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Black Glitter Music Showcase // Captain's Club, Dundee

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27-year old music business student Andrew Davidson who is his final year a music business at Perth College. For his honours project, Andrew is using his music promotions company Black Glitter Music Promotion, he is organising two live music showcases in April at The Captain’s Cabin in Dundee which will feature performances from mostly Dundonian artists. Entry will be free, but attendees will be encouraged to spare a donation of at least £5 towards the Tayside Health Fund.  After organising a number of Dundee concerts before lockdown with his former organisation Pink Emo Promotions, Andrew wanted to host a concert with a goal to raise funds for a worthy cause like the Tayside Health Fund.  Dundee has always been at the forefront of advancements in medical research in Scotland and beyond, and after the last two years of unprecedented crisis brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic, he knew he wanted to help give back to the medical community in some way to thank them for their relentless a

DEL PREZ - SO FAR (EP Release)

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Del Prez brings his most recent release, dropping his EP 'So Far' which has 4 tracks that oozes all those festival vibes and ready for you to be dancing in the mid summer sun.  He has been making a name for himself, through remixing various different tracks from the likes of Hyyts, Wukasa and Dev Green.  With his remix of Club Beiruts track 'The One That Hurts' reaching 30k streams.  His diverse musical influences ranging from Martin Garrix to Bring Me The Horizon, shapes his unique sound of addictive dance beats, but with those rock/pop elements pushing through.  'So Far' takes you on a journey of those different styles, with each song serving up something different and keeping you completely fixated. Track 1 - Still Alright (Feat. Kendama) Kicking off the EP with some drum & bass, this track begins with a melodic electronic synth that fades in with intensity and builds to bring in the deep bass line and introduces the vocals.  Those rock influences definit

BETA WAVES - FRENCH TOUCH (SINGLE REVIEW)

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The Dundee duo bring some fresh indie pop, with a luscious mix of deep electronic music, guaranteed to keep your feet firmly on the dance floor and dancing all night long.  The guys sound sits within those dreamy pop vibes, with their catchy melodies & airy vocals like a magnet that keep you coming back for more.  Their latest single 'French Touch' is no different, their signature vocals feeling light and airy at they echo through the mix, allowing the deep synth bass line to really inject those club vibes.  Some 80s dance influences trickle through particularly in the bass line, the track would fit right into an underground night club in the 80s, with the hazy atmosphere mixed with the plucked melodic rhythm makes it the perfect track.  The drum machine used also bringing out the 80s dance element, the atmosphere perfectly balances the chilled tones with the groove, a song that you can either dance too or sit on your sofa whilst is plays in the background.  The duo build t

ABIGAIL PRYDE - LADY (DEBUT SINGLE REVIEW)

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  ' Lady ' is the debut single from Argyll based artist ABIGAIL PRYDE.   The track oozes country rock vibes from every corner, delving into those raw sounds that cuts right through.  Abigails vocals provides a smooth and delicate yet confident and unfaltering vocal tones, whilst the guitars, drums and piano all injecting the electrifying energy.  The fluttering vocal tone from Abigail fills the space throughout the song allowing the edginess of the instrumentation to dig right in, providing the perfect energy to get right under your skin.  The stomping drum beat, alongside the gritty guitar riffs throughout the track is destined to get those toes tapping, feet stamping and head bopping.  There is an uplifting positivity around the track musically and lyrically, emotions that Abigail made sure to include within the song; "The single is about empowering women.  Encouraging them to follow their passions and carve out a life that they can enjoy and be proud of." That empo

DREAMKIDS - DREAMKIDS (EP Review)

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  The Kilmarnock based husband and wife duo, bring an injection of grunge, emo and punk with their self titled debut EP and it is one that you can really get your teeth into with its raw energy and intense sound.  Throughout lockdown in 2020 the duo continued writing and creating music and when lockdown eased in summer 2020 the pair traveled to Chem19 recording studio to record and mix their debut EP with Jamie Savage (The Twilight Sad, King Creosote, Miaoux Miaoux).  The EP was then mastered by Luis Bonilla and Mandy Parnell at Black Saloon Studios in London. Kicking off the EP is ' Only God Knows If My God Is Real ' a high energy track that brings thick guitars layered with a huge drums that accompanies an almost operatic vocal style performance that pulls you right in.  Lyrically the track reflects on the recent Australian bush fires as well as other topics such as environmental and societal issues.  This track sets the tone for the what to expect from the rest of the EP, th

SPOOKY GOOSE - WHERE'S MY TITLE? (EP Review)

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  Spooky Goose are a Kent based indie band that take their influences from bit pop, indie rock and indie America. The band was formed in spirit 4 years ago by band members and friends Will and Joe, who began writing songs together.  After continuous writing and the addition of Cam the drummer the band are ready to hit the ground running and have released their second EP 'Where's My Title?' a few months ago.  This dreamy mix of indie rock, 90s bit pop and indie America you are guaranteed to fall into its whirlpool of unusual sounds and a gritty edge.   Kicking off the EP is ' Lover Boy ' a track that starts out with some mellow, dreamy psychedelic guitars that bounce gently off the vocals there is also vocals a faint Vox effect on the vocals that if you listen closely you can hear it shimmer off.  The track sticks with this mellow sound as the deep vocal tone lure you into the haunting atmosphere.  The track slowly adds more instrumentation in, with the drums digging

HOLLY ROSEANNA - EDEN (Single Review)

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Kirkaldy based singer and member of pop band The Passing Sages,  Holly Roseanna released her latest solo single ' Eden '.  This mesmerising track will connect musically and resonate lyrically with listeners, as Holly captivates you with her ethereal vocals throughout and become even more emotional as the song continues, like a feather drifting in the wind you just float along with her voice.  The instrumentation is filled with intricate melodic moments from the chimes, keyboards and guitars.  The chimes sitting comfortably in the background as they ring out, the guitars wrapping around the bass line as they breathe an air of warmth into the listener.  The dreamy soaring feeling that this song radiates takes you into another world, the more intense and deeper the song goes the further you drift.  The track itself was inspired by the Tentsmuir Forest in Fife and its natural beauty.  Although the track has a tranquil, ethereal feel, lyrically Holly touches on serious topics about

KEVIN DANIEL CAHILL - PILOT'S CHAMBERS & OIL SEAS (DOUBLE SINGLE REVIEW)

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Kevin Cahill Costello a Scottish classical/contemporary guitarist and one half instrumentalist duo Cahill Costello , released his double sided single ‘ Pilot's Chambers & Oil Seas ’ and get ready to be completely captivated and mesmerised by the talent of this musician.  Both tracks sit on different sides of the musical spectrum, each bringing a different mix of styles and genres.  ‘ Pilot's Chambers ’ brings a spine chilling rock sound with soaring melodies, big drum hits and a gritty electronic bass line that provides a muddy, intense foundation for all other elements of the track.  The song builds into a towering section of melodic guitar riffs harmonising in an eerie yet magical way and powerful drums that will put anyone listening into a spellbinding trance, you just cannot pull away.  The towering sound is then swept away at the next movement - you can hear Kevin’s classical training coming in, he's approaching these songs as classical compositions - the arrangem

ECHO HOTEL - HANGERS ON (SINGLE REVIEW)

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The Bristol based alt-rock three piece are defining and stretching the musical boundaries with their sound.  On initial listen to these guys there sound is an unusual mixture of tight knit melodies, loose danceable rhythms intertwining jazz & swing flow with a gritty rock foundation and theatrical style vocals, you will not forget these guys very quickly.  The band is made up of Jack, James and Ed who all met through a chance meeting at Exeter university Echo Hotel became a solo logic project to a fully fledged live outfit.  Refining their sound through live shows at iconic Exeter venues such as The Cavern and the Lemon Grove  , the guys wasted no time in setting up a home studio and started working on their first demo.  From these sessions the guys released 'Meta-Worry' in 2018 and their conscious and self aware approach to their lyricism and musical style grabbed the attention of Sarah Gosling of BBC Introducing.  They are definitely building a style that is made to surpr

THE AULD SPELLS - I WANT YOU BACK/ANOTHER WAY (DOUBLE SINGLE REVIEW)

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The Edinburgh based dreampop band return with their latest releases ' I Want You Back '/' Another Way ' and they bring dreamy tones and shimmery sounds in one and then deliver some grungy yet atmospheric sounds in the other.  You will find yourself completely falling right into their captivating sound.  They bring a generous mix of those familiar sounds of the 60s.   ' I Want You Back ' brings a woozy 60s Motown style, with influences ranging from girl groups of the 60s, rock n roll and some doo-wop sprinkled over the top.  Beginning with a simple drum kick and percussion, setting off the 60s rhythm nicely allowing all other parts to fall right into the beat and that essence of rock and roll underpinning the core rhythm.  The shimmery chimes and guitars adding in the glittery elements, the bands signature dreamy atmospheric sound comes in, dancing eerily yet captivating and pulls you right into their world.  In comes Tommy's distinctive vocals, bringing his

MICHAEL GALLAGHER

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Born and raised in Hartlepool, singer-songwriter Michael Gallagher crafts his songs to tell real stories about real people and real life.  From a young age Michael has hones his talent for music and it was until Michael's nan who gave him his initial introduction to music culture, gifting him a pile of CDs from David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and more.  Michael was soon inspired to pick up the guitar he was given as a child and taught himself to play.  He was soon playing shows in local pubs and bars, steadily building his local fanbase and it was this that led him to continue writing new songs, and develop his talent for honest, sharply observed lyrics.  During lockdown Michael has been performing numerous virtual shows and festivals.  Since the beginning of 2021 Michael has released 3 singles ' Lula ', ' Call My Name ' and his most recent single ' Time ' and the year is shaping up to be a busy one for the singer, as he is set to go on tour in December. 

THE GREAT LESLIE - SEE YOU AGAIN/THAT'S ALRIGHT (DOUBLE SINGLE REVIEW)

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The London 4 piece are back again with 2 incredible singles ' See You Again ' and ' That's Alright ' to add to their ever growing repertoire.  The guys are definetly serving up the anthems and one thing we can certainly say for sure is that this is a band made for the festival stage.  ' See You Again ' brings through some hints of throwback indie sounds, those 2000s indie rock moments creeping in throughout.  Be ready to dance as soon as this song starts, filling your ears with the upbeat rhythm that is just a feel good groove guaranteed to put a smile on your face.  The pace drives continuously throughout with the catchy bass line taking the reins at each verse and the guitars lifting the choruses into those anthemic sing along sections.  The drums power through unrelenting in their presence as they sustain the back bone to the rhythm, all of which providing the perfect setting for the captivating vocals from Ollie to take the track to those soaring heights

ANGELICA MODE

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Angelica Mode is the musical project of singer-songwriter Brian Hughes , formed in 2020.  Over the last 7 years Brian has spent that time honing his craft both in the studio and live, including opening for The Amazons .  To date he has released 2 singles, with his debut single ' Your Love Is All the Rage ' he has received a place in the inaugural Ivor Novello Academy Mentorship , as well as receiving national press from the likes of The Scottish Sun and The Scotsman .  His latest single ' Don't Make Me Wait ' which has received support from Amazing Radio and BBC Radio Scotland .   Angelica Mode is a definite one to watch for 2021, having received some high accolades Spotlight Music pinned him as one of their "Top 45 Upstarts for 2021" , as well as winning the "Best Indie Song" in the Teen Clash Indie Awards for his song ' Your Love Is All the Rage '.  At this time ' Don't Make Me Wait ' reached the semi final of the Inte

KRISTIAN MONTGOMERY & THE WINTER KILL BAND

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Born in Florida to a Danish immigrant and a blue blooded American girl, Kristian Montgomery began singing in the church choir where his voice was quickly picked up.  Outside of church Kristian sang shanties, Celtic and Scandinavian songs at local bars and told stories of the fisherman coming home from sea.  Overtime he progressed as a songwriter and ultimately developed a following.  Joining several rock bands through the years where he won awards for his voice and whilst he was a member of a metal band he was nominated for the Boston Music Awards for best male vocalist.  Kristian however thought that this genre was a good fit for him so he decided to travel.  He has since released 2 albums ' The Gravel Church ' in 2020 and his latest release ' Prince of Poverty ' ' They'll Remember My Name ' kicks off the album and the bluesy rock oozes from the rhythm, the drum beat thunders right through and grabs your attention instantly.  The gravely guitars injecting t

PILLOW DOG - HAPPY HEART ATTACK VOL.1 (EP REVIEW)

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Pillow Dog are back with their EP ' Happy Heart Attack Vol. 1 ', the 6 track EP takes you on a journey filled with nostalgic sounds and styles.  The guys are very diverse within their style and they bring a little touch of bedroom pop, indie rock, garage rock, new wave however they allow their listeners to interpret the music to what best suits them and their listening experience. ' Discard ' kicking off the EP and this one definitely ties in a garage/indie rock sound with a 60s psychedelic vibe.  Beginning with a shimmery reverb guitar melodies and then straight into a grungy 60s style guitar riff, with the rhythm guitar, bass and drums locking in the low fi tones and pace.  After a few bars of the instrumentation, the vocals make their appearance and blend in perfectly with the music, the muddy, distorted and almost muffled vocals bring out those old school tones, they are there but they blend in with the everything else on the track, meaning that your attention is f

DOCKSUNS

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The Sunderland 5 piece Docksuns formed in January of 2019 and since then have dived head first into the music industry.  Playing at local festivals Sounds of Sunderland and The Sunderland Airshow, they also sold out their EP launch which seen a 300 strong attendance, followed by back to back appearances on BBC Introducing .  The band are definitely making a name for themselves through their consistent and solid songwriting and instrumentals.  With the return of live music just around the corner the guys are gearing ups for another run of shows in the north where they have become a household name especially in their hometown of Sunderland.  ' So Cold Love ' is one of those songs that right from the moment you first hear it you just know it is going to be an indie anthem.  The track builds on their previous release ' Blew Up A Kiss ' and follows this similar pattern of honest and relatable lyrics as they reminisce about a past relationship that they broke away from.  '

THE SHED PROJECT FT. MC TUNES - ONE SHOT (SINGLE REVIEW)

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  The Bolton based indie rock band are back with their energetic new single ' One Shot ' featuring Mc Tunes and it is an exhilarating listen.  Yet another flavour of sound from these guys, as they bring a combination of sounds and styles.  Sticking to the raw indie rock structure, the track moves in a blistering fashion as it sways between rock, jazz and electronic elements, so get ready to dance and sing along.   Beginning with rich guitar riffs, soon accompanied by the fierce bass line and strapping drum beat, along with the vocals as they ring out " only got one shot " & " one shot one goal " which will no doubt get stuck in your head.  The tracks brazen exterior tones it down for a moment as a melodic saxophone solo and some synth bass stabs come in, creating an airy atmosphere as the vocals swirl around in the distance, lifting and contrasting those dark grungy rock tones.  Towards the end of this phrase there is a trumpet section that swells and yo

EAT THE FRIEK

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Glasgow based three piece Eat The Friek , originating from Aberdeen the band have been unstoppable roll since the release of their EP 'H eart of the Snai l' in 2019.  Incessantly gigging around Scotland before being halted Covid-19, the band found themselves playing alonside bands such as John (Times Two) , The Psychotic Monks and The Wood Buring Savages . Just before lockdown the band released their single ' Muttrip ' which coincided with their sold-out release show at Henry's Cellar Bar in  Edinburgh.  The guys have kept themselves busy over 2020 with the recording of their latest EP ' Ploom ' and are set to re-emerge from the distant of the pandemic with more energy than before. ' Ploom ' takes you on a journey down raw, experimental, garage psych rock.  It is 22 minutes of pure rock that has to be played at full volume to experience it in full effect.  ' Dust' sets the EP off with an atmospheric tone of shimmering guitar melodies and s

NO MAN'S LAND - MANCHESTER'S NEWEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

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The full line up for Manchester's newest music festival No Man's Land has now been announced.  The line up now see's Lynks , The Oozes , Jessica Luise , Cuckoo Spit , Bryony Williams , Nuala Honan and The Book Club all joining the already stellar line up which includes  Qulowski , Brat Coven , bigfatbig ,  The Wine Fund and Laeeqa.    The festival came to fruition after the team felt disappointed about the lack of gender diversity seen on the line ups of some of the UK's biggest music festival.   This prompted the team to the take a proactive approach and create No Man's Land  a festival that brings diversity and inclusivity, and to also become that driving force towards change. The team behind the festival mentioned: "No Man's Land was born from anger about the lack of gender diversity on festival lineups, we're really excited to be a force for change.  Partnering with Safe Gigs For Women felt like an obvious choice to make, their work resonates withi