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 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.

Fat Goth.....SAMAs Rock/Alt nominees

Fat Goth at the Beeb for a Vic Galloway Live Session

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.

Following The Wickerman Festival they played Bar Bloc in Glasgow and a gig at The Electric Circus in Edinburgh for Born To Be Wide.  I hope you took the chance to catch their distinctive sound, darkly clever lyrics and vocal thrashings so loved by BBC Radio Scotland's Vic Galloway and BBC Radio 1's Ally McCrae  and their tracks can be downloaded at ..... fatgoth.bandcamp.com.  







Here's a snipette from their second album 'Stud' which was released in January to great acclaim.....


first up is the crazy and loveable 'Pinball Moron' with it's shades of early Lou Reed vocalising and if it wasn't for the humour you might never realise it's Fat Goth that's serenading you.....






 


This track's called 'Debbie's Dirty Harry' and it's as loud, dirty and sleazy as you've come to expect from the guys.....as for the rest...go and buy the album.


 






Following the release of the album is the news that they've been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards's Rock/Alternative section.  Now this is the third time I've had to come back and rework the blog as they keep going from strength to strength and reach new heights, so I've no doubt in a few months time I'll be back here typing away again as they release another album or get nominated for another award.

SAT09FEB	Fat GothCuddly Shark, Carson Wells	Non Zero'sDundee, UK	Find tickets
March 2013
SAT09MAR	Fat GothTango In the Attic, Discopolis, The Fridge Magnets	Tenement Trails Festival 2013Glasgow, UK	Find tickets
FRI29MAR	Fat Goth	The TunnelsAberdeen, UK	Find tickets

Check out their phat sounds and once your head stops bangin' get youself tickets for one of the guys gigs.....tell 'em Ralph sent you.....and here's a video of 'Surf's Down' at Wickerman!


               

"You'll be none the wiser by the end of it all, but much richer for stumbling into Fat Goth's odd little universe" (KKKK - Kerrang, January 2013)

"STUD is profoundly uneasy listening at its best, and weirdo freaks everywhere should love it." (8/10 - Rocksound, January 2013)

"With this as their latest calling card, Fat Goth should have no problem becoming an in-demand ticket." (4/5 - The Skinny, January 2013)

"it’s heartening to unearth some true underdog oddballs from a dark corner of Britain. Fat Goth, we salute you." (BBC Album Reviews, January 2013)

"...the most exciting thing to come out of Dundee in many a year" (Terrorizer, January 2013)

"Excellent album of thunderstruck-hardcore, hollering-pop and countrified-rock‘n’roll" (4/5 - The List, January 2013)

"This is visceral, intelligent, misanthropic, no-holds-barred rock music" (Vic Galloway, BBC Radio Scotland Album Of The Week)

Cleavers...Nominated for SAMA'sa 2013

Thanks to Thomas Bisset Photography for the photos

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.







They've been working hard to promote the band 
and such is their dedication they said.....

"We were sick of waiting for people to help us 
release this and never seem to have cash 
ourselves so we're giving away these recordings". 

Well now they've been nominated in the best Rock/Alternative category of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2013.

Share with your friends, 

it's all good..... 

So who said punk was dead.....This Cleavers track reminded me old man a bit of the Rezillos when he heard me tuning in.  Great thumping bass line on Speak! Speak! and bet it goes down a storm at their live gigs.

Follow that up with hyper fast Break Yer Bones and you'll be pogo-ed out in no time!  It's punk Jim and just as me old man remembers it (as much as the auldtimers lets him).




Finish that off with the slightly Stranglersesque bass intro of Sabretooth Girl and whirlwind lyrics and you've got all the buzz you need to kick off any gig.









They really really like playing shows, please email them and they'll come play for you in your local venue, pub, masonic lodge or kitchen......just make sure to give them loads of money - dadatunes@hotmail.com

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