GLASGOW BASED QUINTET PEDALO INSPIRE AND PROVOKE THOUGHT WITH LATEST SINGLE ‘MYSTERY’

BY MORGAN HERMISTON

Recording this newest single with Jamie Holmes of Castle of Doom Studios, PEDALO were bound to create the catchiest of tunes. The Glasgow recording studio was formed by Mogwai and recording producer Tony Doogan and they have worked with some of the biggest Scottish bands including Twin Atlantic as well as Belle & Sebastian. Pedalo’s latest single ‘Mystery’ is just another incredibly impressive track to add to their list as well as to Pedalo’s ever growing diverse discography.

Following on from previous single ‘Halfway House’, Pedalo continue with their incredibly professional sound and lyrics that are vibrantly vocalised. The lyrics of ‘Mystery’ are presented as though they are thoughts written down. The iridescent indie track follows the change in mindset as we realise how detrimental someone truly may be to us. Beginning with a melody infectiously infused with riffs and driven by bass and drums, the track starts with a reflective mood, “three years to the day”.

The haunting yet comforting vocals sing listeners through a shift in thoughts. What starts with a self-attacking notion, “I swear my pride is getting in the way” changes later on to “I’d shed my pride any day, just to hear you say that I miss you”. A catchy chorus that repeats throughout the track simply includes the phrase “you’re a mystery, mystery to me”. The simplicity provides a relatable phrase, also something that I imagine would sound beautiful in a live setting.

Haunting, dreamy vocals transform halfway through into a talkative, almost poetic portion. In this carefully and creatively constructed verse, the words take us on the journey and moods surrounding the realisation that a certain person being in our lives proves to be of more detriment than benefit. There is a thought-provoking element as we begin to acknowledge the things that make us go through “second guessing”. There are mentions of sporadic messaging and hanging up the phone, “walking alone and it’s late, but I’m fine, and – call ended”.

The clearly spoken words leave no doubt as to what’s being said, that there is an acceptance that this person is treating you negatively, without care even. This person is also never present even if they’re in the same room as you, “every time you come back, you’re always dying to go”.

With what Pedalo have aptly described as an “eclectic melting pot of influences”, their sound is powerful. It’s difficult to identify who they sound like because while they have so many different musical preferences and inspirations, their sound is also divinely distinctive. However, I would say that their sound and wonderful way of wording concepts can also be found in songs by bands like The Cranberries and even other local acts like Brontës and Bottle Rockets.

Having sold out numerous live shows including ones at notable venues like King Tut’s and Nice N Sleazy, there is no doubt in the band’s ability to perform live. Equally, there is no question as to how successful Pedalo will be if they continue to release tracks as captivating as ‘Mystery’. Their striking songwriting skills and abilities to make a song undeniably unique are things that will be intrinsic to Pedalo’s success as a band. ‘Mystery’ is a mesmerising track that will captivate you as soon as you press play.

BY MORGAN HERMISTON