We’ve been big fans of Latvian teenagers Carnival Youth ever since we first heard them around this time last year. Since then, they’ve brought their sun-drenched folk-pop to a number of major festivals around Europe and received praise from the likes of Steve Lamacq, the Guardian and Huw Stephens. A sound that was made to…
A Scottish collective formed in 2012 as a result of frontman Tom Irvine’s composition projects at university, Urvanovic have already gained praise from the 405 and Clash and are now set to release their debut album, ‘Amateurs’. Opening with an Animal Collective-style sense of fun, the album’s first track ‘Open Ground’ then throws in some…
Judging by the gorgeous, grand and glitchy sound of new single ‘Surrender’, we’re pretty sure new Jagjaguwar signing Briana Marela is going to release one of the most enchanting and captivating albums of the year when it’s out in August. Produced by Alex Somers (Sigur Ros) and with strings by Amiina, Briana has certainly surrounded…
New York City has always been the epicentre of cool for music. Every band dreams of playing there and anyone who has been to the Big Apple will tell you that you can’t help but be drawn into the sheer energy and excitement of the place. However, as Scott Pilgrim taught us all so well,…
Our friends at Super Fan 99 Records have announced their new signing and he’s a singer-songwriter who is sure to spark your attention. London-based Matt McKee will be releasing his debut album ‘The Body You Ride Around In’ – recorded over the past eight months, when he’s also been travelling around Russia and Japan –…
Last year we reviewed Salvation Bill’s ‘FML (Feel My Lump)’ which showcased the quirky troubadour pop that one-man band Ollie Thomas (ex-Ute and the Old Grinding Young) specialises in so much. With b-side ‘Tony Blair Extraordinaire’ offering an intimate political edge, we were excited to hear what the Oxfordonian would come up with on his…
Following their long-awaited – and critically acclaimed comeback album ‘Everything Ever Written’, Idlewild have unveiled their video for new single ‘Every Little Means Trust’. An anthemic and folky piece, the video stars none other than Jay Baruchel – the Canadian actor who appeared in This is the End, Knocked Up and How to Train Your…
Conor O’Brien and his Villagers project has long been a favourite with us here at Spectral Nights. From his debut appearance on Jools Holland performing a solo rendition of ‘Becoming a Jackal’ to the album of the same name and then the more experimental tints of second full-length ‘{Awayland}’, we’ve always found him one of…
When it comes to talking about our favourite bands of all time, Idlewild are a constant presence in the Top 5. From the punk of ‘Chandelier’ and ‘When I Argue I See Shapes’ to a classic opening trilogy of albums, they wrote songs that would become soundtracks to our lives – as well as influencing…
We’ve been huge fans of Villagers ever since Conor O’Brien appeared on Jools Holland a few years back to deliver a stunning solo rendition of ‘Becoming a Jackal’. The album of the same name lived up to the potential of its lead single and then 2013’s ‘{Awayland}’ saw Conor invite his bandmates into the fold…
