RELEASES: From Scotland With Love – King Creosote

We were first introduced to King Creosote after the release of his last album Diamond Mine, a Mercury-nominated collaboration with Jon Hopkins, and it was quickly obvious why he is considered such a gem in the Scottish music scene. We became captivated by his folk-esque voice and mournful style. Although it must be said that his music has a certain bleakness about it, this in no way detracts from the quality, and Diamond Mine won us over. So when we heard that King Creosote was composing a soundtrack to a film created for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, we were surprised and excited in equal measure.

We decided that the best way to hear the album would be to watch it with the film as originally intended. It was clear from the start that this was the right decision. From Scotland With Love is a series of archive video clips of Scottish people, spanning many decades. It featured no commentary or explanation, just the pictures and the music. The two seemed to tie together perfectly, with poignant lyrics singing of life in Scotland. We enjoyed the movie greatly, and with the songs still spinning around our heads, we gave the album alone a go. It clearly stands up by itself. Though the album is heavily Caledonian themed, we believe that it would be easy to enjoy without having watched the film. The songs centre around events and characters in Scottish lives, giving them a really personal feel. Slow, sombre songs like Something To Believe In and Miserable Strangers add a serious tone to the album, whilst contrasting nicely with more upbeat tunes such as One Night Only and our favourite, Largs.

We just love this new album, and the fact that it is a soundtrack makes it even better, as there are stories and pictures to enhance the music. King Creosote’s album is not only a fantastic way to celebrate the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, but gives people a flavour of Scottish life minus the tacky stereotypes. If you fancy watching the movie, and happen to be around Glasgow Green on Thursday 31st July, then at 7pm King Creosote will be performing the score alongside a live screening of the movie. As this is free and non-ticketed, it is too good to miss!

STANDOUT TRACKS: Something To Believe In, Largs & One Night Only