Craig Dickson: My tip for 2010

Edinburgh's Come On Gang had a good 2009, winning hearts and minds all over with their own style of ragged pop-rock. A successful string of appearances at festivals such as Rockness, Reading & Leeds and T in the Park in the summer is already behind them, as well as a spot at Texas' SXSW showcase in March.

They play catchy melody-centred pop with a bit of edge, the kind of accessible indie that could quite easily garner mainstream attention. They may hardly be undiscovered, but I’ll be surprised if 2010 doesn’t see this trio take another step up the ladder to wider exposure.



Who is your tip for 2010? Let us know below...

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

Craig Dickson: My gig of 2009

[Photo: The Queen's Hall]

Our 2009 round-up continues today as new UtR writer Craig Dickson nominates his favourite gig of the past twelve months...

Frightened Rabbit, The Queens Hall, Edinburgh
Tuesday 18 August

Frightened Rabbit have been playing material from The Midnight Organ Fight across Europe and the US for over a year now, and it shows. For this Edge Festival gig the band was tight, the performance polished, but the sincerity of the music still clearly apparent.

Everything seemed to come together, with the sell-out crowd in the palm of their hands from start to finish. The atmosphere was first-rate, the fans responded with complete warmth, singing every word back to the band and creating that interaction that's one of the hallmarks of a great show.

Combined with impeccable sound, an electric atmosphere and a sensational performance, this was pretty much everything you could ask for in a gig, and a reminder of just how vital and exciting live music can be.

What was your gig of 2009? Let us know below...