Deriving their name from a line in Better Oblivion Community Center‘s “Sleepwalkin,'” the emerging Glasgow-based indie outfit Bottle Rockets — Kenzi (vocals), John (guitar) and Sam (drums) — are deeply influenced by 80s New Wave acts like The Cure, Sioxsie and the Banshees, New Order and others.
The emerging Scottish act’s latest single “When I Tell You,” was recorded at 7 West Studio, a studio revered as a proving ground for their hometown’s fellow emerging artists. Interestingly, the new single finds the band attempting to push their sound beyond their influences, with the band pairing Kenzi’s expressive pop belter vocals with jangling guitars, thunderous drumming and a rousingly anthemic hook. The end result sonically — to my ears, at least — is a slick synthesis of The Pretenders and 120 Minutes era alt rock.
As the band explains “When I Tell You,” “. . . expresses the frustration of never having any luck on your side, when everything and anything seemingly goes against you. Perfect for those wanting to let everything out.”
