Craig Dickson: My band of 2009

The most notable new Scottish act of 2009 for me has been Edinburgh hardcore quintet Shields Up.

Despite only forming in March, they managed to self-record their debut album (released on local label Wasted State Records in October) and have completed three UK tours, playing any number of gigs in between - all while holding down full-time jobs.

It's a hardworking schedule that any band could be proud of, and was a deliberate choice, as singer James Johnson explains: “That was the plan from the start I think. Me and Jak (Camoletto, drums) have spent over ten years playing in bands so we knew what we had to do and decided to do it quickly."

Their self-titled debut was recorded over the course of a week or two at home, and the result is a blistering blast of unpretentious rock. The 13 tracks certainly don’t overstay their welcome, flying by in less than 25 minutes.

But where the band really come into their own is live. The frenetic pace and enthusiasm of their performances have been one of the highlights of my musical year. As Jak puts it: “We just want to have fun and our idea of fun is partying with loud music”.

It's their no-frills attitude, quality tunes and unbridled energy that make Shields Up my choice for new Scottish act of the year.

Shields Up - Death Of You