Playing dice game with my Daughter and discovered a slightly bias die. All sides are a 5!!! But she's not cheating lol 😂 #ceramics #ceramiclover #clayart #clay #pottery #potterycrafted #potterylife #makersgonnamake #kilnfired #Scottishpottersassociation #limeriggpottery #ceramicart #christmas #busybusybusy #pottersofinstagram #claylover #patientsisavirtue #handmadeinscotland #forthvalleyart #forthvalley #nightoff #familytime https://www.instagram.com/p/BqiXMnzAWjV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=169ygbbi78f3i
Today's glaziness with a shed visitor. So, little houses, bells, autumnal leaves and more. Still lots more to do. #ceramics #ceramiclover #clayart #clay #pottery #potterycrafted #potterylife #makersgonnamake #kilnfired #Scottishpottersassociation #limeriggpottery #ceramicart #christmas #busybusybusy #pottersofinstagram #claylover #patientsisavirtue #handmadeinscotland #forthvalleyart #forthvalley #puopys #puppyassistant #sleepypuppy https://www.instagram.com/p/BqQukpegSm9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cc1j74yofsfc
My house. And one or two others in a fog-filled Forth Valley. From the summit of ‘Dumyat’ a couple of winters back. The three bridges over the Firth are tucked away there on the left of the frame (They’re Instagram tiny though, so you’ll have to take my word for it) ––•–– • • • • • #Alloa #Tullibody #Clackmannanshire #Dumyat #ForthValley #OchilHills #InstaMood #atmospheric #clouds #cloudporn #fog #weather #InstaScotland #IG_Scotland #VisitScotland #OutAndAboutScotland #DiscoverClacks #ViewFromTheTop (at Dumyat Walk) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrBdTJXB3N7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=shro91myitbz
Appearing by surprise on Halloween, this is the latest release from Stock Manager, aka Jack Boyle, following on from the excellent ‘Blasé’ EP’ released earlier this year. The opening few bars of this EP had me, if not hooked, certainly intrigued. ‘How Good It Feels When You Go’ has a catchy opening acoustic riff, quickly joined by a lo-fi drum beat that got me nodding my head and reminded me of eighties Glasgow indie pop like The Pastels. Overall though, there is a definite feel of late eighties / early nineties American alt rock to all the songs - think The Lemonheads and Pixies - but that's not a criticism. As someone who grew up in that era there is something immediately recognisable and familiar but it doesn't feel forced.
There is a natural, easy feel to the song writing. The songs flow well. Although the influences are clear it doesn't feel like an attempt to recreate the past or copy. It feels genuine and from the heart. Both the opening track and the last, ‘Like A Woman Giving Birth’, have an upbeat catchy drum beat that helps lift the songs and adds a slight pop element to them. The vocals are melodic and have touches of Smashing Pumpkins on occasion.
I like the production on this EP. The songs have space to breath and it’s a welcome break from the usual ‘volume war’ type of over production you tend to get these days. The slightly rough edges of the recording in places adds to a sense of intimacy and charm that’s very appealing.
Acoustic guitars, fuzzy guitars, nice melodies, catchy beats - there might not be anything earth-shatteringly original or genre defining here but I found myself going back to listen again and have done a few times over the last couple of days.
Well written, unpretentious indie music you want to listen to again.
