FFS Ones to Watch: The Tim and Sam Band

Tim and Sam’s Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam. Bit of a mouthful isn’t it? Just as well, then, that Tim McIver of said band is happy for it to be abbreviated. “To be honest it was a bit of a joke originally,” he says. “But it’s kind of stuck now. We mainly use the long version to catch people’s eyes.”

Album Review: Anni Rossi – Rockwell

There is a danger of overkill on the quirky-girl-with-acoustic-guitar-and-an-‘unusual’-voice front. Anni Rossi however, appears to be a far more interesting proposition. A classically trained musician from a young age, Rossi first caused a stir on the internet (where else?) with her startling take on Radiohead’s ‘Creep’. Rockwell, her debut LP, clocks in at just under half an hour, and – despite a few moments of genuine promise – feels more like a collection of demos than an album proper.

Review: Butcher Boy – React or Die

It’s an exciting time for Scottish music. Camera Obscura are set to release fourth full length My Maudlin Career, Kris Drever, John McCusker and Roddy Woomble have joined forces to form a folk behemoth, and now relative newcomers Butcher Boy have released their second album React Or Die.

EP Review: First Aid Kit – Drunken Trees

Drunken Trees really isn’t a bad name for a record that would provide the perfect soundtrack for a cider-soaked spring picnic in the park. The mix of languid guitars, interweaving vocal harmonies and perfectly charming lyrics might seem a bit familiar, and though it doesn’t necessarily push boundaries, there can be no doubt that Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg have crafted a wee nugget of loveliness here.