WITH the clocks going forward this coming Sunday, that’s an hour less to listen to all your favourite Scottish artists, but don’t let that deter you as that’s one more reason for jam-packing this Friday’s new releases into your weekend. 


Tonto - Down the Hatch

This Alloa-based rock and roll quartet have not only kickstarted the summer but also their musical success with a brand new release full of volume, vibrance and velocity, giving us a taster of the big things to come.   

One-line review: “There’s yet to be a more intoxicating riff released this year than the topical and  appropriately-named ‘Down the Hatch’— Beer gardens have never sounded so good.” 

FFO: Libertines, Twenty Four, Arctic Monkeys, Shambolics, Victoria Sponge, Oasis 
 

Cody Feechan - Breathe 

Raised in a musical family with inspirations such as Janis Joplin, Fife singer Cody Feechan was late to the gigging scene but once that ball was rolling, it only picked up momentum which has been perfectly affirmed in Breathe. 

One-line review: “Rock and pop can be a tricky partnership to perpetuate in the music world, but in this new single; Cody makes it feel effortless and sustainable.” 

FFO: Lucia & The Best Boys, KT Tunstall, Texas 
 

Tom Vevers - Always On My Mind 

Gaining a lot of recognition in the Scottish music scene over the years, Tom Vevers has become an artist renowned for his moving performances from playing some of Scotland’s most well-known festivals such as ButeFest and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His new single is just another example of the capacity of his words to really speak to you. 

One-line review: “Graceful vulnerability sung through the notes of a strong, emotive voice — one that will sting an open wound with its ability to connect with you.” 

FFO: Damien Rice, The Script, Lewis Capaldi, Cameron Ledwidge, Paolo Nutini 
 

Felix and the Sunsets - Leaning on the Next Train 

Shattering the tedious existence that the times have presented us with and adding refreshing zest to the Scottish music scene; three-piece band Felix and the Sunsets have provided us with yet another fantastical, stellar release to cure cases of lockdown musical monotony. 

One-line review: “Swing drums, piano trills and Felix reminding us that it won’t be long until we can leave on our next train and join him on the escapism to the vibrancy of a better place.”

FFO: Frank Zappa, The 13th Floor Elevators, Love, Quicksilver Messenger
 

Mayah Herlihy - Follow The Sunshine 

At just 14 years old, country singer-songwriter Maya Herlihy proves that age does not define quality and maturity when it comes to music. Her second self-written single Follow The Sunshine is sure to set the bar high for other country singers, especially after her debut single topped the UK Country Charts earlier this year. 

One-line review: “Though sugary sweet, Maya’s voice still manages to surpass the youthful limitations of most young voices, with a gentle maturity in this single’s writing and sound.”  

FFO: Rianne Downey, Abigail Pryde, Rachel Jack, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton 
 

Rianne Downey - Stand Your Ground 

Everything in Rianne’s life (from busking on the streets of Glasgow and live streaming during lockdown) had been leading up to the moment of her debut single Fuel to the Flame, but that was only a precursor for bigger things to come like her new single Stand Your Ground. 

One-line review: “There’s a real optimism in this song — optimised by careful modulation— that reaches out to hand you the reins that you should’ve taken back long ago.”

FFO: Rachel Jack, Abigail Pryde, Maya Herlihy, Taylor Swift

 

Gunke - Football

This three-piece Glasgow band have been working on the secret ingredient for crowd-loving alternative rock and they’ve hit the nail on the head with this new single; a tablespoon of optimism. 

One-line review: “Alternative rock has never sounded so progressive, meticulously untamed and simply… bright.” 

FFO: The Cribs, Yuck, Bombay Bicycle Club 
 

Baby Strange - I Want to Believe 

Baby Strange have quickly become one of the best breakout bands of 2021 and one worth watching. For only a trio, this Glasgow-based indie punk rock band have left no gaps in their sound and no shortage of volume.   

One-line review: “A fantastic example of what modern punk rock should provoke in people: This single is perfectly unnerving and equally as enthralling.” 

FFO: Idles, SLAVES, Franky’s Evil Party, Happydaze
 

Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 - This is Your House

“Expect the unexpected” the bright yellow eleven-piece genre-hopping Glasgow-based group tell its audience and that motto rings very true for its new genre concoction ‘This is Your House’ which forms part of their EP of the same name. 

One-line review: “Fresh, flagrant and funky: Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 are back spreading peace, love and mustard through their modern disco-infused track.” 

FFO: LMFAO, Daft Punk 
 

Josephine Sillars - Desperate Characters 

Glasgow-based artist, Josephine Sillars, has aced the coalition of powerful production through her depiction of dark realities and graceful instrumentalism in the sweetness of this new track. 

One-line review: “There’s a certain technique that goes into choosing samples for an instrumental piece of music and Josephine has aced it by covering current affairs and its impact on human experience and emotion — simply powerful.” 

FFO: Rianne Downey, Melanie Martinez, Declan McKenna, Indoor Foxes
 

Pretty Preachers Club - Ask if I’m Ok

This pop-duo have made an incredible entrance into the Scottish music scene, emerging from Glasgow and gaining recognition for their debut single ‘Nothing Like You’.

One-line review: “Like sweet and salty, the indie-pop and folk vocals of Martha and Hannah with the support of an 80s synth create the perfect balance for a smooth, earthy blend.” 

FFO: Indoor Foxes, Eleanor Hickey, Pale Waves, The 1975, Sports Team
 

Tijuana Bibles - Human Touch

This Coatbridge four-piece have an impressive touring history and this new single will be another head-banging, crowd-provoking track to add to their setlist. 

One-line review: “A topical song that explores the effects of missing one of nature’s greatest gifts - human touch, and the existentialism that this can provoke as a result.”  

FFO: Baby Strange, Pleasure Heads