Songs that are Scottish without a Doubt
BACK in 2014, as Scotland decided whether to break away from the rest of the UK, the song Suffering from Scottishness became the unofficial anthem of the time.
Adopted by the Yes campaign, it was a Trainspotting-style musing on the downtrodden psyche of our great nation.
Now the Ayrshire-founded band behind it, Dumb Instrument, are back with their third album, Doubt. It’s another cracking selection of songs that will make you laugh, nod your head in agreement and tap your toes.
And singer Tom Murray is hopeful that IndyRef2 will be held soon. He said: “Personally I don’t know how anybody who lives in Scotland could think it’s still a good idea to keep our wagon hitched to Westminster. What the chaos of recent events has revealed is that that kind of democracy is broken.
“What we need to do up here is to create a new Scottish democracy – and that will take courage.”
It’s been a long 11 years since their last album No-One Knows What It’s Like To Be Me. A planned crowd-funded double album didn’t come to pass but, as always, Tom sees a positive. He said: “The consequence of that is we have enough material for another album, which will be out pretty soon. Next year, hopefully.”
Doubt starts with the pounding indie 60s pop of High Jumper. It includes the love song (yes, really) That Stupid Wee Lassie From Elderslie, suburban lullaby Crazy Paving, jazzy smug-bashing LaDeDa, the sad father’s song Drunk in the Playground and album closer The Darkness Is Your Friend with its Bond theme-style instrumental breakdown
Built around founders Tom and piano player Mikey Grant, the band also includes Kieron Rossi on bass, Thomas Marsden on guitar, Vanessa Smith on vocals and horns, Leigh Ferguson on vocals, Ross McCrae on trombone and Dave McDonald on drums.
Having an eight-piece band can add some logistic headaches.
Tom admitted: “Everyone has busy lives but WhatsApp really helps. If everyone gets a fair warning, most things are possible.” ● Doubt is out now. Dumb Instrument will officially launch the new album at CCA, Glasgow, on October 19.
RICK FULTON