Curiously devoid of humour, for a change...  or possibly steeped in it.  Clam on bass, naturally.

The Freelance Hairdresser - Free Jazz Experiment (2001)

Here's a first recording from the indie pop band The Simple Present.
This version of their song "Summer Triangle" appears on the strictly limited, hand-made, and hand-numbered lathe-cut 7" "First Two Cuts" (KUS-LC01). This lathe-cut 7" is available exclusively at Cologne Popfest 2025.

The Simple Present - Summer Triangle (first version)

botw88-03 sun serious

2025-04-25 Martin on Robert Elms Show Radio London

Scottish indie miserabilists The Just Joans announce their new album Romantic Visions of Scotland which is due out via Fika Recordings on 23 January 2026 and share the wry first single “Here Come The Rugby Boys”. The Glasgow band pair shambling indie pop with sharp observations on romantic pratfalls and everyday disappointments, all delivered with sardonic Scottish wit, fronted by siblings David and Katie Pope, whose wry lyrics and heartfelt vocals remain at the heart of the band’s distinctive sound. 

“Here Come The Rugby Boys” has all the hallmarks of a classic indiepop anthem, with an incredibly infectious tune and keen lyrics. As songwriter David Pope explains: “When I was 9 or 10 a couple of guys came to my primary school in Paisley to tell us about mini rugby. They promised us mars bars and glory and neglected to mention anything about communal showering or being humiliated in front of our fathers. I went along for a few months and this song is based on my vague memories of those cold Sunday mornings. 

"Musically I think there’s a bit of “part-time punks” by the Television Personalities in the song, alongside a bit of the camp theatricality of The Kinks. It was one of the first tracks we recorded for the new album and there’s a level of clumsy enthusiasm and drive which seems to suit the song. It captures something of the frightening, careering, messy nature of the game (and of that age in general).”

Originally inspired by a grandiose exhibition title spotted on Glasgow buses in 2019 for a show at the National Museum of Scotland called Wild and Majestic: Romantic Visions of Scotland, the album Romantic Visions of Scotland arrives six years later as a collection of semi-autobiographical snapshots from the Central Belt of Scotland. Whilst some of the details have been exaggerated for comic (or tragic) effect, the songs are based on personal experience of mundane failings, bitter regrets and missed opportunities that make up an unremarkable life.

Recurring themes of nostalgia for a bygone era and the fear of being left behind by lovers, friends and peers run throughout the album. Musically and lyrically, the band channels Village Green-era Kinks, with nods to The Television Personalities, The Smiths and Dolly Mixture.

About The Just Joans

The Just Joans were formed in Glasgow in 2005 by songwriter David Pope. Early demos were collected together and released as a loose concept album, Last Tango in Motherwell, in 2006. Chris Elkin joined on guitar and was followed shortly after by David’s younger sister, Katie, on vocals and Fraser Ford on bass. Over the years they have released EPs and albums on WeePOP! and Fika Records and have gained a cult following as Scottish pop miserabilists. 

The current line-up consists of Katie Pope (vocals), David Pope (vocals, guitar), ChrisElkin (lead guitar), Fraser Ford (bass), Arion Xenos (keyboards) and Jason Sweeney(drums).

Here Come The Rugby Boys

The Assembly “Never Never” (Cover)

Originally the title track for Jasmine Minks first album for Creation Records, rejected at the last minute...

Creation Artifact

Jasmine Minks - Everybody's Got To Grow Up Someday (Demo)

Cover version of We The People psychedelic classic, recorded at Alan Mcgee's (our manager at the time) Living Room club...

The Assembly “Never Never” (Cover)

MeganeMashup

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