THE Covid–19 outbreak may well have skelped the live-music scene, but artists all over the country have not been deterred from unleashing new material.

May is now upon us and the country drifts slowly into a third month of lockdown. However, there have been some terrific tunes released in that time already.

Indeed, the Scottish music scene has been flourishing, with a plethora of live-streaming sets and creative lockdown music videos providing plenty of content for eager fans.

Today (Friday, May 1) sees releases from Be Charlotte, Billy Mitchell, Sunstinger, PRIMES and more.
 

Be Charlotte – Lights Off
Led by arguably one of Scotland's most gifted songwriters, Be Charlotte releases her second single of the year in the form of Lights Off.

One-line review: "Harmonious, anthemic and packing an impressive vocal punch."
FFO: Swim School, stmartiins, SHEARS
 

PRIMES – Moment
With pop hooks and rock beats in abundance, Falkirk's own PRIMES release their first single of 2020, a few months on from the success of Dreamer and I (read more).

One-line review: "Uplifting, reflective and ridiculously-catchy."
FFO: Feeder, The Bravery, Hunter and the Bear

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: PRIMES unveil Moment - their first single of 2020PRIMES unveil Moment - their first single of 2020


Billy Mitchell – Know You Better
Dundee singer-songwriter Billy Mitchell made waves with the release of Pyscho and follows-up with the hotly-anticipated Know You Better.

One-line review: "Bright and lively with a boss guitar melody."
FFO: Luke la Volpe, Declan Welsh and The Decadent West. 


Dead Pony (formerly CRYSTAL) – Everything is Easy
The garage-rock outfit have already started to turn a few heads and, today, make their release since changing their name.

One-line review: "Bad-ass and cool with utterly filthy guitar tones."
FFO: The Van T's, Lucia & The Best Boys, Walt Disco. 
 

North Atlas – Hypnotist
The Glasgow-based three-piece return with their follow-up to last year's single South.

One-line review: "Dark, heavy, immersive and atmospheric."
FFO: "Rob Zombie, Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: North Atlas at the Garage earlier this yearNorth Atlas at the Garage earlier this year


Rascalton – Sign of the Times
The Glasgow quartet has carved a reputation for acerbic punk rock and there is little doubt that Sign of the Times will fall short of tradition.

One-line review: "So very Rascalton - uncompromising, breathless and fierce."
FFO: The Dunts, Gallus, Paris Street Rebels
 

The Roly Mo – Diamond Doll
"Straight-up, pure rock 'n' roll from the moon" - Hard to say much more than that. Diamond Doll is the first single of 2020 from The Roly Mo.

One-line review: "Fun, infectious party rock with an edge."
FFO: Voodoos, Baby Strange, The Raconteurs 
 

The Vanities – OTC
The Vanities are one of three bands (including Rascalton and The Roly Mo) to release music today under the 7West banner. 

One-line review: "Coarse, festival-punk with a smile."
FFO: The Vines, The Subways, Parliamo
 

Sunstinger – The Void
The four-piece follow up on the release of Shimmer only a few weeks ago, with big things expected of the shoegaze Fifers in 2020.

One-line review: "Deep, moody and cathartic with a rich chorus line."
FFO: Domiciles, Helicon, Tomorrow Syndicate

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Sunstinger performing at Tut's this yearSunstinger performing at Tut's this year