FROM FALKIRK WITH HEART: BROGEAL’S TUESDAY PAPER CLUB MARKS A NEW ERA

ALBUM REVIEW | BROGEAL – TUESDAY PAPER CLUB by Anne Kelly

“The thing about our music is that it transcends all age groups,” shares Brògeal’s Daniel Harkins. “You’ve got 14-year-old boys with their mums, they’re all going mental, you’ve got old punks, middle-aged women, young adults, old people, everybody’s digging it, you know?”

I’ll be with the middle aged women I suppose then, right?? Standing proudly, waving the Brògeal flag for all to see. Why? Because this Falkirk band are by far one of the best live bands I’ve been part of a crowd for.

From catching them at a hometown festival a few years back and hitting the ‘follow’ button on their socials, I’ve watched this band flourish up and down the country. To me, Brògeal sound like a slice of home, and their debut album, Tuesday Paper Club, is a credit to that persevering journey.

Taking traditional Scottish folk influences and riotous Irish rebel energy and planting it deep rooted in jangly 90’s indie melodies and britpop guitars, Brògeal’s Tuesday Paper Club is a multifaceted melting pot of indie-folk joy that binds the conventional with the contemporary that slots tightly into emerging music scene right now.

The record opens strong, with the bands three most high energy singles released so far. Titular track ‘Tuesday Paper Club’ throws you right into the room, pulsating fast rhythms with punchy real lyricism – the band offer everything from the get go. ‘Vicar Street Days’ is romantic nostalgia served in a plastic pint cup, and ‘Friday On My Mind’ lets singer Daniel Harkins tease a sweet side with a note to a lover he just can’t wait to see again.

‘Lady Madonna’ continues in the same bouncy protective, meanwhile track 5 brings the tempo down a little with the refreshing breath of air of ‘Turn and Walk Away’. A poignant tale of romantic regret, Turn and Walk Away delivers jangly ’90s indie flair akin to bands like The Saw Doctors, yet holding on with the band’s heartfelt signature style. ‘Scarlett Red’ hits right in the feels. Daniel’s gravelly vocals carry raw emotion, supported by delicate melodies and instrumentation that masterfully incorporates the band’s entire folk ensemble. Honourable mention must go to the multi-skilled Sam MacMillan who really draws out the bands more traditional arrangements. From the accordion to a bit of banjo and bouzouki, or the harmonica and mandolin, the band’s diverse talents play a pivotal role in shaping what makes Brògeal so engaging.

What I really love about this album, especially when compared to the band’s previous work, is the sense of maturity and authenticity in their songwriting. While they have always understood and excelled in the storytelling aspect of traditional music, Tuesday Paper Club marks a significant evolution, showcasing their newfound confidence to express personal feelings and experiences. This album radiates personality, capturing not only the nature of Scottish working class culture, but also a unique and relatable nostalgia for their hometown of Falkirk.

The flip side of the record leans more into folk influences, creating a refreshing contrast that highlights the band’s intricate songwriting and musical skills. Tracks like ‘One For The Ditch’, ‘Apples and Leaves’, and ‘Go Home To Your Bed’ embrace traditional songwriting. Aidan Callaghan, the band’s other main vocalist, adds his melodic touch throughout the more traditional numbers and his heartfelt delivery is sure to resonate deeply with listeners. In contrast, ‘Draw the Line’ and ‘Racing Track’ brings a rockier vibe reminiscent of The View, whilst ‘Stuck Inside’ weaves together various influences, ultimately defined by its honest lyricism.

As the final notes of ‘Go Home To Your Bed’ ring out, there’s a strong sense of accomplishment towards this band. They have managed to produce a debut album which captures the essence of Brògeal as they are. But just as the silence lulls you to a false finale, the old familiar penny whistle of the ‘Lonesome Boatman’ rings through your speakers. Tuesday Paper Club refuses to fade out quietly, and if you’ve ever seen the band live then you will know The Fureys traditional Irish classic is an integral part of the band’s set. Performed live, ‘Lonesome Boatman’ always goes off, flaunting the band’s rhythm section – Euan Mundie on bass and Luke Mortimer on drums – as the true backbone of Brògeal. The recorded rendition retains that energy, yet demonstrates just how tight they can be, showing real showmanship in both composition and craft.

Brogeal could be for Falkirk what band’s like The View done for Dundee, and it’s the authentic draw that will not likely keep them local heroes until they become part of the “Tuesday Paper Club” themselves. Go buy or stream Tuesday Paper Club now.

Brògeal head out on their UK tour later this month – Tickets are on sale now!

29 Oct – Voodoo, Belfast

30 Oct – The Academy Dublin

31 Oct – Kasbah Social Club, Limerick

1st Nov – The Greyhound, Kilkee

17 Nov – Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield

18 Nov – The Portland Arms, Cambridge

21 Nov – Arts Club, Liverpool

22 Nov – Gorilla, Manchester

25 Nov – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

27 Nov – Exchange, Bristol

28 Nov – The Garage, London

29 Nov – The Castle & Falcon, Birmingham

1 Dec – The Caves, Edinburgh

2 Dec – The Caves, Edinburgh

3 Dec – Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen

5 Dec – Beat Generator Live, Dundee