New Model Army have announced their 16th studio album �Unbroken� to be released on the 26th January 2024 via earMUSIC / Attack Attack alongside a huge
Read More Well its that time of year again when noses are put out of joint by the annual release of the Mercury Music Prize nominations. The winner of the revered award, decided by industry bigwigs, will be announced on November the 20th. As is the norm, there will be plenty you will recognise and plenty you will not. Below is the 12 nominees and my take on them just for good measure and cause i can. Is the award still relevant? Well you can answer that one Im sure.
Aphex Twin - Syro.
Richard d James first album in 13 years has his usual intricate musical puzzles on show. If glips, bleeps and noise are your thing then this is for you. It is much more accessible than previous releases
Benjamin Clementine - At least For Now
An unknown quantity with no chart positioning for the album. He has plenty of musical royalty fans from Bjork to Paul McCartney. Rags to riches story if there were ever one from homelessness to busking in Paris
Gaz Coombes - Matador
Supergrass frontman swaggers to the fore with his sophomore solo album. If youre expecting the aforementioned bands excitable indie, you will be disappointed. But it certainly is not a bad thing
C Duncan - Architect
Another one flying low on the radar but lets get behind this Glasgow classical music diploma recipient. Chilled electronica with plenty of harmonies. Do it for Glasgow bedroom composers everywhere.
Eska - Eska
Another one that even my good self have missed over the last year. The former session musician steps to the fore with her West African rhythms. Fun fact alert!! She has a degree in Maths!!
Florence & The Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
A well known, household name on the list comes in the shape of Glastonbury headliner Florence Welch. Stripped back from the production on the previous album, it still has a haunting vulnerability that we can all relate to. Certainly more personal than previous attempts with subject matter being more about herself and the goings on in her life
Ghostpoet - Shedding Skin.
Obaro Ejimiwe and his project bag their second nomination after 2011s nod. Strained and moody, it tackles many difficult subjects and certainly doesnt sugar coat them
Jamie XX - In Colour
The former winner (with his band The XX) grabs another nomination with his really rather excellent debut solo. Quiet and minimalistic at times, euphoric in others. This is my personal favourite for the gong, you really should give it a listen
Rosin Murphy - Hairless Toys
Former Moloko front woman gets a deserved nomination thanks to this odd, far reaching pop record. Ever the experimentalist and this shows throughout
The Slaves - Are You Satisfied
Not for the meek or faint hearted amongst you, this firebrand of punk and rock has elements of dance in it too. Down to earth they are too. The working class nod for me.
SOAK - Before We Forgot To Dream
Another low flyer, this painfully shy sounding record pulls on the heartstrings. Irish teenager Birdie Monds Watson is the talent behind this
Wolf Alice - My Love Is Cool
Celestial and melodic at times, Grunge pop at others, it has been quite a successful year for Ellie Roswell and co. A number 2 album, a sold out tour and now a mercury nod means theyll be ones to watch.
Not a bad list, Im sure you will agree. Let me know what you think [email protected]
UPCOMING GIGS!!!
Darwin Deez bring his indie pop renaissance to Edinburghs Electric Circus on Sunday 19th October
London 4 piece STORMS bring their grunge heavy juggernaut to Broadcast in Glasgow on the 23rd of this month
Staying on the harder side of things, Hardcore nutters Beartooth will be sweating out SWG3 on the 27th November
The Hard Rock Cafe in Glasgow plays host to John McCullagh and The Escorts on the 23rd October
Dusky will be selling out SGW3 on the 20th November. Keep your eyes peeled for an interview from my good self coming soon too.
Down in Dumfries on Halloween The Squatters bring their blend of House, Garage and Bassline to The Venue. Check it out as there are definitely ones to watch.
Thats it for this week, if you need a gig reviewed then give us a shout. If you need put in touch with venues then also give us a shout. Or if you need advice, a DJ or information on running an event then again give us a shout at [email protected] or send us a message on Facebook. We are a friendly relatively talented bunch!!?!
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