Based out of Glasgow, although largely not originally from there, Dancer is the latest project from musicians who perform in the likes of Robert Sotelo, Current Affairs, Order Of The Toad and Nightshift: Gemma Fleet (Voice/Words), Chris Taylor (Guitar/Keytar), Andrew Doig (Bass) and Gavin Murdoch (Drums). The band recorded the tracks that would become their self-titled debut mini-album, released via GoldMold in February 2023 in Green Door studio last winter. Dancer’s second EP of the year was out in October, once again via local label GoldMold on Cassette and digital download, with artwork by Scott Jason Smith. Five new songs recorded again at Green Door Studio in Glasgow, live to tape with Ronan Fay, the group has heightened some still burgeoning characteristics this time. The harsh songs are harsher, the considered warmth of slower efforts chime more melodically. This latter approach can be found most diligently on lead track ‘Love’ where the elasticity of the superb guitar arrangement weaves euphorically through a soaring love song narrative. Never has the attempt to marry a Life Without Buildings influence with the band’s own natural persona felt so worthwhile.

Their Mixtape:

Gemma:

Wire – Outdoor Miner

I’ve got to admit, I first heard the Lush cover of this song and I thought it was a Lush song for at least twenty years. Oooopsie. This one is my favourite now though. I could listen to it forever. I love a song that is so simple and straight ahead that it could be played in loads of different styles and still be good. This could easily be one of those slow cinematic modern covers in a Netflix drama, a country song, or pop punk – you name it.

Wednesday – Bull Believer

An epic tune, absolutely heavy but with delicate moments that make me think of Tammy Wynette. I’m particularly partial to a screaming section and all of this with a Mortal Kombat theme. What’s not to like? I just love that so many of the US bands now are so so good but you can’t quite pin down their sound, it’s a bit of everything and sometimes quite obscure influences. When we saw Wednesday in Glasgow they mentioned Prolapse!?! 

Andrew:

Cay – Resurrexit 

My obsession with slightly forgotten British 90’s bands multiplies on a daily basis. CAY were an amazing avant-grunge band from South London who are probably best remembered for the story surrounding their amazing vocalist Anet Mooks grizzly demise in the 00’s, but there was something so tender, weird and eccentric about some of their songs that elevated them far beyond just another Kerrang friendly brit rock outfit.

Bed Bits – Ceiling

Bed Bits released a very cool self titled album earlier this year that I have been listening to a lot, nice weird art-pop from LA with a tinge of Cate Le Bon in some of the instrumentation, but lot’s of its own thing going on too!

Chris:

The Sleepwalk – Warp Wet Woods

I was introduced to this song in a game called “moon”, a 1997 Japanese PS1 game that was translated into English and re-released a couple of years ago. Much of the gameplay involves waiting around, so to mitigate this you can collect records and listen to them. This is just one example of the wide variety of just downright beautiful music in this game. Each record is by a different artist and while the styles vary greatly the quality does not.

L – Depersonalisation

I first heard L when we played with them on Record Store Day in Glasgow earlier this year. They kind of have to be seen to be believed. There’s not really anything I can compare them to. They’re heavy, kind of scary and kind of funny. It’s the best thing I’ve heard in ages.

Gavin:

Marlaena Moore – I Miss You

I was floored when I saw Marlaena live in Glasgow in 2018 – she hit a high D when singing a solo outro! I like her direct personal lyrics and refined pop song arrangements. Love the accompanying performance in the video.

Blues Lawyer – Nowhere To Go

We played with Blues Lawyer recently and they were absolutely amazing. Lots of songs featuring flawless guitar parts/solos. They have some really great (and funny!) music videos – this one features some puppets!

As Well is out now via GoldMold Records. Look HERE for more information on Dancer.