#stillhound

BEST ROCK/ALTERNATIVE - PURE GRIEF

Starting off strong here with the bright riffs and booming vocals of Thurso’s PURE GRIEF. Reminiscent of fellow northerners SCHNARFF SCHNARFF, the trio deliver a barrage of radio-ready melodic rock to stretch yer neck to. Recommended listening: Hearse Me

BEST NEWCOMER - CODIST

As a purveyor of the West End’s favourite record shop[citation needed] whose label CODIST just happen to be signed to, you could say this pick’s biased. But I am pleased to announce that any such bias is actually highly irrelevant. CODIST are a loose, textured, old-school garage rock band, with shades of the noise-pop that’s been making big gains amongst the emo revival scene I so love. Can you tell we like these guys? Recommended listening: Grindstone Cowboy

BEST HIP-HOP - SHOGUN

I’m humble enough to admit a complete dearth of knowledge in relation to Scottish hip-hop. Or, you know, hip-hop in general actually. But SHOGUN may be the one to change that. Straight out of my parts in Paisley with his rapid flow and untreated lyrics, the young grime artist was set to support NAS at the Academy before he was lifted by the sheriffs; talk about rock n’ roll. Recommended listening: Vulcan   

BEST ELECTRONIC - STILLHOUND

Hey look, another category I know nothing about. Of all the acts so far, STILLHOUND are the first to have me literally dancing in my seat as I type. Their basslines are infectious, vocals slick and rhythms perfectly conducive for a swing around the room when nobody’s watching. I may not be the best versed in the genre, but I know a collection of bangers when I hear it. Recommended listening: Time Enough For Love 

BEST ACOUSTIC - SIOBHAN WILSON

The list was feelin’ a little guy heavy, so I’m incredibly pleased to announce SIOBHAN WILSON as my absolute top pick amongst the acoustic lot. Far from the simpering expected of singer-songwriters these days, WILSON has the honeyed voice of an artist comfortable in her own talent, buoyant and powerful in equal measure. Recommended listening: Whatever Helps

BEST LIVE ACT - INDIGO VELVET

This one’s a particularly easy shout. As a photographer, as well as a gig-goer, I’ve got more than a few stipulations for a category like ‘best live act’, but INDIGO VELVET tick every box. Their show is reliably bathed in the vivid colour their festive, tropical pop deserves, and every member (but especially guitarist Jason Tucker, who I’ve gushed over on occasion before) has the sort of stage presence you just can’t draw your eyes away from. And anyway, look at that hair. Who wouldn’t be entertained? Recommended listening: Easy Love 

BEST METAL - SITHU AYE

I'm swiftly coming to the conclusion that all metal bands are actually allergic to press shots. (..... ehem hit me up lads). But regardless of their lack of photographic presence, SITHU AYE blend metal and math rock into a jam-worthy progressive blend that sets the bar high for pretty much everyone else. It’s truly addictive listening. Recommended listening: Set Course For Andromeda!!!