**Drum roll**
So, here we are, our top tracks of 2018.
Yes, music isn't a competition and with so many artists flourishing this year, picking even our top 50 would be difficult. That being said, we'd still like to recognise and share our favourite tracks which have had the greatest affect on us this year.
#10 Parliamo - Sweet
Straight in at number 10, Parliamo; The young 5-piece hailing from Perthshire have had a blistering debut year, catching the eye with electric live performances and infectious indie.
Offering something different, our pick 'Sweet' successfully marries punk urgency with a pop heart.
#9 Th13ves - Dreamers
Another new band on the scene, releasing their debut single in 2018 was Th13ves. It’s refreshing to discover bands who are just in it for music, who wear their heart on their sleeve; their passion unrivalled.
Dreamers hooked us straight in and has you belting out the anthemic chorus within the first listen. Influences shine through from the likes of Noel Gallagher and Embrace, but without sinking too much in to nostalgia, keeping it fresh and current. Second single ‘Casino’ followed, setting up 2019 rather nicely.
#8 Rascalton - Lost Generation
It’s has been quite the year for the Rascalton boys hasn’t it? A far cry from the humble garage band beginnings – the band spent 2018 selling out gigs up and down the country while enjoying jaunts across Europe. The year was topped off with an exciting SXSW announcement however the real triumph had to be the frenzied chaos of C.S.C EP launch gig at the Fred Paton centre back in May.
The pick of the songs for us from said EP is ‘Lost Generation’, a slower less frenetic track from what we have come accustomed to. The track is still full of energy with a more melodic feel, relatable lyrics and interesting tempo changes. Reminiscent of early Vaccines material this effort shows a more polished side the bands song writing skills that diverges into a more subtly Indie sound.
Another big year for another potential Scottish big hitter awaits...
#7 The Van T's - Suis-Je Cool?
A late addition to our top 10, is the comeback single from The Van T’s. It’s full-on guitar pop, packed with rage and passion; the kind we’ve been missing. The 4-piece deconstruct the concept of “cool” and in 2018 this is a relevant as ever; let's celebrate the individual and empower others to find their inner-belief to feel comfortable in who they are.
Having spent most of 2018 tucked away in recording studios, it’s great to have them back on tour with new material.
#6 Mark Sharp & the Bicycle Thieves - Firewater
Firewater saw Mark Sharp & the Bicycle Thieves take a leap of faith, mixing it up and falling back in love with 90s dance. The pounding drums and synth intro generates an unlikely start which tantalisingly builds to a soaring chorus with an infectious melody.
The track was another string added to an ever-expanding Mark Sharp shaped bow. His real musical talent shines through as the track moves seamlessly between genres, pace and vocal range.
#5 The Nickajack Men - Changed Ways
One the most underrated bands in Scotland at the moment, packed with talent, especially frontman Lewis White's Guitar and raw rock vocals. They've been busy with a string of tour dates across Scotland, and a King Tuts gig still to come on the 29th. The Denny based rockers released the terrific Changed Ways earlier this year. It’s all action with guitar solos, sliding keyboards; with a dash of The War on Drugs, and a whiff of Pearl Jam - they manage to bridge the indie/alt-rock divide with aplomb.
#4 Pleasure Heads - Same Old Song
One of the success stories of the year has been the development of this Falkirk indie-punk band. Which is far too simplistic, they are more than that, they’re a band with surf-pop vibes, with something to say and a knack for addictive melodies; no-more-so than on single ‘Same Old Song’.
Pleasure Head's tight, energetic live performances have been a particular highlight - we’ve already made plans to catch them again in January!
#3 Sway - Haven
For their latest, and best, single, Sway went back to the beginning. Haven was one of the first tracks ever written as a group, more than 3 years ago, and has continued to be a live favourite. Now, through meticulous studio work, the latest reincarnation was unleashed.
It sees the band take yet another massive stride, with their blend of new age shoe-gazing and power 80s guitar riffs. Despite relentless touring, the year is still not over, they'll be playing at Broadcast's New Years bash to bring in the bells!
Remember this simple rule: No Sway. No Party.
#2 Kyle Falconer – Family tree
Going solo and heading out without your best mates can be a daunting prospect, however everyone’s favourite curly haired Dundonian managed to do so with aplomb this year. ‘Family Tree’ couples The View’s anthemic sounds with a mature, honest and reflective song writing in Kyle’s first solo foray.
The song describes his journey from a dark place of booze and drugs to the bright light and love of his new young family. “I’m putting bottles of whisky and vodka behind me, I’m working on the family tree.”
It’s been an avalanche of a year for Kyle, a successful debut album in the brilliant ‘No Thank You’ and selling out shows up and down the country whilst touring with the likes of Liam Gallagher. 2019 can only get bigger and better.
#1 Beta Waves - Another Mad Crab
Could it be anything else?
Often it takes bands a year or two to find their feet, discover their style, but not for Beta Waves. The synth-pop duo from Dundee have wasted no time with not 1, but 4 incredible singles already in the can; making it nigh-on impossible to pick just one. However, pick we must, so we’ve gone for their latest single ‘Another Mad Crab’, much like earlier releases it contains a delightfully off-beat melody and the strongest vocals yet from Dale Easson.
Their engaging live shows, bring a whole new dynamic to each track, adding layer upon layer. Oh and we also love love love their social media output, good work boys.
I think we can all agree it's been a top year for Scottish music!
We'll be bringing our 'Class of 2019' throughout January - it's shaping up to be another impressive year
Words: David Campbell
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