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May 08, 2014 PAWS By Billy Hamilton

The Scottish indie canon is as broad as it is deep. From the bubble-gum electronica of CHVRCHES to Twilight Sad’s misanthropic doom-rock, all the way to Frightened Rabbit’s Celtic-blooded jangling, it’s a country that’s packing one heck of a melodic punch.

PAWS, a Glasgow-based trio with a penchant for scuzz rock wigouts, add yet another dimension to this endless sonic space. Their debut LP was a fuzzy—if not quite lasting—saunter of clanging guitars that echoed stateside garage rock.

For better and worse, its successor Youth Culture Forever makes fewer overtures across the Atlantic. Instead, in the melodic gloss of “Alone” and the shimmering chasm of “Tongues,” they broaden their horizons, resembling the hyperventilating early years of Idlewild.

While it’s hardly adventurous, there’s plenty of thrill on offer. “Someone New” is a breathless strike of avuncular drums; “Give Up” rips up the floor with elasticated guitars; and “Great Bear” is a rapacious slab of granite instruments that bluster like the gales of the North Sea.

PAWS may never hit the heady heights of their more ear-friendly brethren, but they’ve created a record that’s undeniably, unequivocally Scottish. And that in itself is an impressive feat. (www.wehavepaws.com)

Author rating: 7/10