Ewan Cruickshanks - A Glasgow Band (2018)

Ewan Cruickshanks may give the impression of being a carefree goofball his often eccentric live show is an eclectic mix of song-writing, electronics, poetry, improvisation, rap and comedic theatrics but his ear for harmony and melody is in no doubt, as a listen to his debut album A Glasgow Band will testify. The first single to be taken from the album, Dreams is a fine example of how a song can project lightweight breeziness whilst still resonating deeply within the listener. The song is described by the man himself as 'a jangly pop song about friendship, youth and believing in yourself, kindly co-sung by my very good pal Siobhan Wilson.' There's an effortless charm to Ewan and Siobhan's harmonising vocals complemented beautifully by Ewan's twangy guitar tones and understated melodic phrasing. Recorded in Glasgow at the Shady Lane studio by Chris McCrory (Catholic Action), Ewan delivers hook-laden, touching pop songs. Cases in point being Superman , Cosmic Star and the sublime, For a Girl . 'For a Girl' is an essential and honest love song where Ewan has stripped away all the frills to expose the vulnerability of someone deeply in a new love. Cruickshanks' yearning feels earnest and genuine and as such is instantly relatable. It's a fine treat that the extended axe-noodlings on these three cuts emphatically mirror Tom Verlaine's guitar triumphs in Television. A testament to Cruickshanks' guitar-chops. Elsewhere you'll find the tropical flavours of Michael and The Fly and Dog , the glam-rock tinged C.A.A.G.B , and the comic horror storytelling of Faster Than a Snake , each delivered with Cruickshanks' sincere sense of joy, wit and charm. An avid supporter of the grassroots music scene in Glasgow, Ewan hosts a radio show on SubCity (the student station affiliated with Glasgow University) and puts on a successful night under the banner New Stuff Always Sux. The spotlight now turns to Ewan with his debut album A Glasgow Band. 'Fun and goofy... a pleasure' - The Skinny // 'The harmonies, guitars and melodies work beautifully together to make the sort of effortless pure-pop records few make anymore.'