‘Dictator‘ are a multi faceted, genre weaving band from West Lothian, held in high regard for their brand of electronic pop. In saying that, I wouldn’t dare try to pigeonhole this band to a single genre. The four-piece are a hybrid, a one-off, a revelation. The key ingredients for the recipe of ‘Dictator‘ are a keen eye for detail in production, a solid base layer groove and the unique tonalities of lead singer Michael. This year Dictator has already headlined the Stag and Dagger festival in Edinburgh and Stockton Calling.

Dictator’s new track fits perfectly with its predecessor’s. The band’s back catalogue is one of consistent quality and adventure. I urge you to take some time and listen to Rubik’s Cube, a sensational piece of work and my personal favourite.

At this point, I’d like to send a huge thank you out to both Dictator and Blackhall Records for churning out these bangers time and time again.

‘Almost Famous’ is a song about being true to your roots and keeping ahead of your ego. Lead singer Michael Campbell tells us, “It’s the epitome of getting caught up in your own hype” going on to explain that ‘Almost Famous is “a self-deprecating look at what being a rock star is supposedly all about and a challenge to it, a reminder of how things could have panned out if we weren’t so lucky to be miserable failures in our own endeavours to be the best.”

As a song, ‘Almost Famous’ has a minimalist feel in the musical content. The instrumentation’s militant structure and simplicity allows us to really listen and digest the lyrics. I like the self-analytic nature of the lyrics, relatability is important as this is what gives us a gauge on an artist’s authenticity. The lyrics are reminiscent of early Arctic Monkeys, with elements of pointing at something and talking about it. There’s casual observations and a sense of commentary on everyday life.

If you have been in a band, you understand “See my uncle, yeah, he plays the music too”. If you are at a family party or a gig as an observer, you have been pitched to by somebody’s family member. If you haven’t, you must have dreamt that you were in a band or you never let the music leave the garage that you dragged your tiny starter amps into every week. The use of “the music” in this lyric is brilliant because it brings to the fore a more comical tone to the verse, provoking the feeling that the speaker doesn’t actually believe in music as a career the “get a trade son” type.

Michael commands the listener “Hold my wine, while I blow your mind”. There is an old adage that compares ageing well to a fine wine. If you are a musician or in a band please research the blueprint of Dictator. The perseverance and adaptability the guys have shown has given them longevity and they have truly hit the sweet spot, providing us with anthemic, out-the-bottle innovative music. Four of the hardest-working best mates Scotland will ever see.

‘Dictator’ are Scotland’s answer to a divine, punchy French Château.

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