One to Watch | Vanderlye
August 21 | Written By Harvey Dibden-Angus
Glasgow's Vanderlye is a recently formed alternative rock group with members from all over the city. Their latest single ‘This Plastic Ego’ was released Friday 3rd May, which they went on to perform at Saint Luke’s, one of Glasgow’s leading venues, supporting Mickey 9s the following night alongside LeisureLand on Saturday 4th May.
‘This Plastic Ego’ is a pensive alt-rock song narrated by two different perspectives, portraying feelings of grief and loss in the wake of a failed relationship. It carries on the male/female lead vocals from the previous hit, ‘Terrible Comfort’.
Vanderlye, relatively new on the scene and still calibrating their sound, have had a real lightbulb moment with the introduction of Becky Clarke and specifically the presence of her vocals. Not to rain on Becky’s bass – playing parade though; her bass playing is not only individually excellent but seems to correspond tenderly with Sean’s guitar riffs. Her vocals on ‘This Plastic Ego’ however, have completely elevated the band’s sound. After listening to the song on repeat, it’s hard to imagine a version of Vanderlye without Becky. The Beautiful South without Alison Wheeler, Sixpence None The Richer without Leigh Nash. It feels similar. The introduction of a female vocalist often becomes the yin to a bands yang when executed correctly. The femininity and elegance, subtly introduced by Vanderlye in this instance is irreplaceable by auto – tune or instrument. The way in which Becky and Sean intercept each other almost line for line feels completely natural and understated also. Despite this, the introduction of a female vocalist hasn’t swayed Vanderlye away from their original sound; maybe a little, but the foundations are still very much there. It would be fairer to say that Becky feels more like the missing piece of the puzzle, rather than a supplement to an already promising band.
"Becky Clarke (vocals/bass) has the following to say about the track:
“This Plastic Ego is the first song myself and Sean wrote together, the first time we met up. It really showcases the sound of the band with our diverse influences and personal styles. Our song-writing styles really bounced off each other and this shows throughout the song with its weaving vocal melodies”.
Sean McGarvey (vocals/guitar) further adds:
“I feel like that day was a special and pivotal moment for the band. We wrote the song within two hours of meeting up. The energy and chemistry we had whilst creating the track was really exciting and that feeling has continued ever since”
The track was recorded at Castle of Doom studios and produced and mixed by Jamie Holmes. Their second single ‘Guilty Lovers & Heartbreak Serenades’ recently won the Single of the Year at the Unsigned Music Awards 2024 with over 9,000 nominations.
In addition, after a top 10 placing in the Amazing Radio Charts, Artist of the Week in Scotland on Sunday and sold-out shows in Nice N Sleazy in September 2023 and McChuills in January 2024. In their hometown, Vanderlye have gained considerable attention in the first eight months since their formation.
Their first three singles ‘Malleable Soul’, ‘Guilty Lovers & Heartbreak Serenades’ & ‘Terrible Comfort’ have all enjoyed international airplay success and have been met with acclaim from key blogs and critics within the Scottish Music Scene. Their music video for second single ‘Guilty Lovers & Heartbreak Serenades’ produced by Northern Mayo enabled the four-piece to gain further attraction and interest on social media as the visual accompaniment shed further light on the band.
Vanderlye have recently performed in front of a congested crowd at the Hug & Pint, as part of the Endless Summer Festival 6th July. They also recently played a gig after ‘This Plastic Ego’ was released with post - funk Scotsmen Mickey 9s. They are also planning to release more music in the latter half of the year, with plenty more gigs to be announced.