MUSIC ROUNDUP: December Releases 2021

Featuring tracks by Gentle Sinners, GRAVELLE, t e s t p r e s s, Pearling & more.

The final music roundup of the year is here! We can’t quite believe 2021 is almost over - it has been another amazing year here at SAMA celebrating Scottish artists! The year began with online showcases as part of SAMA Paisley Takeover, followed by the launch of HANG (Hip Hop Aimed Networking with Grime), then a trip to Liverpool Sound City to showcase more Scottish artists, and closing the year with the 12th edition of the music awards at a packed out Saint Luke’s in Glasgow. Wishing everyone a great festive holiday and all the best for New Years! SAMA will return in 2022 - see you there!

-SAMA founder, Richy Muirhead

Words: Ewan Macdonald

Becci Wallace - Ghost

Coming just over a year after her critically acclaimed LP Present Tense, Becci Wallace is back with the new single Ghost. With support from BBC Radio Scotland, STV Glasgow and performances at Kelburn Festival and Wickerman, Wallace has proven her musical capabilities with her enchanting electro-pop with her recorded mayeri and live shows. On this new single Ghost, Wallace is getting retrospective and lamenting over this time of year. Bringing cold synths and subtle drum beats, her voice is a source of warmth to hold onto.

Centrilia, Scott Kennedy - In The Blood

A relentless force of seering riffs, In The Blood is the brand new single from Glasgow Metalcore act Centrilla. With this being their latest single since their debut album in 2019, the band show no signs of slowing down. Featuring a guest vocal spot from Scott Kennedy of Bleed From Within fame, In The Blood is a stinging wave of guttural vocals and punishing guitar lines.

Gentle Sinners - Killing This Time

A brand new side project from James Graham of the Twilight Sad, collaborating with a yet to be revealed musician, Gentle Sinner is a new sonic adventure for the artists. Their inaugural single Killing This Time is a buoyant and groovy song, propelled by a slinky bassline. Graham’s impassioned vocals fit well over the dance beats and electronic twists the track takes.

GRAVELLE - The Imposter

The ever ferocious duo of GRAVELLE have been tearing through the Glasgow scene with their intense fury of jagged synths and scratchy guitars. The new track The Imposter, which got featured on the BBC Radio Scotland Introducing show recently, keeps that sharp instrumentation at the forefront. With an explosive chorus at the core of this track, the duo have provided another post-punk anthem.

The Joshua Hotel - Somebody New

Evolving from a year in isolation in a studio deep in the Highlands, The Joshua Hotel is the new endeavour from multi-talented Joshua MacKenzie. With a couple of singles and an EP already under his belt, this new release entitled Somebody New continues the 80’s twinged Lo-fi pop MacKenzie has been honing.

Maranta - Stop Pretending

With the pandemic halting things in the music industry, Maranta wasted no time jumping back into live shows this year. With a huge set at Hidden Door festival, complete with costumed dancers, Maranta have been drawing back focus onto themselves. With this latest release Stop Pretending, we can once again revel in the auditory bliss of this synth-pop duo. A feel good wave of upbeat keys and tight beat helps break through the winter monotony with a glimmer of that summer glow.

NANI - Darling

Debuting her full band performance at this year’s Great Eastern festival, Edinburgh-based, Austrian Born NANI has been making waves with her brand of funky pop music. Darling marks an evolution in her sonic palette with a more pronounced pop sensibility. Driven by a groovy bassline, the ethereal keys provide the perfect backdrop to NANI’s angelic vocals as she intertwines the melody into a pop hit.

Pearling - Demiurge

Newcomer on the techno scene, Pearlings debut single Demiurge manages to combine a perfect mix of hyperpop toplines with an enveloping production. A pounding beat pulls you in and doesn't let up until the end, wrapping you in a heady mix that will have you yearning to be in a sweaty club.

t e s t p r e s s, Bemz, Chef - M4 Freestyle

Hosting a trifecta of hot new talent, M4 Freestyle has Glasgow Hip Hop heavyweights Bemz and Chef leading the charge with the breakneck rhymes over DJ duo t e s t p r e s s and their pounding techno instrumental. With a huge year for each artist, with Bemz walking away with Best Live Act at this year’s SAMA’s this track will stand as a landmark point in each of their careers.