Coastal Skid Spy Wok v3.0

Onto my third notcast now and I must say, I love putting them together. There's far too much great music on SoundCloud not to. So, if you enjoy listening/reading half as much as I have making it, then I'd be pretty chuffed! For anyone still wondering what this is all about... basically, I'm not a huge fan of podcasts. That's it in a nutshell really. So here's my minorly-tweaked alternative. Anyhoo, enough of this prattle, let's get cracking!

As always, I'll start off with the KAK... Kowalskiy's Apology Korner to me and you, where I get on my hands and knees and say sorry to a band I've shamefully neglected in recent weeks. This week, it's Glasgow D.I.Y.-pop-multiplets The Plimptons who are about to release their latest album ...Are Cynical And Bloated. "Is it any good?" you say. Why yes, yes it is. And to prove my point, here's the titular track which is rather unsurprisingly also called Cynical and Bloated.

   Cynical and Bloated by The Plimptons

And you can of course buy said latest album from here... when it comes out on the 31^st obviously. From one band with an album due soon to another (that's as smooth a link as you're likely to get around here). Well, there's demos being uploaded at various stages of readiness anyway. The band is the lovely Dirty Keys. There's something of a piano-pop revival going on these days which I have to say I'm loving! Sadly Keane, that doesn't mean you should hit the studios. This is more what I'm talking about...

The Exit (demo) by Dirty Keys

No doubt we'll be hearing a lot more from them later on in the year, just like those responsible for track three of this week's notcast... Behold, the Old Bear. Formed by Raindeer from the ashes of the sadly-defunct-now-not-sadly-returned mitchell museum, this is a new demo that surfaced a few weeks ago. If mm hadn't returned, BtOB would have certainly softened the blow and helped fill the odd-pop void. As it stands though, we now have both of them. This makes me happy. Very happy indeed!

Home Space V1 by Behold, the Old Bear

At the start of the year, I may have mentioned that one of my most anticipated releases this year is the debut album by Laurence & the Slab Boys. Well, I say "most anticipated"... I actually have the album, so I'm talking shite. What I guess I mean is, I can't wait for it to come out so you can all have a listen, and agree with me that it is really rather phenomenal! The album's called Lo-fi Disgrace. I've no idea when it'll be out, where, what format, or who by, but mark my words... it'll be worth the wait.

Space Dream #2 by Laurence & the Slab Boys

Two more to go then it's football time! It's been a wee while since I raved about Ayrshire's Rose Parade on here, so here we go. A week-or-so ago they uploaded a new track from their upcoming debut album. Should be great! Anyway, it's called The Sea Of Lights and here it be.

The Sea Of Lights by Rose Parade

OK, last one now. For it, I've even dared to venture south of the border. Albeit to hear from another Scot.  He's called Chris McConville  He's the drummer in a band down in London but he has a debut solo album due out later on in the year.  Until then he's leaked a few songs from it.  This is the pick of the bunch.  Hope you enjoy it.  See you next week!

   Now Summer's Gone by Chris McConville

Kowalskiy Singles Club #10

Here we go folks, your last chance this year to bag yourself a hot single.  I've went all out this time 'round, scouring the land to bring you this bevvy of beauties.  Some gentle and laid-back, and some are just downright dirty!  Whatever floats your boat, hopefully you'll find something here that ticks all your boxes.   Click on the artwork to have a listen, and remember to read the small print!  There's some freebies, a video and even a launch gig that may be of interest...

Christmas All Over This Town by The Plimptons

"Lanarkshire’s longest running successless band WLTM committed pub in grim town for festive booze shenanigans. Looking to get over 12-year relationship with a bar which ended tragically with its conversion into a spuriously-named chain restaurant. We’re ready to love again, but don’t want to be hurt. If you reckon you’re pub enough, get in touch before Dec 24th. We like: poignant walks home in the snow, soapy pint glasses and communal beerstalgia." - Martin Smith (The Plimptons)

Kicking things off with the new 3-track Christmas single from The Plimptons.  Consider it an early Christmas present, 'cos it's FREE on their website.  Just click the artwork and scroll down to the bottom.. if you're 'pub' enough that is!

We Are Here by GoGoBot

"Two swell guys and one super-swell girl seek like-minded 'individuals' for warm cosy nights in by the fire and moon-lit walks by the canal (also trips to the moon). "We are Here" willing and able to take your call - think robot with a heart x" - Marko Kelly (GoGoBot)

Go go download this single! Throughout 2011, GoGoBot have released their See Saw Series of bi-monthly singles, a series which culminated with the release of We Are Here yesterday.  All can be bought over here.  They'll mark it in style with a headline gig at King Tuts this Friday (2nd December).  Interested??  Then click here!

Camino De Soda by The Machine Room

"Better with the lights off, a zero-pinter. Likes window shopping, non-commitment, surfing the edge of something meaningful, staying afloat and everything from a distance. Pick up the phone." - John (The Machine Room)

RING RING, RING RING!  "Hello, is that The Machine Room?"  These guys are fast becoming one of my favourite new bands around these parts.  Camino De Soda is their second appearance on the Singles Club... will someone snap them up already?!!!

One Night In Kevin by Fat Goth

"Utterly heinous bull seeks willing body (preferably female) to soil. Sucessful candidate must possess a strong mental disposition as psychological assaults and attacks will occur frequently. A caring and compassionate nature is also desired in order to tackle continuous bouts of severe depression and extreme self-loathing. Willingness to assist with bathing is essential! Interests: baking, prehistoric crustaceans, John Leslie, the pre 'Magic Hour' output of Liverpudlian pop group Cast, tabacco, Jersey, dogging, etc. Give us a call and lets have a time!!!" - Mark Keiller (Fat Goth)

Fat Goth eh?  One for the fetishists out there it would seem. So if you're into baking, providing bathing assistance and appreciate the music of Cast circa. 1995, then pick up the phone.  Or alternatively, click on the artwork and get downloading!

Prometheus by IndianRedLopez

"Single man with god complex wishes to meet fiery mortal with a love of percussion to care and nurture. Correct footwear for running is a must. " - Mike Chang (IndianRedLopez)

Now, the return of the brilliant IndianRedLopez.  Their debut album Empty Your Lungs And Breathe is up there with the years best, and this hints at something even better to come next year.  It's out on the 5th of December through Aberdeen's Bedford Records.  Mark your calendars!   

Like Like Unlike/Midnight Clear by Ed Muirhead

"Old-fashioned type, fed-up of social-networking (but glad of the technology), yearns for the good old days before networking was a word, and amuses himself with amateur paintings of 150-year-old festive poem lyrics." - Ed Muirhead

The second of the festive-themed singles courtesy of Mr. Muirhead. It's a double A-side ode to one man's social media gripes/Christmas classic, plus if you invest £2, it's also an 11-track CD with "a bunch of live tracks with voice and fender rhodes". PLUS, Ed's made another great wee video to accompany it.  Someone get that man some more white ink for Christmas!

Beat Your Fist by Underclass

"5 riff driven rockers seek place to dance and a bowl for car keys. Can bring own nibbles." - Underclass

Short but sweet, but boy does it pack a punch!  The second single from this Edinburgh bunch is released on Friday (2nd December) via Bainbridge Music and like an increasingly large number of recent Singles Club 'singles', was recorded at Tape Studios in Edinburgh. It's another one to mark in your diaries.  Until then, you can stream the track here.

House by Dems

"Multi-instrumentalist mournful architecture trio seek similarly construction obsessed individual(s) for enthusiastic MPC-and-guitar-based-funtimes; haunting whispy-yet-masculine voice essential." - Dan, Dave, Duncan (Dems)

A late, but very welcome addition from the newly '3-pieced' Dems.  They love their D's those guys!  Their 2-track House EP is out now on 7" with band-designed sleeve artwork (just click the cover above!) or you can download it here. Sounds great, and looks pretty good too!

Kowalskiy Belated Review #7

The Plimptons - '00s Nostalgia
Quite possibly the best cover art so far this year... or maybe towards the end of last year.  I lose all track of time when it comes to these Belated Reviews.  Anyway, onto the music.  Glasgow's D.I.Y. pop trailblazers The Plimptons are another band I'd heard of, but not actually heard until they sent me '00s Nostalgia, their third album.  I never know what "D.I.Y." means in this context.  In my experience, it usually means a lot of things being thrown haphazardly together, but somehow coming out serving its purpose.  Hang on... that's pretty much it!  The Plimptons have tried their hand at everything pop and punky from the accordion-led Celtic variety (Lonely Old Man) to some Costello/XTC-inspired quirky pop (Virgin On The Ridiculous) and even some ska (The Day My Baby Said She Hated Ska)... and a lot more in between.  'Haphazardly' is doing them a disservice though.  As ramshackle and shambolic as it sounds in places, I don't doubt that a lot of effort has gone in to perfect that very sound.  If I was to plump for a favourite, it'd have to be This Is The Story Of My Self-Pity (Baby).  Like Belle & Sebastian playing an old-fashioned variety club gig... and using the club organ.  It has a real retro feel and it sounds amazing!  It is just one of many highlights on this surprisingly diverse album, chock full of moments of lyrical genius in their own unique storytelling style. 

Where We Lay Our Heads - From The Roots, We Grow Limbs
I should really pay more attention in future.  For a while now, the name Where We Lay Our Heads have been bandied about, and for a while now, I've not taken much notice.  Wull 'Define Pop' Swales though, is a man I tend to listen to when it comes to new band recommendations.  Turns out, he's a bit biased with this one, what with being the frontman an' all!  Like I said, I should pay more attention.  Anyway, their From The Roots, We Grow Limbs EP is an assured debut.  Opening track Lined With Trees is a great piece of indie-folk with a wee nod or two to Frightened Rabbit shining through in places.  Next up, the standout Gies A Wave is a gorgeous mix of handclaps, tinkling keys and the enchanting vocals of The Second Hand Marching Band's Jennifer Sinclair complimenting Wull's own dulcet tones.  The laid-back Roses On The Beach finishes things off nicely with a wee bit of a Beirutty undertone.  Once again, it may just have those boys from Selkirk looking over their shoulders.  Nice one Wull!

New Town Triptych - Just How You Designed
The thing I really love about these posts is I get to take my time listening to the releases without feeling any pressure to rush out a review.  So you could say, the longer I take to post it, the more I've enjoyed the releases.  That's certainly been the case with this one.  Rounding off the KBR#7 trio is Glasgow-based 3-piece New Town Triptych, who are a relatively new name to me.  It hasn't taken them long though to find themselves very much on my radar, thanks to their debut, 3-track Just How You Designed.  Musically-speaking, they occupy the small piece of folkspace between Admiral Fallow and Randolph's Leap what with their warm, gorgeous, folky melodies and their instantly-likable, upbeat side.  The multi-layered title track embodies that straight from the off with its deep orchestral bass, stunning harmonies and intertwining flute and acoustic guitar arrangements combining to produce something quite breathtaking.  Track two, The Things That Keep Me Here is a non-stop, boy-girl, pop-folk delight which threatens to steal the show!   They cite The Decemberists as one of their influences, something which starts to come through on closing track Killing Time.  A great ending which cements their place as one of the most exciting, new Scottish bands around.  In their own words "our aim is to continue producing our own music with interesting lyrics, nice melodies and layered harmonies".  Fingers crossed they keep true to their word!