Manchester's Argh Kid set 2019 alight with former single 'Neighbours'. Now, spoken word artist Dave Scott is back with a new EP ‘Derelict Dreams’. Recorded at Editors' Justin Lockey's studio, Scott, backed with a band, attempts to build upon his razor sharp wit and social comment.
Whilst Scott's words are the star of the show, his band are serving up something almost as special. ‘Tearaways' combines the languid style Loyle Carner with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly’s warming brass circa ‘Teenage Chronicles…’. It allows Scott to conjure a murky North West landscape sound tracked to Scorsese’s vision in Taxi Driver. Meanwhile, on ‘Reunion’, they pay homage to Membranes legend John Robb via destructive bass playing.
Lyrically, across both these songs, Scott's reputation continues to rise, rapidly. ‘Tearaways’ paints pictures of dimly lit parks, fights, cider, and drug, something teenagers, generation after generation can relate to.
'Reunion', a brutal analysis of an abusive father (“Was it the left or the right when you kicked her goodnight”) is a haunting and righteous reliving of teenage pain.
Then there is 'Beige'. Musically, it again shows of another side, bringing in Celtic folk influences. Scott's lifelong battle against isolation and social attitudes that will move you to tears. Teachers setting a path for impressionable young minds to “other” him is a crushing but, the spirit and, the loving endeavour to search for belonging is heart-warming.
In a time where vultures sit at the head table, Scott shines a light on the only route through this quagmire. The difficult pathway, the one where society and the individual show willing to learn and understand other cultures not “send them home” or bully in articles (“bankrobbers” & “letterboxes”).
To say this is a step up from their previous singles is harsh, 'Frank' and 'Neighbours' are top draw. Nevertheless, a step up this is!