MUSIC ROUNDUP: November Releases 2023
Words: Ewan MacDonald
In alphabetical order
Calum Ingram - Show Me The Way
Rock musician Calum Ingram is back with another helping of his classical-infused hard rock. ‘Show Me the Way is a bluesy, and rocking track that allows Ingram to shred his instrument. The interplay between the guitar lines and the added instrument of the cello creates a sense of mystique, further enhancing the tracks overarching theme.
Grace & The Flat Boys - Demon Hour
Edinburgh based Funk quintet Grace and the Flat Boys fuse together elements of Jazz, R&B and Rock to form their powerful sonic force. Demon Hour, which comes from their debut EP Dark Glass // Rose Tint, is an energetic and engaging performance. Throwing down slick funk grooves before switching to swinging rock-fused passages, bringing it right back to the catchy hooks of the chorus.
Joe Godall - Self Esteem
Stirling based musician Joe Goodall has been taking the country by storm which his indie-rock anthems. With airplay from Amazing Radio, BBC Radio Scotland and festival appearances courtesy of Hit The Road Goodall has come on leaps and bounds since his first release, refining his sound to a finite style. On thus latest cut ‘Self Esteem’ is a tender ballad with a bite. Sparkling guitar chords make way for snarling chord stabs as Goodall croons over the steady beat.
Kilimanjaro - Hit Em With It
KILIMANJARO is one of Scotlands most exciting DJ/Producer, that combines Afrobeat with feel good party vibes that are primed to shake the speakers of clubs across the country. The FLY and La Cheetah Resident continues to prove his prowess within the scene with yet another banger, ‘Hit Em With It’. Immediately flinging you into a heady mix of righteous dance music, complete with blistering synths and groovy rave style chord stabs.
King 7ru, Madhat McGore - Feeling Free
Delivering slabs of hard hitting rhymes, Edinburgh based Hip-Hop artist King 7ru brings a unvarnished history to the forefront of his music. Arriving with his 19th album ‘Angel with A Dirty Face’, the Rapper defines his music with this angle of raw honest packaged in rock-solid beats. Accompanied by fellow artist and SAMA Hip Hop winner Madhat McGore, the duo wax lyrical about what it is to be free within the confines of an oppressive environment.
LAMAYA - COMING FOR UR <3
The debut release from Glasgow-based artist LAMAYA, ‘COMING FOR UR <3’ is a dazzling and impactful song, filled with raw emotion from LAMAYA’s vocals that wind around the off-kilter beat. Showcasing her mature and headstrong writing style this debut is a firm foot forward for this up and coming artist.
LVRA, twst - Pressure
Drawing from the molten melting pot of industrial music, hyper pop, and experimental club music LVRA has defined her sound with each release. Forming an entire world within a 3 minute song,’pressure’ one of the hottest cuts from LVRA’s newest release ‘soft like steel’. ‘Pressure’ is a enthralling adventure into a synthetic world, that is packed with bristling electronic flurries and razor sharp, bit-crushed drums.
Neev - Forever Time
Glasgow-born Neev has been enthralling listeners with her intricate and precise songs that truly, stay with you forever. Having had praise from BBC Radio 6, Radio 1 for her 2021 EP Currants, Need continues to flex her songwriting skills throughout her latest releases. On Forever Time, Neev uses minimal instruments to pack a powerful punch with her vocal harmonies and lyrics. The buoyant bassline underpins the track as the acoustic guitar guides the track down a sepia-toned trail.
Outblinker, aortaaorta - Cold Star
Mystery dark wave overlords Outblinker have revealed a new part of their twisted sonic tapestry with this new collaboration of Glasgow-based alternative artist aortaaorta. Waves of synths take over the sonic landscape as they gallop underneath aortaaorta’s commanding vocal performance, ripping through the track like a ten foot tall monster of pure electronic fury.
Susan Bear - It’s You
Producer and Multi-instrumentalist Susan Bear has been part of the the backbone of studios and venues alike, racking up an impressive roster of collaborations. Following the release of her sophomore LP Alter in 2022, Bear has established her take on electronic pop that delves into the fringes of experimental and alternative rock. On this latest single, the artists crafts a club ready heartbreaker that sweeps across you like a strobe light. The pulsating synths and tight drum machine beats set the bittersweet tone while the effect heavy vocals craft an enchanting vocal line.
