Once in a while some new music comes along that transports you back to when you first heard a new release by a band that later becomes a true classic. 

Such was the occurrence on first listening to the upcoming EP release by burgeoning Scottish Alt-Popsters Acrylic. 

Listening to their All I AM EP transported me back to first listens to the likes of The Blue Nile and their near incomparable release Stay. The unique vocalisings of Edwyn Collins on Rip It Up with Orange Juice or the perfect pop-song and lush vocal that is First Picture Of You by Peter Coyle and The Lotus Eaters.

Lyrically, a current of anxiety runs through the Acrylic EP with opening track, Where I Lie, exploring fragile connections, the see-saw between feelings of uncertainty in relationships, and moments of clarity and assurance. 

It invites us in tentatively before growing into a tender, yet potent, howl. In Here / Tonight is perhaps the most straightforward rock track on the album, but it is not without its novel features. 

The sweet percussion is irregular and off-kilter at times, dragging us back from the apparently simpler moments and from a false sense of security. 






The track is juxtaposed with the sensitive and sweet Overrun which takes full advantage of the math-rock guitar tendencies purveyed by Acrylic; the primary riff draws in the listener with its mesmerising qualities. 

The eponymous final track closes the EP. A 7-minute epic that traces through all the ideas of the previous three tracks, tying them into a finale of solemn; yet epic, proportions. Seek it out on Scottish Fiction Records.

It's no surprise that Brian will be featuring tracks from the Acrylic EP on the Radio KC Indie Show and that kicks off April 8th with a spin of In Here / Tonight, so remember to tune in from 5-7pm.

Acrylic

Mar 29th 2018 @ Sneaky Pete's

    Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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Acrylic

Mar 30th 2018 @ King Tuts

    Glasgow, United Kingdom

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Names

Limb by Limb by Pembrokeshire-based duo Names is the follow up single to Backs Turned, a song that has already been played on Ralph's Indie Show on Radio KC. It has been described elsewhere as “a wintry soundscape with all the fluency, space and atmosphere of the Mogwai Les Revenants soundtrack”. 

Where do you go after creating such an assured artistic statement with your debut single? Limb by Limb is the answer. Names have shed any creative ego to create a raw, emotionally rich song devoid of self-indulgence and over reaching dramatization. Yet again Ioan and Joey have found beauty within the smouldering ashes left in the wake of life’s broken relationships. 






Ioan of Names explained to us that Limb by Limb is... 

“largely inspired by the ignorance of issues within a relationship which slowly bring about its demise. Also the effect of a background anxiety on life and ability to socialise.” 

Limb by Limb musically and lyrically perfectly depict the contrasting moments of clarity and internal isolation one feels holding on to a dying relationship. The sense of calm in the release, yet claustrophobic panic of the unknown. 

It's heady stuff for ones so young however; but, as with Talk Talk’s majestic Spirit of Eden, Names are quickly becoming masters of the intimate, unseen but deeply felt moments we share. 

Their music explodes on to a cinematic canvas full of flowing chords and echoey melodies. They very much remind me of a nascent Blue Nile in their ability to pull the listener into their atmospheric soundscapes; and with that Dear Reader, I can pay them no greater compliment. 

   

Broken Records

Ralph's man in Scotland Malcolm Parry brings us news of Broken Records latest home gig.....The last time I bore witness to the live antics of Broken Records was a few years back at The Connect Festival in Inveraray as they headlined a stage for up coming bands next to the real ale and whisky tent. I shunned the main stage to take in a few 25 yr old malts while this Edinburgh band provided the soundtrack to a perfect Scottish evening. 

Remembering the first time seeing them live, supporting Twilight Sad I was blown away by the sheer energy from the band, all musicians throwing themselves around the stage. This time Broken Records lead man Jamie Sutherland takes the stage announcing to the packed venue - “This is a friends and family gig” - and - “Tonight is a new song Extravaganza”. 

I'm looking around at the busy, hot venue and can tell there's a lot of die hard fans glad to see their local band back on the live circuit. As member Craig Ross explained afterwards to me  - “Two of us have been away with our partners having kids, so it's been hard to get us all together.”

The band are fired and up for it, so are the crowd. Straight in to 'Weights And Pulleys' and to me Sutherland's sounding uncannily like fellow Auld Reekie musician Paul Buchanan of The Blue Nile likewise on 'Ditty' which came later. Already we're in good company and the vibe again is warm and energetic. I'm feeling the Arcade Fire comparisons and 'Keep The Car Running' drive on 'Winterless Son' and 'A Leaving Song' lifted from their last album. 



Not surprising with a live 7-piece band, strong hold and new to the line up is trumpet player called Steven who provides at times a 'mariachi' feel and echoes of a James- Seven period. Jamie Sutherland's vocal delivery sometimes reminding me of a mix of Bruce Springsteen and Brandon Flowers, especially on 'A Darkness Rises Up' which is very early Killers and nicely uplifting. Jamie is a strong presence, confidently bantering between songs with band members and the audience (even the hecklers). Things at times are slowed down to give us a rest and we hear 'I Used To Dream' and 'A Warning' from the '09 EP 'Out Of The Water'.  An epic 15 songs in before they leave the stage with a rousing almost ceilidh feel to set and finish with closers 'Nearly Home' and 'Until The Earth Begins To Part'.


As we all hoped and stomped for, there was an encore - with Sutherland opening the set again saying - “ We're just a humble rock n roll band “ - and continues - “This song ('Leave You In The Dark') we tried to write in a Roy Orbison style". They follow with set closer 'All Else Can Just Wait' the title being a homage to the band American Music Club. Jamie tells us how he spotted his hero (front man of A.M.C) in a Marks and Spencers services station on the M6 but didn't go and say hi as it wasn't the coolest place to meet him. 

 The new songs have a big and confident sound to them, and Craig again tells me - “There are strings used on the new album but it doesn't sound as big on record, it's more stripped back, obviously with a 7-piece live on stage it does” - he adds - “we hope to get it out early 2014, with an E.P before.”





I ask if there are any more live dates- to which he replied - “We plan some more Scottish dates then go back to Europe, places like Holland and Germany really look after us.”

A great homecoming gig for the lads and their fans, me included who won't be leaving it that long to see them next time. With a strong live band and tunes to carry across all venues from sweat pit's to festival stages I hope to see their name splattered across gig posters in the coming year.

The Darlingtons

After Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry gave a glowing report of Somerset band The Darlingtons set when they supported The Bedroom Hour recently in Bathgate, it seemed only right and proper to investigate further.  Theirs is the usual 'mates at school, formed a band in college' story, except for the fact they've done it with more than a modicum of success.








Having left a record company to gain more control over their future recently, The Darlingtons are about to release a live EP - 'Who Says There's No Beach In Doncaster' to reflect their on-stage performances.  No bad thing going by Malcolm's review.....




"Straight into crashing guitar indie rock with the opener and debut single 'Bats' - all members start throwing themselves around the stage like they're being given short sharp electric shocks, definitely electrifying to watch I can tell you."

"We move through their energetic set which is surrounded by a wall of sound.  Last song 'Sirens' is a more punk tinged epic which builds to a reverb shower of sound, leaving this audience well and truly warmed up - and slightly deaf!"



Needless to say given their stated influences you can't help but draw the obvious comparisons with The National but with new releases coming out later this year and early next, hopefully they'll take more of their own path.  That being said there's a hint of The Blue Nile about the start of excellent 'Bats' that keeps it switched to repeat on Ralph's jukebox.


Given that The Darlingtons live show is so dynamic, why not take the chance to catch them at one of their upcoming dates.....


More gigs TBA