Dead Fiction and The Goatboy

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I really love going to gigs but for a while now I've wanted to do more reviews of single's, Ep's and albums.  Although I still think music is best appreciated live, sometimes I just feel like loading up my phone with great new music, sticking a decent set of earbuds in and rocking out while I walk the dog around the inch.  This month I was contacted by a couple of bands who asked me to check out their latest releases.  

The first of these bands, Dead Fiction, has been on my radar since they released their debut single 'No Time' back in April.  At the time I was really impressed with their sound (you can read my review here) which is at turns both loud and powerful.  They had promised that they were working on new material, so I was pleased when I got a message from guitarist and singer Craig Macleod saying that their new single 'Dressed to Kill' was ready for release.

Dressed to Kill- ArtworkAfter giving it a listen, I can confirm that it's a killer track, even better than their masterful debut.  Whereas 'No Time' the 'LOUD quiet LOUD' grunge down pat, is more of a Scottish indie rock affair.  You can hear echoes of bands like Biffy Clyro, Arab Strap, and even Josef K in Craig's choppy guitar rhythm guitar lines.  Although it is more stripped back than its predecessor, which incidentally lets the lead vocals and harmonies shine, it has in common a catchy, anthemic chorus.  It also features an evocative, enigmatic lyric that invites interpretation: "No sound, open ground, the sky is scorched scarlet red.  This is the last, this is the end." 

The production (by Craig and mastered by Colin Dodds) is once against exemplary, making this talented three-piece sound bigger than ever and it's got me itching to catch them live to see how they measure up.  I also can't wait to hear an album or Ep, as the variety they have already displayed in their first two singles makes me think they'd handle a longer release with aplomb.

Released on CD and digital/streaming formats 'Dressed To Kill' is available via Scottish label Meraki Records and all major digital music retailers.

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The music scene in Perthshire seems to be in rude health as of late.  Not only do we have a steady stream of great touring acts passing through, but there is also a wealth of homegrown talent writing, recording and releasing high-quality original material.  One such band is Perth-based The Goatboy.  An unashamedly grunge influenced 4-piece, whose members have previously played together in Drug Couple, Egoslave and Venetian Love triangle to name but a few.

Last year Stef Bednarek, Grant Pettigrew and Steve Cairns gigged as Drive By Killer.  I'm ashamed to say that I never got to see them live before they called it a day.  However, the trio is back as The Goatboy, joined by James Watson on lead guitar, with a blistering new Ep 'It's Not Regret, It's Worse Than That'.  To quote Sum 41, this collection of songs is 'all killer, no filler'.  Having said that, there are a few tracks that are particularly noteworthy. 

The Goatboy Review- ArtworkThe opening instrumental 'Shango' starts with a laid back 90's slacker beat accompanied by a great Pixies-esque bassline before erupting into some great fuzzy rhythm and lead guitar.  It's a great starting point that really hooks you in. The catchy as hell 'Time Waits For No Man' features some really effective guitar work, with echoes of Kurt Cobain in the palm muted verses morphing into a huge distorted wall of sound for the chorus.  The Goatboy saved their best for last though, with the Ep's excellent title track.  'It's Not Regret, It's Worse Than That' is a really versatile piece of songwriting.  It sounds like the more frantic moments of Radiohead's 'Paranoid Android' had a baby with The Smashing Pumpkins 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings'.  It features some awesome, hard-hitting drumming from Pettigrew, a throat-ripping James Hetfield style vocal from Stef and a strong lyric to back it up. 

The Goatboy's 'It's Not Regret, It's Worse Than That' is available as a pay what you want download from Bandcamp here.  All funds go to CLIC Sargent, a charity supporting children & young people facing cancer.  So you can enjoy some great music while simultaneously helping out a great cause.  WINNER! 

I caught up with Stef Bednarek from The Goatboy for a quick interview to find out more about the bands new single and future plans.

So, the band is called The Goatboy. What’s behind the name?

The Goatboy Review- Goofing offThe Goatboy is a myth from the 1800s of a half goat/half man who used to roam the farmlands of Perthshire. We’re not sure if he still exists, but I thought I spotted him in 2016.  We liked the story and figured it would be a good band name.

Your debut EP It’s Not Regret, It’s Worse Than That is a really strong statement. What are your hopes for the future of the band? Is there going to be a longer release in 2018?

Our hopes for 2018?  I guess it’s to promote the ep, establish ourselves as a strong live act and write new material for the next release.  Whether that’s an ep/album/single we don’t know as of yet.

As a band what are your biggest influences?

Bands like Mudhoney, Nirvana, Therapy?, Smashing pumpkins and Silverchair initially inspired me to take up music.  I think you can really hear it on the Ep.For me (Stef) it’s grunge and alternative rock from the early to mid-90s.  Bands like Mudhoney, Nirvana, Therapy?, Smashing pumpkins and Silverchair initially inspired me to take up music.  I think you can really hear it on the Ep.

Describe The Goatboy’s songwriting process?

Usually, I come up with an initial basic structure of a song, send a poor acoustic attempt to Grant, Steve and James so they know the basics of the track.  Then we jam it out at the rehearsal room.

Are you going to be promoting the EP with a tour?  Are we likely to see you play live soon?

We are currently booking live shows, so stay tuned, or get in touch to book us.

How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

The Goatboy Review- Live ShotMe, Steve and grant previously played in a hardcore band called Drive-by Killer.  After the demise of that band, I heard James was returning from Saudi Arabia.  I’d played in a band called Sour Red with him from around 94-96, the planets aligned and The Goatboy was created.

What’s the Perth music scene like?

The Green Room in Perth seems to be the place to be these days.  My favourite Perth band at the moment is John Wheels.  Also, the Make That A Take Records crew are putting together a lot of cool shows at Conroy's Basement in Dundee.

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