As the main force behind Ballboy, who released several sardonic but tuneful albums in the early noughties, Gordon McIntyre has been somewhat quiet of late, but this latest track reaffirms his position in the Scottish miserablist indie stakes once again…
On a new label (a good signing for Lost Map) and with a laconic, stripped-down sound, this track just emphasises what a great songwriter he is, and has been, over the years.
Out now, the track builds up from a solitary guitar throb, through further instrumentation, including percussion, piano and strings.
The subject of course is the aftermath of a serious love affair, somewhat self-pitying (but par for the course and open to self-parody) – the allusions and metaphors come thick and fast… but the tune is great, the wordplay sublime…. “a tiny mark, made with something sharp…” channels the pain felt in the aftermath…
Highly recommended and great to see Mr McIntyre back in the fray…