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Mark Sharp & The Bicycle Thieves - Warpaint

Updated: Feb 17, 2019


It's been a big few months for the West Lothian band as they finished 2018 with a sell out Glasgow show followed by the recent announcement of the Tenement TV Discover Tour and of course their spellbinding latest single, Warpaint.


Starting with a radio mashup of the Bicycle Thieves best, it’s a quick 3 second showcase of the boys wide range, arguably the most diverse we've seen in the last few years. The track leads into clear guitar melodies which are joined by Darren on keys and eventually drums and bass, the opening to Warpaint is at discord with the title itself.


Mark's husky voice cuts through the melody with the most relatable lyrics for anyone young and in love - Who hasn’t woken up the next day to be told you broke up and got back with your fella twice the night before?


After a couple of pints Mark and I discussed the meaning behind Warpaint, which for me literally means getting ready for a night out, doing your make up and saying "fuck you" to everything that is going wrong around you. However, we'll leave Mark's meaning, sadly nothing to do with make up, out to keep the intrigue.


In classic BT fashion this song is made to be heard live. Drawing in onlookers seems to be second nature for the lads. I've yet to catch them live when Mark's not had the entire room eating out the palm of his hands.


As the running time hits three mins we see a breakdown, leading to a euphoric finale, with Cammy smashing in on guitar, making it look as easy as playing Wonderwall when you’ve had a couple.


Closing off the song the way it started with disharmony, sees Darren caressing the keys. The sounds created by the talented Darren mashed up with Marks smokey vocals makes for something quite spectacular.


This full band is going from strength to strength, you can tell they're really starting to trust each others instincts when it comes to rifts and melodies with everything coming together to make breathtaking singles. You're cooking with gas now boys!!! - DG


Live [Tickets]

8th March, Glasgow QMU [Supporting Kyle Falconer]

5th April, Broadcast, Glasgow [TTV Discover Tour]

17th May, Gig in the Goil Festival

10th Aug, Party at the Palace

 

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