Song reviews

Dedicated as always to the downbeat, Finnish synth-pop duo Sin Cos Tan take another walk down melancholy street with their song “Not My Circus Not My Clowns“ adding enough in the way of frustration to become relatable.

The loops and the sequenced synthesiser suggest that “Tell Me Something Good” might be a song from yesteryear and, with retro being fashionable these days, Emma Dunlop successfully emotes introspection as if FM radio had never died.

Determinedly downbeat whilst still retaining a sort of bleak poetic sensibility, Porcelain Tongue take their song for walk through the shadows into the land of introspection. Indie boys and girls who have grown up will love this one.

“Beckoning Back” is actually rather interesting with Merrowfolk’s mix of existential lyrics, appealing female harmonies and that near indie Glasgow style guitar sound taking the listener for a pleasing stroll down the road to individuality,

Harley exudes confidence all the way through his song “Gold” and the result is radio friendly with just enough production trickery added to make the relatable lyrics sound natural. I would be surprised if this one failed to make radio playlists.

Is this another band from the past? Apparently so, and Glasgow’s once funk post punk underground nearly heroes return with “Anomaly”. The song is all edgy and angular and none the worse for all its incompatibility with today’s musical trends.

“Don’t Take Your Love” has a decent bluesy groove with the usual downbeat lyrics yet the rather crude looping and heavily processed vocals are more reminiscent of urban r&b. Virgule Marshall seems unsure which street he wants to walk down.

You don’t get much solid funk soul sounds these days but The Bamboos tread that well established track to getting your heart and feet on the move with ”Rockets and Flowers” showcasing the importance of emotive vocals and a horn section.

Scottish stalwarts Dropkick keep on keeping on in their most harmonious way with their song “Side Note” demonstrating that, even on the downbeat, they can still spread smooth peanut butter over your ears.

Staying just this side of those alt-rock tropes are Calico with their song “Gotta Go” mixing in some reggae influences to keep them from falling into the pit of mediocrity. The energetic guitar work adds the energy to keep things going.

Pleasingly and noisily retro, Trash Sound Conglomerate throw some attitude into their power punk mix of acerbic words and energetic music as they riff their way through “Uncultured At The Best of Times” whilst remaining well inside that three minute limit.

“Ursula” is about as melodically fey as a song can be without actually falling into the pit of introspection but Plant save it from consequent death by melancholia with some pretty lyrics and beard scratcher type posturing.