MUSC ROUNDUP: October Releases 2021

Hey Reader - you are once again spoiled for choice and in for a blinder of a playlist! Get locked into via Spotify @officialsama

Words: Ewan Macdonald

ASK ALICE, LOWT - D.B.D

The artistic vision of Natalie Joy, ASK ALICE is Joy’s experimental pop project that is set to release the debut EP HEARTWORK this year. With DBD preceding this imminent release we get a peek behind the curtain. This track, with production from LOWT, is a sweeping and epic synth cocoon that pulls you in from the get go.

corto.alto - Brotherhood

Opening with a rousing speech about unity, the brand new track from Corto.alto holds down a tight groove like a fist raised in the air. Wandering saxophone runs melt into the iron glad rhythm of the bass and drums. This comes as the newest release since Live at 435, Volume 3 and shows nothing but progression and innovation from the one man project helmed by Liam Shortall.

Dunt - SPC BTWN (feat. SHEARS)

With a spot on Vic Galloway’s 25 Scottish Artists To Watch in 2021, Dunt continues to draw attention to his lo-fi art pop. The latest single SPC BTWN, released in anticipation of his debut album Starter Pact, stomps along in massive digital boots. Driven by the lumbering beat and the stunning SHEARS supplying an enchanting vocal performance forms into a kaleidoscopic pool of warm synth sounds.

Erland Cooper, Kathryn Joseph - A Thing of Beauty is A Joy Forever

Multi Instrumentalist and all round genius Erland Cooper once again teams up with the ethereal Kathryn Joseph for another slice of pure beauty, coming from the latest EP Forever Into Nothingness. To the background of Cooper’s cinematic field music background, Joseph’s wispy yet impactful spoken word performance builds a stunning sonic landscape.

Hand of Kalliach - Hand of Kalliach

The husband and wife duo of Hand of Kalliach have embarked on a new sonic adventure with their debut album Samhainn, choosing a more aggressive and darker energy. Each Uisage is a boundary pushing mix of eerie trad elements haunting a punishing metal bombardment.

Joell - No One

Combining a mix between UK and US influences such as Frank Ocean and the trap genre, Joell’s newest single No One sees the artist build a hook around a laid back vocal performance. A sleek and subtle flow backed by the enormous bass line really showcases his talent at building a solid and catchy track. With airplay from BBC 1Xtra already, Joell continues to receive positive reviews from Complex and Line of Best Fit.

North Atlas - Ire

Trail blazing their way through this year with a scorching hot run of singles, alt rock trio North Atlas show no signs of changing on Ire. A swaggering, swaying giant of a riff moves the track on through its path of destruction. North Atlas will be one half of the local support for Enter Shikari’s QMU date at the start of November.

Nova - Feathers

One of last year’s SAMA performers, the incredible Nova is coming in hot with the latest single Feathers. With a SAY Award already under her belt, this track in particular oozes a powerful confidence through perfectly executed verses. Her flow is untouchable as she weaves around the backbone of the bass and drums.

Parliamo - Echo In My Chamber

Coming from their latest slew of singles, Perth Indie heroes Parliamo slink in with the dreamy Echo In My Chamber. Underpinned by a grooving bass line and aquatic guitar chords, the track is propelled by a neo-blues vibe with a modern twist. Catch these guys for a show in Glasgow as part of the Stag and Dagger festival.

Rhona Stevens, Matt Carmichael - Come on Answer Me

Rising talent Rhona Stevens has been receiving acclaim from BBC 6 Music and CLASH magazine for her vocal features, arriving with the debut single Come On Answer Me the young artist truly showcases her talents. A perfectly crafted pop track, with the help from Matt Carmichael on sax, Stevens moulds a modern pop sound that is filled with her own personal twist by the distinctive vocal flourishes.