As lockdown and homemade haircuts continue, so does the wave upon wave of new music, both originals and isolation covers.
In this week's edition of Lockdown Round-up we cover new release from the likes of Dead Pony, share our favourite social media content and recent music videos from some of Scotland’s finest emerging musicians.
New Music
Beta Waves - UDH2
Our favourite Dundee duo are back with their second release of 2020, the cryptically titled UDH2, which sounds like the name of milk-drinking droid from Star Wars. The track itself sees Beta Waves move to more familiar ground after the psychedelic-influenced Hideaway with Dale’s warming vocals giving the track life.
The hypnotic electronic sounds of UDH2 echos that of debut track I Think I’m Melting, but with added 2 years experience, a testament to how the duo have continued to develop and innovate while staying true to their original influences.
Autobahn86 - National Health Service
Glasgow’s Autobahn86 arrived like a bolt of lightening, here to shake up the norm with their evocative, National Health Service.
From the same studio that brought you favourites like The Dunts, Rascalton and Baby Strange, showing they can not only produce ripping punk tracks but also pulsating Kraftwerk-influnced techno.
The message is clear, we were “all born a child of the National Health Service” and it’s something to be cherished, supported, properly funded and never to be taken for granted…the vocals of Priory legend, Jokey, resonate long after the track's 4min running time.
Voodoos - Young Punks
A band who have yet to put a foot wrong since bursting onto the scene in 2018, and this impressive feat continues with ‘Young Punks’. While Voodoos always had a knack for well-written melodic punk tracks, Young Punks has much more of a Strokes vibe, owing to the distorted vocals and guitar flair reminiscent of Albert Hammond Jr.
This recent release, combined with previous single ‘TV Set’ feels like a start of a new chapter and we’re buzzing to see where they go now…
Dead Pony - Everything is Easy
New name, lineup change, but same bruising sound. The band formally known as CRYSTAL, have recently signed up to LAB records with a string of new material ready to be unleashed - first up is, Everything is Easy. It’s a foot-stomping anthem of a track, with Anna Shields’ providing yet another masterclass is rock vocals and a thunderous chorus with glam-pop undertones, like a Glaswegian Abba, if you will.
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.
Mark Sharp and The Bicycle Thieves have been keeping fans amused and entertained with a series of lockdown covers, with one of the latest being 2010 anthem Pumped up Kicks (yes, this track is now TEN YEARS OLD…). The inspired choice lends itself to Mark’s lush vocals and Conor, the sun-lounging bass player.
The band have also just released a live EP of their last headline show before lockdown, available for £5 (bigger donations welcomed!) from their Bandcamp page
You'll struggle to find another emerging artist who does pop better than Dundee's Be Charlotte, latest single, Lights Off, is another glorious slice of upbeat pop made for Summer. Sadly we'll have to enjoy in our back garden rather than in the park with friends, but when that time does come, i know which track goes top of the playlist!
Just as this track and video was released, we read the massive news that Be Charlotte will be taking part in BBC 1's Virtual Big Weekend, original planned to take part in her hometown, with the likes of Alt-J, Rex Orange County and fellow Scots Biffy Clyro. The event will go out live on the 23rd and 24th of May.
To accompany latest single Boys, The Roov had big music video plans, but alas, all had to be scrapped, but this didn’t deter them, instead they’ve released the planning behind the video…as the video. Genius!
Watch as Frankie’s wardrobe is revealed as the video plans unfold, including a failed date, a lonely beach walk and a visit to the local pub. Let’s hope it comes to a YouTube channel near you later this year…
Best of Socials
This week’s insta pick features grlbandblog, who mixes her love of photography, music and…coffee! Each week Lindsey brightens up our timeline with aesthetically pleasing content from the latest vinyl releases to capturing fun lifestyle observations. Follow here
Looking for a peek into the crazy and vibrant world of the music Scottish scene? Then look no further than TELT. Hosted by Jack Conlon (Bad Hombres), who started the podcast back in August 2019 with the legendary Kieren Webster (WEBB, The View) and has since gone from strength to strength with guests including; Vic Galloway, Fabric Bear, Spyres, Brownbear and every musician’s best pal, Gordon Smart.
Released weekly, the latest is with emerging young gun’s The Roly Mo
What started out as a personal blog, created by Alex, Words for Music has now grown into one of the most trusted music review and news site, with a high standard of articles covering new releases, live shows and classic albums, enough to keep all music fans occupied during hours and hours of lockdown.
Recent articles include an interview with whenyoung and a ranking of Richard Ashcroft's albums. For any aspiring bloggers (like us), this is the one to follow!
Remember to follow our 100% Scottish Mockit Music Spotify playlist. Updated regularly with all the best new music!