Here’s a great track from Moravian, Lewis Wiles. I am not a Robot feels like it came just at the right time, the beginning of a great summer, and yet it feels like I’ve known it forever. There’s a post-Britpop indie 2000s vibe like Keane, Travis, or Starsailor, and it has the usual band lineup for that genre. Drums, bass, guitars, and Lewis’ silky-smooth vocals, but with the addition of anthemic violins, which make this track feel huge. It’s the kind of song that you’ll find yourself singing in the car and will quickly become a favourite for festivals.
I am not a Robot sent me down a wee Lewis Wiles rabbit hole where I discovered that he has been in tonnes of bands and supported some of the Scottish Trad scene’s biggest hitters, including Skerryvore, Manran, and Skipinnish. He’s moved home to Moray recently and has teamed up with some local musicians to record some great songs. Another couple of songs he’s released this year are also available online and have the same upbeat, cheery vibe, and all three were released this year, so I think it’s safe to assume there’s more to come.
I can certainly hear the trad influence, but it’s subtle, and you’d be forgiven for thinking he’d been the frontman for a noughties indie pop group. My recommendation is that if you see his name on a festival poster, get yourself a ticket and catch his set because I’d bet money that this guy puts on a banger of a show. I’ve immediately followed him on Insta and TikTok, so I can say I was following him before anyone else heard of him, and I’m excited to see what he releases next.
