MUSIC ROUNDUP: July Releases 2022
July 👋
This month’s SAMA roundup dives into the return of Edinburgh trio Young Fathers, plus new collaboration between MC Salum and Nova, new tracks by Dundee metalcore group Catalysis, spoken word by poet Stephen Durkan, Glasgow electronic/expirimental artist CLAIR and more. Get locked into this and let us know what your favourite track is!
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Also remember to join us in Glasgow on Saturday 27th August for our new event Pitch.
In alphabetical order
Words by Ewan MacDonald
Catalysis - Echo Chamber
Now on their seventh year as a band, Dundee metal champions Catalysis are here to deliver the fury with the new EP Innova. The fourth EP from the five-piece, resulting of their plans for their debut album Connection Lost being derailed by COVID, the band decided to not stop writing new material. The lead single from the new EP, Echo Chamber, is an unstoppable force of steely riffage and commanding vocals.
CLAIR - Body Blossom
The new project from multi-talented Clair Crawford AKA CLAIR, is a subtle soundscape that uses the minimalistic setting to convey such raw emotion. On the new track Body Blossom we are thrown into an endless, shifting soundscape that changes ever so slightly to keep moving you through the evergreen strings and ambience.
comfort - My Bias
Electronic two-piece comfort are a force to be reckoned with, and the new single My Bias is simply reenforcing this fact. A roiling drum machine beat provides the backing to the snappy lyrics and vocal performance, that morph into a frantic ramble as the track reaches its peak. Fully encapsulating an energy that no other in Scotland have.
With airplay on BBC Radio 6 and a slot at Sonic City festival already this year, comfort will continue to make waves in the underground electronic scene.
MC Salum, Nova - Flossed Up
A collaboration between two of the hottest artists in UK hip hop right now, producer/rapper MC Salum and rapper/vocalist Nova, has resulted in this piping hot banger Flossed Up. Fluctuating baselines drive the track as the drums tick by, holding down the beat for Nova and MC Salum to release their enigmatic performances.
Mima Merrow - I’ve Been Waiting
An embellished, stunning new song from Irish singer/songwriter Mima Merrow captures the blissful moments of lyrical poetry and sweeping sounds in I’ve Been Waiting. The fifth release from the Glasgow-based artist is yet another look into the stunning world Merrow creates, with each pull of the string melodies tugging at your heart. Mima Merrow’s debut album, Almost Home, will be released this September.
Misty Galactic - Dizzy
After an intense writing period with London-based producer Sombra, Edinburgh native Misty Galactic gracefully returns to form with Dizzy. With influences of 80s dystopia, 2000s video games and anime, like the lead up to a boss fight, Dizzy builds with an energy that will leave your head spinning but desperate for more. With numerous outlets including the Scotsman and BBC Introducing already singing her praises, Misty Galactic is clearly one to watch.
Parliamo - What’s That Got To Do With Anything?
The powerhouse force that is Parliamo will once again knock you to your knees, with the ice cold melodies coupled with the sheer ferocity of the chorus. Off the back of appearances at TRNSMT and Motherlands Festivals, sold out headline shows and gigs at Austin’s SXSW festival, Parliamo are set to be Scotlands next superstars. The new single What’s That Got To Do With Anything? is the full package complete with psyched out verses leading into a massive chorus, what’s not to love?
Poster Paints - Falling Hard
Poster Paints are a Glasgow based duo, comprising of Simon Liddell (Frightened Rabbit, Olympic Swimmers) and Carla J Easton (TeenCanteen). Writing the most ethereal and liberating dream pop, with Liddell’s shimmering guitar working melding so well with Easton’s angelic vocals. Falling Hard is the third single to be released so far, with the debut EP Blood Orange already under their belts. Catch Poster Paints supporting Sacred Paws at Edinburghs Summerhall this August.
Stephen Durkan - I Want
Singer, poet and spoken word artist Stephen Durkan manages to pull together an array of different influences to make his music. I Want is a great example of what Durkan can do, taking influence from alternative hip-hop and post-punk and filtering it through his own lens. A heady mix of distorted bass and a razor sharp point of view that equally complement each other.
Young Fathers - Geronimo
The eagerly awaited return of alternative hip-hop trio Young Fathers has landed in the form of the new single Geronimo. A slow burning track that creates a retrospective and nostalgic atmosphere, with the slightest changes in the beat or vocals that feels so fresh yet familiar to the Young Fathers sound. Gospel vocals pepper the soundscape of lumbering drum machines, wavering between sounding otherworldly and human in one effortless movement.