Founded as a solo recording project centered around the songwriting of Glasgow-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amanda McKeown, Sister John first caught the attention of Last Night From Glasgow through a Facebook DM accompanied by a link to an album’s worth of folk-leaning material, which highlighted a sparse yet melodic sensibility. The label signed the act, releasing their critically applauded full-length debut, 2017’s Returned from Sea, an album that also received airplay from BBC Radio 6.
The act’s 2019 self-titled sophomore album found the Scottish indie act further establishing their lush yet lo-fi sound. Building upon a growing profile, Sister John’s soon-to-be released third album I Am By Day finds McKeown collaborating with the members of labelmate act The Gracious Losers. The album’s material reportedly capitalizes on the increasingly unnoticeable changes in day-to-day life; but rather than providing a strategy to get through endless blursdays, digs deep and explores every nook and cranny.
Interestingly, I Am By Day‘s second and latest single, the jangling “In My Place” sonically brings Tom Petty and The Pretenders to mind while prominently featuring McKeown’s expressive vocals, a steady groove, staccato organ bursts and a shimmering guitar solo. But underneath the breezy song craft, the song reveals itself as a quietly defiant feminist anthem.
The recently released video for “In My Place” follows an adorable young girl as she daydreams, struts and dances through the back alleys and of her native Glasgow while listening to her favorite band and favorite song on her Walkman. Of course, in this girl, you can see her as a little girl but throughout there are moments, where you begin to see the young woman, she’s about to become.
I Am By Day is slated for a May 21, 2021 release through Last Night From Glasgow.
