SPRING has sprung, the grass has risen and you can almost hear the echoes of live music drawing closer on the summer horizon.

However, we have something far more exciting than a chocolate egg this Easter weekend: brand new releases, perfect for hyping you up for what’s yet to come.

Feast your ears this Bandcamp Friday.
 

Distant Images – Echoes

Bandcamp link

Glasgow based indie-pop duo, Jilly and Macca, have put their multi-instrumentalist talents to incredible use in this new track — feeling almost like a modern spin-off from the Shoegaze greats.

One-line review: “Subtle synths and an ambient feel; the perfect brew for an atmospheric, goosebump-inducing track.”

FFO: Cocteau Twins, Crimson Bloom, Apollo Junction, M83, Slowdive 
 

SheBeat – Homecoming Queen

Bandcamp link

Through a multitude of influences and genres ranging from the country works of Dolly Parton to her own simple yet progressive approach of indie-folk, West Midlands based SheBeat showcases her talent for creating brilliance in simplicity in her new single. 

One-line review: “Homecoming Queen feels uniquely nostalgic, straying far from complexity yet perfectly in touch with rhythm, timbre and atmosphere through its charming elements.”

FFO: Brian Jonestown Massacre, Indoor Foxes, Josephine Sillars  
 

Steve Grozier – Power in the Light

Bandcamp link

After playing at Europe’s largest country music festival, earning him great success in the country music scene, there is no doubt that Grozier has earned his place as a force to be reckoned with. His consistency in releasing top class singles has yet to falter.

One-line review: “The warmth of a sweet, endearing acoustic synonymous with all alternative country tracks is present right up until the last 30 seconds, where the power of an electric solo has the capacity to propel you into another dimension.”

FFO: Ben Howard, Leif Vollebekk, City & Colour, Jose Gonzalez
 

Katie Gregson-MacLeod – Games I Play

Bandcamp link

Inverness born Indie pop artist, Katie Gregson-MacLeod, has yet again proven that years of musical perseverance and dedication to her passion has truly paid off, with the release of this enchanting single which is soon to feature on her upcoming debut EP of the same title. 

One-line review: “You won’t be able to tell apart the nod of agreement and the nod from the catchy beat throughout listening to this instantly relatable, toe-tapping track.”

FFO: Eleanor Hickey, Rachel Jack, Maya Herlihy, Josephine Sillars, Pretty Preachers Club
 

Vistas – Start Again

Noted as one of the most promising indie bands in not just Scotland, but the UK, Vistas have quickly gained recognition far and wide, reaching over half a million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their bright, upbeat presence in the scene continues with this new release.

One-line review: “Start Again is a maturely optimistic track, avoiding the tackiness of what most upbeat mainstream artists portray, this feels energetic without overbearing, catchy without repetitiveness and a statement piece for your sounds of the summer.”

FFO: Courteeners, The Snuts, Gerry Cinnamon, Declan McKenna, Blossoms, Sam Fender, Circa Waves, The Kooks
 

Niall Gibson – Wasting Yesterday 

Starting his musical journey in 2019, this Glaswegian singer/songwriter has put a whole new twist on the indie-folk genre by adding elements of his native Scottish heritage to his music and exuding the warmth of home comfort in this new single.

One-line review: “Infused with rich Celtic undertones, this feels traditionally homely yet refreshingly advanced.” 

FFO: Gerry Cinnamon, REM, Skerryvore, Runrig

 

Kait – Charms 

Glasgow based singer/songwriter, KAIT, gained musical momentum from studying at the Glasgow School of Art after leaving her Highland home city of Inverness. Her move has proved to be the first step in a promising career, resulting in the release of her debut EP “Five” which this single forms a part of.

One-line review: “Introduced with the jangling of a western-feeling guitar, KAIT’s ethereal vocals simultaneously guide us and warn us of the chameleon abilities held by others on this spectacular three-minute journey.”

FFO: Rianne Downey, Rachel Jack, Maya Herlihy, Amy MacDonald
 

The Vegan Leather – Who’s Knocking On My Door? 

Bandcamp link

Forming in 2014, this Paisley based art-pop band have been climbing from strength to strength within the Scottish music scene, even having their animated masterpiece accompanying their song “Gloaming” shortlisted for The Weekender’s Music Video of the year Awards. Since then, their drive has not slowed down with the release of this fantastic new single.

One-line review: “It will be success knocking on the door for Vegan Leather, after releasing a single with such energy, force and impetus."

FFO: The Ninth Wave, Distant Images, Cloth, Retro Video Club, Man of Moon
 

HYYTS – Blue and White

The Glasgow-based duo, Adam and Sam, boast an incredible 38,000 monthly listeners on Spotify from all over the UK, making them up and coming sensations outwith the Scottish Music Scene and this new single is a testament as to why.

One-line review: “The quintessential track to define the feel, energy and vibrance of alternative pop.”

FFO: Dev Green, Years and Years, Kings Klub
 

Christie Oliver (Ft. Adam Scott) – Crazy

The 19-year-old, West Lothian singer showcases her inspiration in this new single from a whole range of Scottish music scene founding mothers and fathers such as Paolo Nutini, The View and Amy MacDonald. 

One-line review: “Though it’s clear to identify the influences from this track, Christie has a way of making this single a whole separate being, encompassing her own identity and energy.”

FFO: Abigail Pryde, Rachel Jack, Amy MacDonald, Paolo Nutini