It’s an exciting time for Scottish music. Camera Obscura are set to release fourth full length My Maudlin Career, Kris Drever, John McCusker and Roddy Woomble have joined forces to form a folk behemoth, and now relative newcomers Butcher Boy have released their second album React Or Die.
End of the Road Festival announces more acts
The lovely chaps at End of the Road, where FFS was launched last year, have announced the latest hatful of musicians to grace this year’s shenanigans.
EP Review: First Aid Kit – Drunken Trees
Drunken Trees really isn’t a bad name for a record that would provide the perfect soundtrack for a cider-soaked spring picnic in the park. The mix of languid guitars, interweaving vocal harmonies and perfectly charming lyrics might seem a bit familiar, and though it doesn’t necessarily push boundaries, there can be no doubt that Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg have crafted a wee nugget of loveliness here.
For Folk’s Sake Interview: Sean Rawls from Still Flyin’
What a palaver it has been to bring you this interview. FFS traversed the mean streets of London last month to see Still Flyin’ at Proud Galleries in Camden. After a delight of an interview with frontman and founder Sean Rawls, and a stonker of a set in which the 11-piece band brought some much needed California sunshine to a rain-soaked London, we went on to have our bag stolen, dictaphone and all. We weren’t pleased. But fear not, Rawls is such an obliging chap, that he agreed to do it all over again by email. And he’s thrown Still Flyin”s tips for a rip-roaring Easter too.
Album Review: It Hugs Back – Inside Your Guitar
I’m sure I’m not alone in my pre-occupation with this band’s name. What is ‘It’? A kitten? Your drunken Uncle? The monster under your bed? Even more disconcerting then, is the suggestion that whatever ‘it’ is may well be lurking inside your guitar, waiting, perhaps, to catch you off guard before bursting forth and squeezing the hell out of you. Terrifying. But totally untrue, of course, so let me brew a cup of calming herbal tea and relax, for this is a band best enjoyed in a restful atmosphere.
Album: The Martin Green Machine – First Sighting
Play. A strange voice: “I love the accordion. It is a beautiful instrument.”
Aaaaaaaaaagggggggghhhhh. Stop the horrid accordion. Please I beg of you, no more. Please sto – oh you have. And now there are some lovely guitars. And a lush bass line. And suddenly the accordion is the beautiful instrument you promised us Mr Green (Machine).