DIFFERENT PAST

STATE BROADCASTERS

THAT yellow orb in the sky is getting stronger. The daffies are out. There’s a skip in the step.

Added to the general spring joy is the release today of the third album by Glasgow’s State Broadcasters.

What better music as we emerge from winter and breathe in the fresh air?

A Different Past follows 2009 debut The Ship and the Iceburg and 2012 follow-up Ghosts We Must Carry.

For all its joy, the album is tinged with sadness.

After co-writing all but one of the songs, Graeme Black, who founded the group with Pete MacDonald in 2004, quit once the third album was made, leaving Pete, Gillian Fleetwood, Cameron Maxwell and newbie David McGinty.

The album starts with the jaunty Break My Fall which has the melodic structure of The Proclaimers and their knowing If you’re unsigned or on an indie label, send your music to Rick Fulton Daily Record, One Central Quay, Glasgow

G3 8DA, or email r.fulton@dailyrecord.co.uk lyrics: “This time I think I love you more than last time”.

I’ll Sing With Ya! has the synth/drum punch of Calvin Harris and a shout out chorus begging to played live. Gillian takes lead vocal duties on Folding – a church folk ballad.

Break-up song Crap Village has the swell of Kids from Fame’s Hi Fidelity if Morrissey was a student.

While most of the album is upbeat there are introspective moments as it comes to a close on Let The Wolves Roam and the yearning closer Ribbons.

It’s a powerful final punch on an album that floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.

A Different Past by State Broadcasters is out today.

They play The Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh, tonight and St. Peter’s Church, Glasgow, on Sunday.

Visit statebroadcasters. bandcamp.com for more info.