Tuesday, 16 February 2010

Band to Watch - Shooting Stansfield



Taking their name from Gary Oldman's character in Léon, Edinbugh band Shooting Stansfield's emotive indie is much more of a reluctant hug rather than a murderous hitman. Forming in September of last year, the band has wasted no time in recording their debut EP, 'Human Static' at The Wee Red Bar with Alex Fenton.

The title track starts off as an indie folk lament, erupting into a plethora of catchy guitar hooks and sing a long choruses. It reminds me of fellow Scots There Will Be Fireworks, but less post-rock driven. Singer Stewart Douglas' distinctive vocals compliment the accompanying driving bass and drums and swirling guitars from Stephen Whipp, Craig Robertson and David Steel, perfectly. This is again demonstrated in the slow building song 'Pulse', which again takes influence from several bands in the Scottish scene (Frightened Rabbit, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Idlewild), combining heartfelt lyrics with soaring guitars.

One thing I can take from my introduction to Shooting Stansfield, is that they show how Scottish bands are now looking to home-based bands more than ever for inspiration, and the results are compelling to say the least. If the band can build upon their sound and become a serious live force, then I predict big things for these guys.

Shooting Stansfield - Human Static


Shooting Stansfield - Pulse


Forthcoming debut EP 'Human Static' is launched on 4th March at Sneaky Pete's, with support sets from Windlestray and Birdhead.

13 comments:

  1. nice find that man, did you hear the Last Battle session this afternoon? you got several mentions for your compilation

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  2. Thanks. I d/l the tracks you put up, but I will listen to the whole thing. Just to boost the old ego eh...

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  3. I really fucking love these tunes. Try to get more new bands up here. you seem to have a dead gd ear for it.

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  4. Great find. I had heard mention of Shooting Stansfield but this is my first listen. Excited to hear more!

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  5. Nice.. Pulse is a beautiful track.. Thanks fr sharing

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  6. Shite enough to comment anonymously on a blog about it?! Shit a dick!

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  7. Saw them in Edinburgh the other night an was seriously impressed, the songs sounded at least 3.5 times as good live

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  8. These guys keep requesting to follow me on Twitter! NO, SHOOTING STANSFIELD, FOR THE LAST TIME, NO.

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  9. They sound pretty much like most derivative indie band that are out these days tbh, only with a Biffy impersonator on vocals. Not that great I'm afraid

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  10. I wouldn't say their vocalist is a biffy impersonator...hes scottish! Awesome band. Cant wait for their next offering

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