Social media, regardless of your views, has taken on more importance as we try to stay in touch during the current climate, but with increased activity some gems are often overlooked.
Our aim with Lockdown Round-up is to share highlights and top content you may have missed, from the best releases to isolation videos and interesting socials, hoping to help satisfy your music fix.
New Music
Fauves - Wither Away
Wither Away, the latest single from Scotland’s finest disco writers, Fauves, sees them again bring the funk. The dreamy psychedelic nature and multiple pace changes gives it a different feel to previous releases as they continue to stand-out on their own with a sound so fresh, unique and unpredictable. The release also features the 7min epic Bathe.
The Drive - Nightmare
Glasgow comes up trumps again, this time in the shape of The Drive, a fresh 4-piece who just released their killer second single - ‘Nightmare’. The sub 3mins track is packed with urgency, and angst, with lead vocalist, Imogen giving a pitch perfect performance. A band with potential, big potential...
The Ranzas - Sunshine
Ayrshire lads, The Ranzas, are doing their best to bring a little summer into our lives during these strange times with latest release ‘Sunshine’. It's the perfect all-out indie track to turn your back garden into a beer garden, minus the fight for chairs, as the soaring chorus and upbeat rock vibes makes a nod to bands such as The Subways and Twisted Wheel.
Siights - EP
Pop-duo Siights recently released a new EP, pulling together recent singles plus new track ‘Blue Skies’. As expected the intricate production is on point, managing to showcase the strong vocal performance while organically adding dense, electronic layers - all performed by the pair. Themes of hope and lost love run throughout, making the 4-track EP fit both for your morning coffee and post-work chill out.
Isolation Tapes
We’ve lost count of how many home-made isolation videos we’ve seen from cringeworthy celebs to bands trying to stay in touch with fans, we’re going to stick with the latter.
One of the recent standouts were Shambolics, as they covered Fleetwood Mac’s classic ‘Everywhere’ - substituting a dancing Shetland pony for beer-inspired chimes.
During the early days of lockdown, which seems like forever ago, we had our first isolation inspired single, as Fabric Bear released a Rona, Why Did You Cancel The Party? Lyrics we can all relate to as we pass 4 weeks...
"Day 4 in Lockdown
Breakfast was a tragedy
Oreos and Pringles, please don't laugh at me."
What could have turned out a bit Phoenix Nights, ended up being the perfect tonic to the “new normal” with a light-hearted video made of clips from friends and bandmates in lockdown, Feeder style.
Best of Socials
Reminisce over past gigs from the safety of your armchair as Sinead Ferguson, one of the brightest photographers currently in the Scottish scene, continues to share photos on Instagram. Featuring bands like Idles, Van-Ts, Walt Disco, LIFE and more.. Follow here
Keep your brain in shape every Thursday at 9pm as Gigs in Scotland host their Weekly ‘Nae Pub Quiz!’ on Facebook, as teams go head to head for musical bragging rights and to help raise money for Masks For Scotland.
No introduction needed, the legendary Tim Burgess has been hosting daily listening parties, with those involved with each album giving track-by-track insights, while everyone listens. A simple idea which continues to grow, thousands now participating each night!
I've found it a great way to appreciate albums as full works of art, something which has been lost in the current streaming, shuffling world.
Highlights have included Fontaine’s DC, Mogwai, The Cribs, Ash and Wolf Alice, to name a few. A new addition is the 'Replay' option, find the full calendar here
Looking for a podcast? Under the Duvet is a new audio delight born from the pandemic, this twice weekly podcast brings together Craig Gornall (Alive & Amplified), Jen Imrie (jimriex.com), and Catrina Rose (BBC Radio) as they chat music, culture, and life in lockdown.
Often joined by guests from the music and culture industry as well as featuring tracks from local artists; it’s a podcast that will enable you to feel part of a conversation about the things you’re passionate about. Also features many mentions of Coldplay, Taylor Swift, All Time Low...and tears over cancelled gigs. But mainly it’s loads of laughter with your 3 new pals! Find it over at Alive & Amplified.