Taken from the bands long awaited new album, You Might Be Smiling Now… expanded (now a six piece) Scottish indie band the Just Joans have released a new track, O Caledonia. It’s still got the charm, whimsy and innocence you expect from the band, siblings David and Katie, but now its bigger, fatter and packed with more ideas. There’s pulsating synths and Mary Chain like guitar solos to go along with melodies to fall in love with, and an ending that’ll make your head spin in the most fantastic way.
Songwriter and guitarist David Pope says this of the song: “‘O Caledonia’ is a song inspired by my four-year-old niece who is, as yet, completely oblivious to the pain, misery and heartache that lies in wait just around the corner. This is our message to the young: You Might Be Smiling Now… Perhaps it’s the legacy of John Calvin and strict Northern Presbyterianism. Perhaps it’s the miserable weather and shite football. Either way, there feels a peculiar doom-laden cynicism at the heart of the Scottish psyche. Life is long and hard and filled with sin and guilt, and that’s the way it’s meant to be. Enjoy the song – or, actually, don’t enjoy the song. Just set your face against the wind and endure it.”
The band have also announced a few live dates, including an album launch in Glasgow on 2 December at McNeil’s Bar for a special festive show, as well as a headline date at The Lexington in London in February 2018. You might be smiling now… is out via Fika Recordings on December 1st
