Brògeal - ‘Miss MCC’

As far as up and coming bands in Scotland go, not many come close to being as exciting and refreshing as Falkirk’s own Brògeal. With their throwback folk sound and their punky attitude I can’t think of anybody in the Scottish scene doing it like these lads. Even when they’re not on stage the work they are doing to help grow and promote a music scene in Falkirk is something to be commended. Overall, these lads are well ahead of the curve.

Their newest single ‘Miss MCC’ is actually an old favourite for Brògeal fans as this is a song they’ve played live for a while now. I must admit, when I heard it was one they’ve played for a while I wasn’t sure which one it was but as soon as it kicked in I knew instantly. The cheeky lyrics, the fun bounce of the rhythm, the banjo twang, the whole lot just puts a smile on your face. It’s so reminiscent of bands like The Pogues and The Dubliners but frontman Daniel Harkins’ Scottish accent makes sure to clear up any confusion.

A lot of Brògeal’s charm lies in how unconventional they are. For a band all in their early 20s to play music like this with such confidence is unreal. The accordion isn’t exactly the sexiest instrument, so to hear a band so young be so unapologetic with their sound and to have it so well defined is something I love. This track is another feather in the cap of Brògeal who are, themselves, a huge feather in the cap of the Scottish music scene.

Brògeal have felt like they’re due a breakout for a while now and their prominent positioning on this year’s Tenement Trail bill will no doubt have helped. If you were to ask me to make a list of my ones to watch, both within Scotland and further afield, Brògeal would be one of the first names to come to mind and ‘Miss MCC’ makes it clear to see why.