Song reviews

Rolling it on down the river are Scottish and Man’s Ruin. They claim to be an experimental folk band but “Working For The Man” is nothing less than toughened up country rock mixed with big city words. All credit to them however for sounding like red meat is their staple diet.

Summer must be on its way and Australian indie poppers Hungry Kids of Hungary look set to the official provider of a sunshine song for the season. “Sharpshooter” is nicely edgy in its sonic style and has the all important big chorus to get you singing along. I am feeling the heat already.

With the song truly in her heart, Elvira Stitt demonstrates a surprising – especially for one so young -- mastery the of big ballad style with “Headstrong”. She handles the poetic lyrics with poise and feeling which is much more than might reasonably expect of a singer songwriter on the way up. Genuine Glasgow talent and I don’t say that very often.

Another day, yet another singer songwriter. This time it is the turn of Scottish wandering minstrel William Freeman to take a shot at fame and his song,  “Lend A Hand”,  is a touch melancholy, played with sensitivity and dexterity and would nicely accompany a walk on the mellow side. A convincing performance then but, perhaps unfortunately for him, there are many more like him out there.

Another day another singer songwriter. Harriet Jones has an appealing voice and – assuming she wrote "In The Basement" – a pretty solid songwriting skill set. However, the clumsy and clunky arrangement robs the song of any momentum leaving Ms. Jones rather more exposed than she needs to be. If thus song were to be re-recorded professionally then I am certain that she would make a much better impression.

Driven along mercilessly by a nervous guitar, “Summer Wine” seems a positively whimsical song for someone like Daniel Badeie. That said, a good pop song is what it is and, with summer approaching, “Summer Wine” should find many friendly ears ready to fall for its inescapable charm.

Swedish five men and maids in a row doing the deeply meaningful deed thing, Bernard and Bianca go quite large on the emotion with a swelling chorus driving “Karelia” along. It’s a bit indie, it’s a bit power pop and it is sure to get them over the half way mark on the bill at any major European festival this year.

“Michael In The War” is a somewhat lackadaisical sort of anti-war song that falls short of actual protest. The primitive band in a box production does however hint at Apples in Stereo as an influence but the end result, in all honesty, sounds incomplete and a bit awkward.

Edgy and sitting upon the edge of indie rock territory, Cloneasaurus – as musicians anyway- sound more than a little uncertain throughout “Strongbad the Good dancer” which is at odds with the clearly confident male vocals. Give them a bit of time to mature. That’s what I say.

Making a reasonably convincing attempt at being soulful, Lloyd Glen struts his laconic stuff on “King On A Copper Throne” to decent effect. The words fit the mood but a bit more passion in the presentation would not have gone amiss.

Despite being but a one man and a laptop band, Aberdeen’s Sam Lumsden exceeds expectations with “Into the Light”. He sounds commercial but has more than enough edge to make a lady’s heart flutter. If this song is indicative of what we can expect from him, there is a clear and present danger that he could do decent festival business.

Modern day electro pop from Strangers. Whilst there is not much innovative to the music, you have to admire the emotive vocals courtesy of David Maddox-Jones and Eleanor Fletcher that make “Something New” something a bit special.