To me, Mogwai‘s music, were I to pare it down to a single description, portrays a journey in progress. This video conveys that thought; there’s always that sense that something big will happen, whether or not it ultimately comes to pass. “How To Be A Werewolf” never reaches that anthemic moment, that climactic explosion, but it moves forward through life as would a calming daydream. Transcendence comes to pass and we are more aware of our existence through the experience.

From the remnants of Sarah Records and the twee movement come The Orchids, who have spent the past few decades mastering their craft. The band has a new record out now on Pebble Records, and their song “The Girl & The Soldier” comes from it. What makes the song so endearing is accompaniment by the Cairn String Quartet, who has also worked with Camera Obscura. The song itself is relaxed and laid back, soft and slow. It’s the perfect ballad for an indie pop slow dance, …

The Just Joans came to my attention via WeePOP! Records, who have released a few mini EPs by the group: Virgin Lips, Hey Boy…You’re Oh So Sensitive and Love And Other Hideous Accidents. Their latest is titled Your Pain Is A Joke Next To Mines, and it is now available, again, via WeePOP! “Stuart Had A Dirty Book” is from the 7-song EP, and it blends thick Scottish accents with playful but mopey pop. It’s a typical song by The Just Joans, catchy and fun but with …

Jack James, one of 2009′s finest debut artists, has jumped around back onto the proverbial wagon with his sophomore release, Quarter Life Crisis. This talented Scottish wordsmith brings back the signature “one man, one guitar, a thousand words” take on folk music and the ever-present sense of spirituality that comes with the genre. Though James hasn’t changed much since his debut album Lights Off, Headphones On (granted, it’s only been a year), it certainly does seem as though the spirit of his words are a bit more gloomy …

Song, By Toad Records is a little label introduced to me by friend and FensePost favorite Jon Rooney (Virgin of the Birds, Abandoned Love Records). It all began as a blog based in Edinburgh which, like this blog, posts album reviews, various features and podcasts (coming soon to this blog). With each release containing between 300 and 500 handmade copies, the label, like the blog, is devoted to supporting their local scene but isn’t above giving a hefty nod to those across the globe.