Battle Of The Bands: Round 9

Yesterday, on our new fortnightly Wednesday slot, my blogging, musical Moriarty (a.k.a. Neil from Scottish Fiction) and I slogged it out in the ninth round of Battle Of The Bands.  You can read the entire blow-by-blow if you look at #battleofthebandsround9 on twitter.   Or just read this summary... you're here now.

Having won the last round, rather convincingly, with the help of the mighty IndianRedLopez, I knew Neil would be out to avenge his artist's (Lovers Turn To Monsters) defeat.  This time, he'd have the pick of the three attributes, which has proved successful in 7 out of the opening 8 bouts.  So he went into Round 9 as the favourite... but that's why I rolled out my secret weapon... Arran Arctic.  Sure, he may be one man, but he's been around for the best part of a decade, has an impressive SoundCloud presence, and those two Cs make for a very decent Scrabble score.  I went into this round confident of an upset.

Unbeknownst to me, Neil had plumped for a quartet of lovely ladies to fight his battle for him.  Hear that people... he let four girls do his dirty work for him.   Shame on you!  I must say though, it was four very talented girls... TeenCanteen.

Here's a quick recap of the rules for those who, after 8 rounds, still don't have a clue what's going on.  You can read them in full over here.  This round, Neil picked the three attributes.  For each of the three, the person with the highest value gets one point... apart from the TOTAL attribute where the lowest score wins... just to mix things up.  Both get a half-point in the event of a draw and losers... get sod all!   Neil went for Average Age, Twitter Follow Ratio and there was a welcome return for this rule-bending TOTAL attribute not seen since the first round.  Disclaimer time... all stats were correct at the time of battle.

Right, here's the all-important stats.  Ding ding, Round 9...

Things were looking promising when Arran pipped the girls' in the Average Age department by a slim, one year margin.  First blood to Team Kowalskiy... but then it all went downhill from there.  After scores were levelled thanks to the Twitter Follow Ratios, Neil's TOTAL masterstroke paid off in style and he won the round by 2 points to 1.  In the end it was my high-scoring secret weapons, Arran's SoundCloud presence, 8 years of Arcticness and his two Cs, that proved to be my downfall.  Crafty Neil!

And with that, the series is once again tied. 

I say this every time, but it's not about who wins... it's all about the music!  Unless I win of course, then it's a wee bit about who wins.  Anyhoo, I'll start off the latest bout of plugging with one of my favourite artists I've had the privilege of covering on Kowalskiy... the wonderful Arran Arctic.  His brand new album Like Lovers is out on the 18^th November.  It's by far his best release to date, with Covers, Armies, and some of the gorgeous instrumentals up there as his finest moments.  Now, let me qualify that by saying I'm a huge fan of his previous five albums (all repackaged and for sale over here).  They're all good, but this one is just brilliant.  Throughout, he's made a lot of use out of his clarsach (a small harp apparently) and that sound is as refreshing as the ice-cold Arctic itself.  The biggest compliment I can pay the album though, and Arran himself, is that at times I could swear I was listening to the musical maestro Get Well Soon.  On the 18^th, you'd best look yonder!



And now, onto this round's winners.  If you cast your minds back to the early days of Kowalskiy, you might recall I featured a band called Futuristic Retro Champions a fair number of times.  Well, out of their ashes, TeenCanteen sprung earlier this year.  And from what I've heard so far, which is pretty much just How We Met (Cherry Pie), they sound like they'll be every bit as good as those retro champs.   

If my snooping serves me right, they'll be at The Glad Cafe in Shawlands ('tis a lovely wee venue) this Friday (i.e. TOMORROW) supporting Duglas T. Stewart of BMX Bandits fame.  And that's about it until Round 10 in a fortnight's time!  I'm off to sign up my next member of Team Kowalskiy before Neil gets his grubby hands on him/her/them. 

Kowalskiy Singles Club #18

Time for me to play matchmaker and try to set you up with another handful of hopeless romantics.  If you like the sound of any of them, then click on the artwork and let the good times rock 'n' roll.  Two puns is plenty this time 'round!  Here you go...

Here We Go/Cameraman by The Spook School

"Lonely band of mixed heights seek tolerant individuals for unexpected nudity. Must have been naked at least once before in life. Holding hands is optional and back rubs will be expected. Must have own car or at least a young person's railcard. However, we are prepared to settle for second best." - The Spook School

The Spook School have a new single out!!!  Today in fact.  Happy days!  You can get your download by clicking the artwork, or buy the 7" vinyl over on Cloudberry Records.

Sometimes/These Eyes Of Mine by Yaya Club

"Do you sometimes find yourself reminiscing in front of an open hearth with a teary eye and a fistful of single malt?  And have you ever climbed a hill in the pouring rain, just because the view helps you remember?  Then look no further:  Old-fashioned country gent seeks old-fashioned country lady for long talks and even longer walks.  Must look good in denim dungarees and a straw hat." - Darren Vincent a.k.a. Yaya Club

Can't say I've ever found myself doing any of those.  I do however, look dashing in a pair of dungarees if I don't say so myself.  This is one of those pay-what-you-like efforts from Yaya Club, and a great one at that!   

Get Some Scars by Lux Lisbon

"Melancholic, wistful, see-saw swaying melody stuck in the past SEEKS - 4 sad souls joined in emphatic harmony to sing it's uplifting affecting refrain, and dance to it's serious yet elusive groove. MUST BE - big hearted without being loud, simple without being insipid. MUST LIKE - protests against a musical age known for robotic technological banality and pretending that, yes, it's all going to be alright after all. Oh, and the ill-fated middle Lisbon sister from the 1999 Sofia Copolla film 'Virgin Suicides'." - Lux Lisbon

Lux Lisbon aren't strictly Scottish... in fact, they're not Scottish at all.  But when someone emails you saying they were put onto you by their friend scrawling "Kowalskiy" onto a beer mat one night, how could you not have a wee listen?!  Thankfully I did, cos this is great... FREE too!

Covers by Arran Arctic

"Misery guts seeks tortured soul mate to share king-sized double (mustn't hog the covers!). Enjoys wistfully caressing harps and pretending to be Joanna Newsom... and playing with torches in dark rooms. Call me! www.arranarctic.com" - Arran Southall

Arran Arctic is back!  It's been a while ol' chum.  This is Covers, the first single from his new, upcoming album Like Lovers.  Ooh, that rhymes!  He's a clever man that Arran, even if he is a misery guts!

Napoleon Loves Josephine by We Are The Physics

"Four lonely sociopaths seek new host for parasitic lifestyle. Must be willing to alter name, appearance and gender as required. Good sense of humour unnecessary. Must enjoy long walks on the beach, movies, mutual manipulation and the ability to administer and receive emotional abuse over a period of many years. Bearded, lion-esque light entertainment TV presenters need not apply." - We Are The Physics

My rekindled love affair with We Are The Physics continues.  This is the third single to be taken from the four lonely sociopath's second album Your Friend, The Atom. With any luck, we'll be hearing a bit more from them about that album soon... I've said too much!

It Doesn't Even Have To Be You by How To Swim

"Fun-loving miseryguts WLTM similar, different, or anything for protracted period of co-existence." - Gregor Barclay (How To Swim)

Completing the lonely-hearted half-dozen are another firm favourite of mine, How To Swim.  Short but sweet from our second misery guts of the day.  It's the lead single from new album Niagarama and is yours to download on a name-your-price by clicking the artwork.

Coastal Skid Spy Wok v22.0

NOTCAST TIME!!  For those not in the know, I don't do podcasts.  I have as much interest in hunching over a microphone for an hour than you do listening to my monotone for that length of time.  So this is my non-vocal, SoundCloud alternative... hence, notcast.  It makes sense in my head!  Anyhoo, on to this week's selections which we'll kick off with this masterpiece from one of my most-anticipated albums of the year.

   Mona Lisa by Trapped Mice (courtesy of Armellodie Records)

That is of course the brilliant Trapped Mice.  Their debut album, Winter Sun, isn't out until the 5^th of November via Armellodie Records, but you can pre-order it over here.   Speaking of Armellodie... remember they did this for little ol' me??   As well as a wee, free taster from Trapped Mice, there's also one from Cuddly Shark, who as-luck-would-have-it also have a release coming out.  Have a listen to the lead track from their Body Mass Index EP.

   Body Mass Index by Cuddly Shark (courtesy of Armellodie Records)

This one's a wee belter too, and you don't have to wait too long to get your hands on it.  It's out on the 8^th of October but again, you can pre-order it here.  Both those Armellodie tracks are free so knock yourself out.  Right, let's move on to another of Scotland's great, indie labels now... Song, By Toad Records - home of the mighty Meursault.  Their third full-length offering Something For The Weakened is one of the year's finest, and Dull Spark is one of the many highlights.

   Dull Spark by Meursault (courtesy of Song, by Toad Records)

Dull Spark is the second single from the album and can be bought on vinyl here.  If you haven't already done so though, get your hands on the album itself direct from Mr. Toad.  Now it's time for a blast from the past... who remembers Esmé?  I'll be honest... I don't.  But given this track was re-recorded by founder member and Kowalskiy-favourite Wiredrawn, and they contained members of Won Mississippi, it was always going to pique my interest. 

   You Wanted An Indestructible Body? Well, We've Built One For You by Wiredrawn

That one's free too.  Wiredrawn is a lovely man!  We'll have two more then I'm done.  The penultimate track is the latest, and first in a while, from Arran Arctic.  It's the first single to be taken from Arran's new album Like Lovers which will be released later this year.  'Tis a very welcome return!

   Covers by Arran Arctic

And it's also FREE!  Last up, and now sporting a 'V' instead of the more-conventional 'U', this is the fantastic second track from the Scottish-music phenomenon that is CHVRCHES.  

   The Mother We Share by CHVRCHES

The Mother We Share can be bought on 10" vinyl over here.  Even if you don't have a record player, this how much it'll fetch on eBay in 5 years time! 

So that's me done for another week.  Before I go, I'd just like to remind you to remember, remember, the 5^th of November when the brilliant Trapped Mice debut hits the shelves. 

Arran Arctic - In My Hands

It's not a coincidence that when I start a new feature on Kowalskiy, there's one person I turn to and try to rope into road-testing the idea.  Thankfully, he seems to always say "yes". This, not fussy/overly trusting/easily swayed [delete as appropriate] guy is, of course, my favourite Edinburgh-dwelling Northern Irishman, Arran Arctic.  OK, so he's the only one I know, but that doesn't stop him from being one of my favourite singer-songwriters around just now.  Plus, he's a true gent to boot!

Odds are, if you're no stranger to these parts, you'll have heard of him.  Ever since he sent me a copy of his last album The Boy In Brown, I've been a fan.   So much so, I pinched one of his earlier tracks for Kowalskiy EP #1.  Since then, Arran's fair been dishing out the freebies himself with the first three singles (Interrupt Me, The Door and All That I Can Do) from his new release, his 5^th album, In My Hands, all being given away.

The new album came out yesterday, and as per usual, Arran has served up a treat.  Compared to his last offering, it sees a different side to him.  Gone is the haunting D.I.Y. folk, replaced by some beautifully-crafted electro-dreampop, if such a genre exists.  Kinda like The Radio Dept. in their early days complimented by Arran's natural Irish charm and soothing tones.  The whole package is pretty damn good!  The three freebies Arran led with were a great introduction to the album and got me a wee bit excited in the run up to its release.  It's the stunning penultimate track The Wire though, that has had me reaching for the repeat button.  Give it a whirl...

It's an album to stick on and as the ol' cliché goes, lose yourself in.  Just be careful you're able to find your way back out of its clutches.  At the risk of offending Arran (and countless others out there)... it's a craic-er!

You can get your hands on the album over here as a name-your-price download or you can bag yourself a hand-packaged CD.  Here's what the man himself had to say:

"I’m really glad to have this record out of my system. It’s been a tough few years, but the reward is more than worth it; to have my work out in the world, out of my head and into people’s hearts and minds... And now I sleep".

It's definitely been worth it mate.  Now, quit slacking and get back to work!

Kowalskiy Singles Club #1

You may have noticed that I've never really featured singles or one-off tracks on Kowalskiy... I guess I prefer to review and plug EPs and albums, though I barely find time to do that.  This year though, as a mini-resolution, I've decided to try and give the singles out there the love and attention they so desperately desire.  Already this year, and at the tail-end of 2010, there's been some cracking examples released that deserve a wee bit of your time.  Whatever your musical tastes, I think I've found a track just for you.  One you'll wanna take home with you.  So, without much further ado, welcome to the first gathering of the Kowalskiy Singles Club.  Here's the first batch of singles looking to win a place in your hearts (and mp3 players) this month.  If you like the look of them, and what they have to say for themselves, then click on the cover art and get "downloading"...

Radar by The Son(s)

"Film lover, GSOH, GCH, DG. Broad minded & compassionate, loyal & strong-willed Northern lass seeks partner in crime for lots of laughs. Responses to PO BOX Kowalskiy Singles Club." - A Son

Turns out someone in The Son(s) is up on his lonely hearts lingo!  Radar came out on Jan 17^th on Eli and Oz Records with their self-titled debut set for a March release through Olive Grove Records.

The Hare Versus The Bear by Dear Mountaineer

"Age: Two months
Occupation: Digital music track
Area: Glasgow
Looking for: Friends for a long-term relationship
In his/her own words: "Mixed gender indie pop with eight arms seeks like minded male and females for twee orgies in sweaty basement venues.“ - Jonathan McGourlay (Dear Mountaineer)

The single will be released this month over on their bandcamp. It's worth saying, that in Digital-music-track-years, two months is perfectly legal for twee orgies.

Apparitions by Fiction Faction

"Ghostly tale looking for indie/electronic loving listener" - Dave Richards (Fiction Faction)

Fiction Faction's debut single Apparitions, codename (17SEC25) is released on 17 Seconds Records on 31^th Jan with a Nevada Base remix of A Fair Escape as B-side. Until then, you can hear it over on their SoundCloud.

The Radio Plays For Me by Rose Parade

"I am very easy to pick up! Listen to me and spread the word... like I spread my STDs" - Rose Parade
Soooo, I guess you could say it's very catchy in a few senses of the word!  If that kinda thing appeals to you, and to be honest, a track this good should, then the single can be streamed over on SoundCloud and is the opening track to their Grace EP.  

The Whites Of Our Eyes by Braindead Collective feat. Rob St. John

"The Whites Of Our Eyes is an atmospheric, plain chant multi guitar drone hymnal recorded in the oldest church in Oxford on the coldest day of the year, with mics and amps strewn strategically throughout the pews. We've poured our love and our time into trying to make something worth hearing and every penny goes to homeless charity Shelter. Give it a listen, and if you like it throw a few digital coins in our software begging bowl." - Seb Reynolds (Braindead Collective)
Released on 13^th Dec, all proceeds from this great 7-minute collaboration go to a very worthy cause.  Can't recommend highly enough that you give this charitable wee soul a home.

All That I Can Do - Arran Arctic

"Lonely local discothèque moper seeks object to admire from afar.  Enjoys jangly guitar pop (The Smiths) and shimmering pop noisescapes (Asobi Seksu). For 5 minutes and 14 seconds of free aural pleasure, contact via www.arranarctic.com/music. Warning, hearts may be bruised." - Arran Southall (Arran Arctic)
Tugs at the heartstrings doesn't it?  This is the third free single from Arran's upcoming album In My Hands, set for release at the end of the month.
 

Arran Arctic - Interrupt Me

As promised two months ago, Arran Arctic has now released his latest single Interrupt Me for free over on his website, and as expected, it's every bit as good as the last one. For the best in dreamy, glitchy rock, look no further than the one man Radio Dept.

Not content with that freebie, Arran has for the first time made his entire back catalogue available to download under the 'Free Music Philosophy', or as someone once said (and I've pinched) 'Listen! Like? Buy!'. Click on the cover art down below and have a wee listen.

Kowalskiy's Free Monthly 5-track Scottish EP #1

Mark your calendars folks! The 16^th of each month shall forever be known as Kowalskiy's Free 5-track Scottish EP Day. Catchy, eh? From now on, I'll endeavour to bring you a free EP featuring 5 cracking exclusive/rare tracks from some of Scotland's best up-and-coming bands. For the first in what will hopefully be a series of many, I asked 5 of my favourite artists at the moment to contribute. For some reason I'm still trying to suss out, they all said a very enthusiastic yes!

These kind, brave souls, and their tracks appearing on EP #1, are:

1. Curators - "Turn The Lights Down" (from their eagerly-anticipated, as-of-yet untitled, debut album)

"As far as Lights goes, it is relatively straight forward. I suppose you could say that it's about domestic disharmony being overcome by hearing a good song on the radio, but that sounds a bit wanky. Let's call it a love song to the art of the single." - Jon Dick (Curators)

2. Punch & The Apostles - "Wintertime Blues" (from their upcoming "Meat In Summerland" album)

"The song was written during the winter of 08/09 whilst three of the band were living in a small cottage in Ayrshire. We had no heating or hot water because we couldn't afford to buy oil, so would huddle round the fireplace as late as possible. Because of the lack of heating we started developing damp problems, with mould appearing on shoes, jackets and bedding. It was great in some ways to have that seclusion, but the conditions made it pretty unbearable at times. We lasted the winter out and then moved back to the city in April. That's the song." - Rory Haye (Punch & the Apostles)

3. Arran Arctic - "Ask For It" (opening track from his debut album)

"This track appeared on the first Arran Arctic record (By The Sea) way back in 2005. 'Ask For It' was one of my earliest songs, which I'd originally written because a friend of mine at school was quite a prolific songwriter, and I felt guilty because I thought I was somehow stealing his thunder. You can find videos of this track being performed live at www.arranarctic.com/videos. I may re-record it in order to perform it live alongside some of the new tracks from the forthcoming album 'In My Hands'." - Arran Southall (Arran Arctic)

4. The Martial Arts - "Empty Out Here (demo)" (which was only recorded and mastered this week.)

"This is the demo for new song 'Empty Out Here' as recorded in my kitchen by myself, though I got Gregor Barclay in to add some handclaps and Nicola West, also of How To Swim, in to play some 'Good Vibrations' cello on the outro - let's face it, you can't do that with Reason. Joe Kane kindly mastered it and I used Jeremy Mills' bass guitar after he left it at mine. The song itself has some Spector-like ambitions with the tiniest hint of Squeeze's 'Maidstone' thrown in for any Record Collector readers to spot." - Paul Kelly (The Martial Arts)

5. Cancel The Astronauts - "Could You Love Me? (live)" (rare live version of a previously unreleased track)

"The inspiration behind Could You Love Me? is, like every CTA song (sadly), an unrequited love song. Awkward boy meets gorgeous girl, chases her around the schoolyard, and years later hides her body in his fridgefreezer. We've all been there. Recorded live at Studio Kay in summer 2009, it will probably be a B-side one day. It has a delightful guitar riff, even if Kieran does say so himself." - Matt Riley (Cancel The Astronauts)

Thanks to each and every one of them for giving up their time, and song, to get this idea off the ground. I can't thank them enough!

Anyway, for those who like the sound of it, the EP is now up for free download on my shiny new bandcamp site. Hope you enjoy it!

As a warning to all you bands out there, I have a shortlist for EP #2 and I'll be in touch soon! Although if you have a mouthwatering exclusive or rare track and fancy appearing on a future EP, feel free to send me a wee email.

Arran Arctic - The Door

Good news folks! Arran Arctic is back with his new single "The Door", the first from new album "In My Hands". And in true gentlemanly fashion, Arran has put it up as a free download on his website!

It's a bit of a change in direction from his previous material. It's still undeniably Arran but he's only gone and upped the tempo with a nod or two to The Radio Dept. If it's a taste of what to expect from the upcoming album then it could be very, very good indeed. I can't wait!

Have a listen for yourself...

Arran Arctic - The Door from Arran Arctic on Vimeo.

You've got until 1st September to get your hands on it before it's replaced by another single. If that's not enough, you can still get your free acoustic version of "Tight Lipped Lover" if you sign up to his mailing list.

Arran Arctic - Leith FM Session (03/05/10)

Gearing up for Thursday's gig at The 13th Note, Arran Arctic stopped by the Leith FM studios last night and performed two tracks: one from his 2005 debut album "By The Sea", and another from his recent release "The Boy In Brown". Here you go!

Download: Arran Arctic - Leith FM Session (03/05/10)

Tracklisting
1. Ask For It
2. A Cold Wind

Once again, if you're not looking forward to a night in front of the tele watching Peter Snow and his Swing-o-meter, then pop along to The 13th Note if Arran floats your boat. All details can be found here.

Peenko's Friday Freebies feat. Kowalskiy! April Roundup

Now for a roundup of my April contributions to Peenko's Friday Freebies.

Week #1 - Wolf Parade/Swan Lake/Sunset Rubdown's Spencer Krug new solo Moonface project has put his 20 minute, 1-track "Dreamland EP: marimba and shit-drums" EP up for free download.

Week #2 - This one is a bit special... a free download of "Emily Rose" from Three Blind Wolves' outstanding debut album.

Week #3 - Shambles' pal, Andrew Lindsay has a bunch of cracking freebies up on his bandcamp page.

Week #4 - Remember Hope Of The States? Remember how amazing they were? Well essentially they're back, although with a new name and a different line-up. The Northwestern have 2 tracks up for grabs if you're willing to trade them your email address. Also, Gogol Bordello return with new album "Trans-Continental Hustle", from which you can download opening track "Pala Tute" for free.

Week #5 - Featured this one on the blog earlier on in the week but its a good 'un! Arran Arctic is giving away an acoustic version of "Tight Lipped Lover" if you sign up to his mailing list.

Glasgowbound: Arran Arctic

Do you remember Arran Arctic? I featured him and his "The Boy In Brown" album back in January. Well, Arran recently announced he is making the trip along the M8 in early May to perform in Glasgow for the first time. I asked him how he was feeling about playing at The 13th Note:

"I'm not feeling too bad about playing Glasgow for the first time. Although I may have a nervous breakdown minutes before I go onstage, only to pull myself back from the precipice of disaster at the last minute!

I'm trying not to worry about it, because I'm not too sure what to expect. Normally I'd check a venue out before I decided to gig there, but I'm plunging head first into this one. At the very least, I'm hoping the audience will be kind. The venue is a vegan / vegetarian restaurant - how could they not be?!"

Dunno about that, I know some pretty ruthless veggies! Anyway, if you're thinking about going, then here's what you can expect according to Arran himself:

"Since I'm testing the Merchant City waters with this gig, I'll be playing solo. For this, there are a couple of reasons:
a) It's logistically easier to transport 1 person, rather than 3 to the venue on time.
b) If it all goes tits up, I'll be able to make a hasty exit!

In seriousness, the audience will hear my songs in their most truthful and direct form. I've also recently been revisiting some older material as well, so there will definitely be some surprises in the set list that new fans may not have come across. The other two acts (Fram, My Lady of Clouds) are both great, so I'll stick my neck out and say it'll be a great night"

Details

Who: Edinburgh-based D.I.Y. musician Arran Arctic
What: 30-minute solo acoustic set
Where: The 13th Note
When: 6th May, 8pm
With: Sandwiched between My Lady Of Clouds and headliners Fram
Worth: £5 (tickets available on the door)

Arran is giving away an acoustic version of "Tight Lipped Lover" free to anyone who signs up to his mailing list. Just head HERE! If you do, and you go to the gig, Arran has another wee freebie for you... your very own, handmade Arctic wristband.

...Arran Arctic!

Last week I received an email from Arran Southall a.k.a. Arran Arctic with an mp3 from his recent "The Boy In Brown" album. I'm not usually drawn to one-man-bands but this really is lovely stuff! Having listened to the whole album it's staggering how much effort has gone into making it, especially considering all the of instruments intricately layered and blended together. Like I said, it's lovely stuff. And any album that kicks off with some classic King Creosote-esque accordion is great in my book!

The Boy In Brown can be bought here (highly recommended!) and as a wee taster you can download the lovely Tight Lipped Lover below. If you like what you hear then Arran will be doing a gig at the Secret CDs evening on 3rd February (7:30pm) in the Phoenix Cellar Bar on Broughton Street in Edinburgh!

mp3: Arran Arctic - Tight Lipped Lover