Song reviews

The Merrylees, like so many Scottish bands trying to avoid the mediocrity of indie rock, draw from a gamut of American musical influences. Unfortunately, like so many bands before them, the spark of inspiration has deserted them and “For You”, whilst easy on the ear, will not trouble your memory for long.

Oddly appealing minimalism from Circle and they unleash (under cover of darkness probably) their eighties style sub electro ditty “Shake It Off”.  I must be getting mellow but this unassuming song worked for me even in the cold light of day.

A confident slice of indie rock pie from London’s The Beautiful Game, “From Angels To Enemies” has more substance than style which makes for a change. Jason Crowley has the attitude to match his voice and the guitars are actually interesting (again for a change). As a band, they are maturing nicely.

Decent vocals are the icing on the cake for “Motorway” but the fact remains that The Tax sound way too similar to the hundred and one other up and coming indie bands across this sceptred isle. I wouldn’t be surprised, however, if they had better songs than this waiting in the wings.

Another day, another rough demo by an aspiring Scottish singer songwriter…the insipid “Taxi To Glasgow” ticks all the boxes to achieve mediocrity for Johnny Graham. I am tempted to say something like” must try harder” but would imply that Johnny Graham had actually tried in the first place.

Relentlessly commercial even if possessed of a sledgehammer like subtlety, “Forever On Your Team” could make Frida Selander’s mark on the mainstream pop music scene with her voice sounding just bruised enough to give the necessary credibility to the lyrics. I might get to like this one.

“Basket Press” is about as nice an example of mellow ambient rock as you will get. Apricot Rail meander aimlessly and endearingly through the five minutes plus of this poshed up soundtrack cue but are always easy on the ear and the song leaves you in no doubt regarding this band’s musical abilities.

What happened here? The Deep Red Sky that I remember was a band that knew a thing about adding sparkle to a song. The most interesting thing about “Zombies (Things Don't Stay The Same)" is the title and you will be hard pushed to distinguish this song from those of any of a dozen other insipid Edinburgh indie bands. A disappointment indeed.

I’m not really sure what to make of “Spaceship Swagger” by rapper on something or other RMR321Bo. It could be serious, it could be ironic or it could be the result of some substance abuse but with theremin like noises, dead beats and simplistic rhymes (me so down on the street talk, innit) it has an oddball appeal.

“We Are All The Universe” turns out to be an energetic and melodic slice of civilised rock music from what I assume is a new Glasgow band Enemies of the State.  Confident vocals from Kris Tennant – I recognise that name – and an upbeat sing-along chorus add sonic potency to the spirited guitar that drives the song along.  Promising.

The laptop takes control of “Ten Reasons To Be Happy” and makes every effort to destroy the downbeat charms of Gordon Duthie’s voice and doom laden lyrics with the kind of computerised ineptness that just annoys your ears into switching the damn thing off. An opportunity wasted.

Relentlessly derivative but none the worse for that, Faux Ferocious steal a riff or four from the here, there and everywhere of pop history and use said riffs to decorate “Right on Track”. The lo-fi sound loses the vocals somewhere in the mix but I don’t suppose the words matter as much as the feel. Hozac, here they come!