2011. Year of the rabbit – a timorous beastie. This hasn’t, however, been a timorous year by any stretch in the Scottish music scene. From those who came, saw and conquered to the familiar few who’ve built on existing foundations – it’s been an up, down and unpredictable annum. But exciting with it.
As we look ahead to pastures new, it’s only fitting to tot up what’s floated our collective boat this year. Clash presents you with a suitably eclectic Christmas stocking. You’re welcome.
FESTIVALS
Forget politely sipping cider. When Scotland does a festival, we go hard. But for those of us who have rejected T in the Park in favour of something that doesn’t smell entirely of Tennents, ned and Kasabian – there are but a small and lovely selection of alternatives. From Rockness – which brought everything from the sublime (a life-changing DJ Shadow set) to the ridiculous (Two Door Cinema Club in a late-evening slot) and Wickerman – with a wonderful line-up that trailed from Echo & the Bunnymen through to The Coral and Yasmin – there was plenty to see and do. But it appeared that the hottest ticket – and arguably the most fun – was from the Fence Collective’s Homegame. Packing the might of King Creosote, The Pictish Trail, Josh T Pearson and Slow Club, it seemed like this almost-overlooked May gem was one of the events of the year.
NEW STUFF
Firstly, and most achingly hip, is Rustie. Coming from the super-cool confines of the Glasgow underground and LuckyMe Collective, this baby-faced wunderkind stepped out into the sunlight of 2011 to release his debut ‘Glass Swords’. But just because it was hip doesn’t mean it lacked heart. Testing the boundaries of dubstep in a way both thrilling and experimental – it took the threads of ideas from the ‘Sunburst’ and ‘Bad Science’ e.p’s and wove them into one of the most innovative, fully-realised and cohesive debuts released this year – Scottish or otherwise. Released on the legendary Warp imprint – which launched 20 years ago – it’s a more than worthwhile addition to their already historic vaults. It’s the first shout of an emerging voice…and sounds like it’s only going to grow stronger with time.
…And so we move to United Fruit. I’m surprising myself with this inclusion. I’m not qualified to throw around the labels and the genres in this field, but I heard ‘Kamikaze’ by chance and it took me right back. Further inspection of their latest ‘Fault Lines’ reveals a keen ear for a tune hidden away under layers of fuzzing guitars. This is the album you needed when you were 16. Pent-up, loud and totally exhilarating. Squishing together the best parts of ….Trail of the Dead and Fugazi, this gutsy and genuine noise is set to light up your life for many moons to come.
On the other side of the fence, we have Emile Sande. A duet with Professor Green yes, but it would be churlish to deny an undoubtedly talented lady. Beginning her career as equal parts medical-student-and-songwriter-for-hire, a chance meeting at 1Xtra saw her move into collaboration with some of the biggest names on the U.K. urban scene – from Tinie Tempah to Wiley. A solo deal was inked in 2011 & tracks like ‘Heaven’ sprung forth – echoing all the delicious parts of 90s soul/dance. She’s truly a shining star to do Scotland proud.
From one very talented lady to another. A lot has been said, written, blogged and tweeted about Rachel Sermanni recently. That’s because she’s pretty exceptional. And she’s had a stellar year. From support tours with Mumford & Sons, an acclaimed appearance at Celtic Connections and a successful stint at SXSW – it seems that there isn’t much that she couldn’t do this year. Learning her craft in the traditional music scene of Glasgow, Sermanni has honed her live performance down to a fine art and brings to her songs a refreshing delicacy. But don’t be fooled; she’s still a force to be reckoned with. Invest in The Worthy Sessions EP’ for further proof and wait patiently for the album.
With lead singer Jonny once memorably described as the ‘Glaswegian Roy Orbison’, Strawberry Ocean Sea bring a little something more expansive to the familiar. The year began well for them – selling out a headline show at Tuts – and they’ve used the rest of it to quietly build on their existing fan base and win over some new ones with a slew of big-name supports (hello, Mona). Making big, heart-shuddering Glasgow hymns – they’ve got an epic way with a song and their eyes on other horizons. Try their latest – ‘To Live/Down by the River’ – on for size. Suck it and see. Etc.
Formerly The Controls, Jack Townes have ripped out the finest parts in their Cramps-y/rockabilly /Jonathan Richman-y record collections and streamed them out into a dark and beautiful whole. Sickeningly young, enigmatic, and in the manner of all the great groups – dressed in black & always together – they’re tipped as the bright young things. We’ll see you, and them, in 2012.
Words by Marianne Gallagher
