Fat Goth

Ralph has been a Fat Goth fan since first writing about them nearly five years ago (where does the time go) after catching them via the good offices of A Badge Of Friendship and hearing them via Vic Galloway on't radio. 

A year later and Fat Goth donated their track Creepy Lounge from their album STUD to the Ralph's Life CD to raise funds and awareness for the mental health charity Rethink (still available, just click here).

Ralph has kept a close eye on Fat Goth ever since, whether it be when they were nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Award for Best Rock Act or the release of their third album One Hundred Percent Suave two years ago.

Photo courtesy of Michael Lambert Photography

The good news is they've just dropped (no wonder as it's so heavy) their latest album Enorme! to no small amount of critical acclaim and Ralph has had a wee shufty. It sees Fat Goth with their communal tongue still firmly embedded in cheek, however it also sees them reach the point where they will actually become not just Dundee but Scotland's best loved rock band.

The common factor between all of their albums has been the fact that when you're listening to them, you can tell they've enjoyed writing and recording them as they are all imbued with their well documented sense of humour and afore-mentioned tongue in cheek. 

The most marked difference with the latest offering Enorme! is that it sees Fat Goth become proper grown-ups playing proper rock music. It's gloriously imbued with the essence of Budgie and Black Sabbath, with their own unique sound the catalyst for rock greatness.

They'll be playing XpoNorth again this year as well as a number of Scottish dates in support of the launch of Enorme! on May 5th. My advice, go get the album and catch them live if you can. It's going to be Enorme!-ous and Ralph's playing Thoroughbread on the Radio KC Indie Show on Sunday May 14th from 5-7pm.





Frontman, vocalist and guitarist Fraser Stewart describes Enorme! as their “angriest” effort yet, as Fat Goth’s ire has turned to the political and social cluster fuck we currently all find ourselves in. 

“We live in a world where sociopolitical discourse, injustice and prejudices are rife and appear to increase on a daily basis, resulting in such dire circumstances becoming ‘the norm’ and subsequent headlines being met with continual indifference and fatigue.” 




Fraser further explains. 

“Thanks to social media, we all have a platform where we can spout our outrage and condemn the things we see as wrong, but when everyone is doing the exact same and simply preaching to their respective choirs, there is no debate, no engagement and ultimately no resolve. We fight amongst ourselves allowing hatred and ignorance to cloud our judgement while those responsible continue to fly high and way out of reach of significant scrutiny and accountability. Thematically this is what Enorme! attempts to illustrate.” 

The Tenement Trails gig reviews

With over 30 bands spread over 5 venues all day on the 9th of March, the Tenement Trail Festival organised by those lovely people at Tenement TV in Glasgow is an event mirroring EH1 in Edinburgh and with an equally as impressive list of gigs.  With that in mind Ralph's intrepid roving reporter in Scotland Malcolm 'anorak' Parry set out to cover as many as possible by close of play.

Going over to Glasgow to cover the SAMA Awards and having a Quo gig on the Saturday night, it would have been rude not to cover the all day event, 30 + bands over 5 venues (mainly Sauchiehall Street) and flat 0/1. At only £10 a ticket, in my opinion, a bargain, especially when you get the chance to see upcoming and many of Friday night's SAMA nominees and winners live in one day.

Still a bit fragile from the night's before shenanigan's I wearily make my way to the art school to catch first act Luca. All four members play head bound like they have all received bad news or just to create an atmospheric ambiance. Whichever way, I like what I hear, moody 'Placebo' style vocals, sometimes 'Bush' like in places, a touch grungy with chiming guitars ringing out to finish. A good start

I catch up again with Fat Goth before they take the stage, telling me they wisely got an earlier night than me. Frazer telling me last nights performance didn't do them much justice, a bit rushed and one of their members getting to the event just before they took the stage. They take the small intimate venue by storm, today I like them more, thinking these sort of venue's suit their energetic metal riffs and aggressive vocals better. 





Their sound a mixture of Metallica and Megadeath licks, Frazer doing a great Dave Mustain shredding like his life depended on it.  Doom laden vocals with a touch of falsetto which takes the edge off, the rhythm section tight as a Fat Goth in wet leggings, all with a punky attitude.  My god these boys make some racket.  Catch them at a venue near you soon.

Next I enter second venue G2 (the Garage ) to witness a 5 piece indie rock band Crash Club including a DJ- knob twiddler, sounding like early '90's indie dance Primal Scream 'Screamadelica' period, especially with a lead man who looks uncannily like a young Bobby Gillespie even strutting and dancing like him. They swap main singers for a taller more static singer, who is introduced “As the lanky Bastard” he takes them in to a different sound direction, more acid house. Young Bobby swaggers back introducing the last song, a cosmic rock 'Exterminator' period frenzy. Well worth looking out for, lost a bit of edge due to the venue's sound being a bit low.

Back to the Art School to catch 3-piece Baby Strange and by this time the venue is busy.  Lead man oozes Joe Strummer coolness. I witness a touch of Glasvegas without the football chant anthem's, crumbles of shoe gaze, rock a billy rock especially on track 'I want it, I need it' Black Rebel Motorcycle Club driving garage rock on 'Get by me'.  Just the right side of punk rock which makes the girls dance and the lads nod along in respect.  Lot's of cool influences from these young guys.  Another highlight and one to watch.

Back to G2 to see Madison (met the nice lads the night before). They cater for a younger pop sensibility taste, all a bit too fluffy for me, though excellent musicians but not my thing. Lead man taking to the keyboard to sing 'Like Glue' a heartbreak song, all heartfelt but making me feel like I am watching a teenager movie or Glee. Sorry guys. I moved on.

Over the road to Nice and Sleazy's and I love this venue. I'm greeted by a drunken audience all dancing along to 5-piece Saint Max and the Fanatics.  Ska fused upbeat indie popsters, including trombone/ trumpet players. Lead man ' Saint Max' with an eccentric edge sounding like Early 'Blur' and 'Clearlake' dancing frantically along with the groove, introducing a cover of Boney M - 'Rasputin' nice choice!  Awesome feel good music.  Even yodeling at one point.  We get Kings of Leon – 'Molly's Chambers' riffs mixed with The Kooks vocals on one track.

Afterwards I catch a quick chat with lead man 'Saint Max' He tells me he is heavily influenced by Morissey  which shows on 'Wonderful Life' and his aim is - “Too make music girls will dance too” well his work was done today judging by the ladies bouncing along to his quirky pop tunes.  Already championed by Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 6 music, surely these guys should be put on your must see bands of the year.

Last venue was Broadcast and I catch the end of psychedelic rockers Selective Service.  All 60's acid infused early Who, The Small Faces, Pink Floyd and Status Quo with a shower of Jimi Hendrix, especially the bassist who's sporting a mean microphone hair style.  Lead man sounding and strutting like Tom from Kasabian I feel like I’ve walked into a Swinging 60's London bar.  I swear I saw John Lennon off his rocker in the corner.  I aim to investigate their music more, so should you.

Next we get traditional blues men 'Dirty diamonds and the Guns lingers. More experienced rock n rollers, full tight sound including double bass, harmonica with a real blues lounge feel and bluegrass edge. Quality.

Back for the last time in the art school for Fridge Magnets.  A sound of commercial Electro music dance titan Avici mixed with guitars.   Lead singer sporting a base ball cap to the side like a Scottish Eminem.  Enticing the packed audience to move closer and get ready to touch the ceiling.  The music drops into a electronic breakdown, the crowd go wild, music which would go down a storm in Ibiza/ Majorca rocks outside summer gigs.  Very commercial, entertaining and uplifting.

I take a quick exit over to the Quo gig at the o2 then get back for last band of the night in Broadcast, enjoying a chat and drink with members of River 68's' and The Holy Ghosts.  I head downstairs slightly intoxicated to catch Sunshine Social a folksy pop 5-piece who should have blown me away but didn't.  Never really taking off, stopping and starting, a toned down 'Mumford and Sons' though nice harmonies, acoustic tinkering and Scottish vocal delivery.  Maybe they were too drunk or I was, but wasn't impressed.  They did let out illuminated balloons into the audience which was a nice finish.  I leave or stagger, heading over to see the much anticipated band of the day.

Outside Flat 0/1 there is a queue to get in to see Kassidy.  The highly tipped band already fresh from having played twice today, I surge forward to the doormen and explain I need to finish the day reviewing this band as my wee dog blogger wouldn't be a happy puppy if I returned to H.Q. without it, he tells me the venue is at it's maximum capacity.  I wait for people to leave and get the nod to go in, he wasn't kidding, the punters squashed up, all eager to catch a rare chance to see their local heroes in an intimate setting.  I stand back as the boys take to the makeshift stage, a stripped down version of the band, minus a drummer (who someone tells me got kicked out and refused entry due to capacity, until they realized who he was!  I cannot confirm or deny this statement). 

Now Ralph being a conscientious reporter has investigated the situation regarding Kassidy's drummer and it is absolutely true.....

@fruitbatwalton it is I saw it. Was standing right beside him when it happened and I tweeted him next day and he replied saying aye lol
— Emma (@youareamoo) March 19, 2013

Regardless the atmosphere is electric as everyone sings along to every word from the front men.  Their sound is definitely anthem 70's sounding mainstream folk rock.  Initially I thought they came across like The Stereophonics with the Faces, all good company.  A couple of tunes in I’m singing along, infectious chorus and Ronnie Wood blues like rock riffs.  One band I would think will be new Scottish exports, a big band to end a big  thoroughly enjoyable day of quality live Scottish music.  Hat's off to the organizers for a great job and I would like to finish saying “See you next Year”

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards

Due to last minute circumstances Ralph was unable to attend the Scottish Alternative Music Awards in person but his able deputy Mr Malcolm (anorak) Parry stepped in (with the offer of drink and debauchery) to cover the night and this is the result!

My week began with an SOS message from everyone's favourite Jack Russell - Ralph , who was due to be covering the awards but unfortunately had to cancel because he was having his claws trimmed (well he is a diva). So he asked if I could cover and review the event for him.  Of course I accepted the mission and like a nervous, rookie Rolling Stone reporter I headed over to Glasgow.

This is the fourth event in the awards history, gaining popularity over the years and gradually moving up to a bigger capacity venue.  This being my first time at the annual event, on entering the venue you could already feel the atmosphere & excitement building.  I mingle saying hello to a few of the award nominee's & music biz personalities.  One Scottish radio hero Vic Galloway, looking suitably dapper in a 3 piece suit he tells me - "I had this made exclusively for me for the night and its a one of a kind" - and why not, he has excellent taste in music and obviously clothing.

I bump into Best Newcomer nominees Ded Rabbit.  A quick chat and photo opportunity was had, with the guys telling me they were inspired to name the band after Led Zeppelin, taking out the 'a' of the dead. The band of brothers (now based in Edinburgh but all hailing from Yorkshire), blame their dad (who was present) for crossing the border to reside in the Highlands.  




All humbled and excited to be nominated, they do owe their dad some praise, If it wasn't for him shovelling them up north to a new warren, they wouldn't be stood here today with a nod under their belt. They make indie pop with a sax edge, sounding to me like a mix of Arctic Monkeys with The Zutons.

We get an announcement that the event's proceedings will commence in 10 minutes.  The excitement grows.....as well as the ever increasing audience.  A busy night ahead!

We begin the evenings entertainment with funny man Billy Kirkwood, storming the mic shouting - "HOW YOU DOING YOU MOTHER FUCKERS?" - in his strong Glaswegian accent, looking like a young Billy Connelly disguised as a roadie.  He does his job well warming us all up on this cold night as he introduces us to the opening act Fat Goth.....

A mix of doom laden falsetto vocal, ferocious metal riffs, all with punky attitude, music your granny would love.  A mixed reaction from the audience, maybe stunned or shocked at the extreme noise coming from the speakers.    Lead singer Frazer Stewart tells me later that - "One manager from a nominee's band thought we were utter shite" 


I must admit, I like them myself.  A band who don't take themselves too seriously, enjoying the ride regardless of bad press, though Frazer also commented - "It all adds to the comedy edge".  I'm sure I overheard someone say the venue had received a call from Edinburgh police to turn the volume down.  Joking of course, but these are a band best enjoyed with the volume turned up.  Fat Goth were nominated for Best Rock/Alternative.

Vic Galloway then announces the award for Best Acoustic which went to Little Fire who has performed around the UK including the Latitude Festival, Rockness, the Bedford in London, all around Scotland and has had his music played on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2 and performed live on national television.

The next award is introduced by two Scottish wrestlers who announce the winner for Best Metal - Bear Arms, a band all hailing from Kinross/Glasgow.  I managed to get 5 minutes with the guys afterwards who were delighted to win their award and gave huge respect to the rest of the bands in that category.  

I went on to ask - “Now you have won, what venue would you like to headline?" - without hesitation - "The Barrowlands".  I also asked - "If you were offered a support slot with any band, who would it be?" They replied - "If they got back together then Alexisonfire or Brandnew, both would be dreams come true".  Well you never know lad's, the doors will be opening for you I’m sure.

Our second live band for the evening was Vigo Thieves.  Stadium sounding Indie Rockers, with 80's U2 bass lines and keyboard sounds.  On one tune we get a guest saxophonist, giving the tune an Aztec Camera feel.  The band introduce their track Ghosts, telling us the video features the controversial, former TV star John Leslie. The band are nominated for Best live Act and based on their set I can see why.

The stage suddenly gets a T in the Park /Slam tent make over for Electronic Band, Roman Nose.  All of them wearing wrestlers masks, the 3 piece armed with two laptops and a drum machine take the stage sounding to me like The Prodigy arm wrestling Daft Punk.  Someone put the roof back on!  Stunning!  The band are nominated for Best Electronic and whilst enjoying their set I get a quick word with another nominee Plum, who tells me "The guys wanted to do a live collaboration with me tonight, but having such a tight schedule with the dance base project I sadly had to refuse, though one day soon I would love to work with the guys and maybe tour together."  Exciting stuff, I’m sure you'll agree?

Next Award : Best Hip Hop goes to Gasp.  Purveyor of hard nosed Scottish reality rap and founder of Badmouth Battles, he's a veteran of the burgeoning Scottish hip hop scene.  Along with the likes of Hector Bizerk and Stanley Odd he's brought Scottish hip hop to the mainstream music fan.

Then Radio 1's Ally McCrae announces Best Rock which goes to Culann.  They're a band that has secured a loyal following, and have played the legendary King Tut's not once - but an astonishing 10 times, including prestigious support slots with the likes of The Datsuns and Band of Skulls. They have also supported punk polemicists Capdown in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

We get the big music man, Jim Gellatly on stage to introduce Best Electronic artist which causes some confusion between him and Billy Kirkwood, who says "Strangely the award is advertised as Best Electronic, on the award is Best Electro" - Jim adds -" Or Best Electrician" - followed by - "This person isn't expecting this and has had a few drinks, the award goes to Plum"  







Earlier Plum had said - "I am absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award.  Female electronic music producers are very rare right now, so I hope that my shortlisting inspires other female artists to produce great electronic music and compete with the best." 

She accepts her award stunned, almost speechless ("Oh Crap") but elated.  Good on her, I feel this will be her year.  

I make my way back stage to greet her but struggle to get an interview as she still cant talk, just smile with her award.  I spot Fat Goth and manage a chat with lead man Frazer who tells me - "We were up against some stiff competition in our category, we were just honoured to be recognised."  and - "On the back of the nomination we have been able to find funding to nearly complete our third album which is due out soon."  They've a tour booked taking their alternative metal/rock across the border to London, Leeds, Cardiff and hopefully other cities.  I ask who they would like to go on tour with?  - "One band we would love to see reform and go out with is Jesus Lizard, also we would love to tour with Torche."

While I chat with them I unfortunately miss the Best Newcomer award which goes to Edinburgh Country Rockers: The Holy Ghosts, who tell me later that they were taken aback and never expected to win. Well personally I wasn't surprised, great tunes from them and really fun live. Ralph makes up for that in their blog.

The Last award goes to Best Live act OK Social Club.  I only catch a glimpse while I chat to band s and radio people (ligging) backstage but I like what I see and hear.  Given that The OK Social Club have only been together as a band since mid 2011 their achievements are becoming the stuff of legend.  Their first two singles 'The Shape Of Things To Come' and 'The Late 90's' were released on Platform records in 2012 and featured on a number of radio and TV shows.

Well thanks to the great organisers of the SAMAS, I would say everyone was a winner, both the award holders and the nominees who were all bringing their musical talents to a wider audience of Scottish music loving fans, me included. So I’ll see you again next year, hopefully with a Jack Russell and his entourage, in tow.  Many thanks also to Darren Jones Williamson for the photographs he let Ralph steal to accompany those taken by Malc.  Ralph would also like to big up Richy Muirhead and the SAMA team.

OK bands you know the score.....

the more hits your blog gets by the fans, the higher you go.....

So tweet it, Facebook it.....

and generally expose yourself.....








Now Snuggles and me have been sitting with our heads down counting the hits on each bands blog to see who's got which place.  

So here it is.....

The Top Ten Blogged Band Chart .....

No 1..... Plum

Back in July last year I acquired a taste for fine female voices after listening to Kathryn Marsh so I turned my nose in the direction of Plum, the alter ego of Edinburgh based Shona Maguire.

So what's the latest...well she's just been and gone and got herself nominated in the Best Electronic category of The Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2013.....

No 2..... Wullae Wright

Everybody likes to make a comparison about artistes and Ralph's old man is no exception. He heard Wullae Wright's 'Halo Effect' playing on my laptop and next thing he was wiping the dust of his collection of vinyl, dug out Led Zeppelin I and stuck it under my nose muttering....."Babe I'm Gonna Leave You".  Chance would be a fine thing some would say, however I had a listen and low and behold Wullae Wright is capturing the same raw intensity of vocals that an early Robert Plant did. 

No 3..... Vigo Thieves

As me old man never tires of saying, "Always great to hear a Scottish band singing like you know they're a Scottish band".  Well that certainly applies to The Vigo Thieves, just listen to the wonderful Steal Your Heart with it's almost Big Country-like intro and the thumping Heartbeats, last years video soundtrack for T in the Park has got to be a big club favourite, which is guaranteed to get the proverbial joint jumpin'.  They're up for Best Live Act at the SAMAs.

No 4..... The Ninth Watch

After a hectic and successful years gigging in 2012, Manchester four piece The Ninth Watch are hibernating in the studio with a view to bringing you a host of new tunes and if they're as strong as the tracks they produced last year, we're in for a real treat.

No 5..... Fat Goth

Ok so I saw that these guys were called Fat Goth and I thought erk, but turns out the only thing that's dark and heavy about this Dundee band are their sounds.  last year they played The Wickerman Festival  alongside other Ralph's Life favourites Campfires in Winter and Olympic Swimmers and now they've been nominated for a SAMA.

No 6..... The OK Social Club

Who said 'I don't like Mondays' (OK, OK I know it was the Boomtown Rats) because one reason to absolutely love Mondays is the release of The OK Social Club's first album 'Nothing In Common' next Monday!  They've been on the blog list for a bit but good things come to those who wait and there's no arguing this album is a very good thing.  They're also nominated for Best Live act in the SAMA.

No 7..... Wishes

Ralph's now got his own Unsigned Indie Mix show on French station Radio Kaos Caribou every Sunday 5 - 6 pm and it's thanks to listening to their eclectic mix of music that he came across Paris based band Wishes.

Always keen to promote 'The Auld Alliance'  and via the wonders of email I bring you an interview with Wishes.

No 8..... Cleavers

OK here's the skinny on fast rising Elgin 

based hardcore punksters Cleavers 

who've made inroads onto BBC Radio 

Scotland's radar.  Their first outing was in

 December of 2011 after the turn of the year

were included in BBC Scotland's 35 

Scottish Artists to watch 2012 by DJ Vic 

Galloway and they've got a SAMAs nomination.






No 9..... The Recovery!

The Recovery! are a five piece punk/metal/core band from Glasgow who  release their new E.P ‘Wherever Nowhere Takes Us’ on 11^th February, 2013 via Indie label Cold War Legacy. 

The first single from the record ‘The Faint & Fragile’ is available now for free download!

No 10..... Campfires In Winter

I can't believe that eight months have passed since I first blogged those lovely hirsute young men Campfires In Winter after hearing the melodious 'Twelve Thousand Drops'.  So it was with great joy and expectation when news of a proper debut single release on March 4th dropped into Ralph's inbox.