Sandra Darlin' - The Chosen Lonely
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
The Chosen Lonely (Steven Barclay) project launched in late 2017, with a handful of hometown shows taking place in Inverness between then and early 2019. He released his first single in 2019 before relocating to Glasgow. The first single became the opening track on the first EP released in February 2020 which was named ‘Record of the Week’ on BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal.
The second EP ‘Video Hair’ followed in 2022, along with the launch of his own label ‘37heaven’ with Singles such as ‘Tiger Bloomer’ and ‘Swim Softly’ featuring, gaining coverage on BBC Radio Scotland, The Scottish Sun, and was named ‘Artist of the Week’ in The Scotsman in 2021. Other releases include ‘Wild Youth’, ‘Zoom Romance’ and ‘My Fair Lady’ to name but a few.
Steven was due to go on tour when the pandemic hit, and aside from a couple of shows here and there across 2021 and 2022 he is set to visit small towns & new venues around his native homeland, whilst introducing himself to his southern neighbours on a tour that stretches from Skye Bridge down to the Midlands. Soon to include new musicians in the project, Steven has created an early sketch of what is to come, performing all of the instruments himself in the interim.
Steven says “This upcoming tour will be my first full and consistent run of shows since then. During this time, I’ve been writing and recording a lot, with the majority of my releases having been recorded from home.”
Fresh off the back of an 18 month stint on Spotify editorial playlist ‘Scotify’ - the versatile Indie Pop artist returns with a new & bigger full band sound in latest single Sandra Darlin’. Released on February 28th and written as an ode to the leading female in 1978 musical Grease, the track takes much of its influence from early leather clad Glasvegas and combines elements of 1960’s power pop (The Crystals, The Ronettes) with 00’s Indie Rock.
The deep resonating drum pattern
The first thing that hits you is the thump of the deep resonating drum pattern, it vibrates through your ear drums introduces you to a melodic lead guitar riff that sends a shiver down your spine and lays down a template for what’s to come. Its rich in sound and tonality almost mournful yet its bright, crisp and vibrant.
A colourful backdrop of accomplished musicianship.
The vocal is powerful and emotive, delivered with a hint of yearning, its strong in both delivery and meaning, really impressive. It’s a track that is almost cinematic, knowing what the song is about instils this further. It has an upbeat feel fused with hints of sadness played out on a colourful backdrop of accomplished musicianship.
Its lush, rich and complex
There are many textures, each one striking a chord, from the warlike drumming pattern, melodic, dripping in shimmering guitar riffs and resonating bass lines. Its lush, rich and complex, the lyrics are clever, honest and relatable. To say this is a one-man band so to speak highlights the talent Steve possesses. The addition of more musicians to the project bodes well for the future in my opinion.
Dripping in shimmering guitar riffs
Its refreshing to hear a track that steps away from the norm, it builds to crescendo of soaring guitars that glisten and shimmer and take you up a level to a grand finale of drum bursts. It’s a glorious, powerful track. I have to say this is the first track I have heard and I was instantly hooked by the depth of sound created here. Give this a listen it won’t disappoint.
Find out more here
Comments