection!
#21 Gallus - Split
Full of urgency, this pop-punk, indie single packs a punch with a barrage of guitars, pounding drums, and a captivating vocal performance by frontman Barry Dolan. Expect a big 2019!
#20 Oskar Braves - 16 Roads
We kick off our top 20 of 2018 with the latest single from Fifers, Oskar Braves - it's an alt-rock, Manic’s influenced epic full of soul searching, the odd motorway reference and perhaps the best vocals in Scotland at the moment.
#19 Retro Video Club 3AM
One of Edinburgh’s finest have made massive strides in 2018 with eye-watering streaming stats, and here we see '3AM' raise the bar yet again with more fast-paced indie.
They closed of the year in style with a packed, sweaty homecoming gig at Liquid rooms last week. Check out the acoustic version below.
#18 SIIGHTS - Dance
Don’t be fooled by our relentless indie. Here at Mockit we also have a love of all things pop; and nothing screams pop in 2018 more than SIIGHTS.
Early single 'Dance' is where they announced themselves as big players with it's huge production, feel-good beats and an equally ambitious video.
"...all the things which you regret are the things you didn't do..." - Amen to that.
#17 Moonlight - Wild
This track was the most instant love of 2018, we were captivated as soon as the word “Hello” was uttered...These boys know how to write addictive pop music, pack in some power guitar solos and the belt out the occasional falsetto.
#16 Nana White Pepper - Come Alive
We’ve seen plenty bands head up north for This Feeling but few made an impression (and noise) like NWP. Latest single 'Come Alive' is full of fuzzy guitars, strong rock vocals and thumping drums - what more do you want?!
#15 Pyro - Don't Hold Back
Perhaps our youngest band on this countdown, but not when it comes to singles as this prolific two-some have been busy in 2018; but it was 'Don’t Hold Back' which grabbed us.
Staying true to their musical beliefs, this is a hard-hitting rock track showcasing Cam & Connor’s exciting potential.
#14 Vistas - Fade
This year has been massive for Edinburgh's Vistas with full UK tours, festival apperances, well-received singles and of course a debut EP tantalisingly close to dropping.
Our pick of the bunch 'Fade' is a thing of indie-beauty; With an 80s vibe to open, the track then explodes with more crunching guitars and explosive drums than ever before but with the same glorious hooks.
We can’t wait for their ‘Hello’ EP!
#13 Solareye - Raindropsbrainbox
Scotland’s Hip-Hop scene as seen a massive surge over recent years, but nobody rhymes stuff quite like Dave Hook aka Solareye, who returned this year with an outstanding album.
Lead single Rainsropsbrainbox is a witty, intelligent social observation and the track which opened the world of Solareye and Stanley Odd to us. You won’t see him jump on any band..wagon...
Worth noting his knockout performances at Electric Fields.
#12 folda- unspoken
Pioneers of the darker side of pop, folda, have had a busy 2018. First releasing their debut single ‘aurora’ in January, culminating in their irresistible ‘Lust EP’ dropping in July.\
Opener ‘Unspoken’ is full of dark, pounding synths; Setting the tone for their 4-track EP.
#11 Amy Lou - Chania
This debut single from newly formed "feisty female fronted" band, Amy Lou, lulls you in with it's slow, gentle intro...However, barely a minute later we get quick drums and the unique voice of Fife's Amy Lou, which sees 'Chania' burst into life; what follows is three mins of fast-paced, foot stomping indie.
Leaving you with a lingering thought of - "yes, how did she get to Bathgate...?"
Our Christmas Countdown will continue later this week, so keep them eyes peeled across social media for our final Top #10.
It's simple: We love new and exciting music, we exist merely to share bands and artists who we feel deserve a bigger spotlight.
Words: David Campbell
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