Alternative Pop from Aldo

Glasgow-based newcomer Aldo has been quick to stake his claim as one of alternative pop’s most compelling new voices. With a sound that takes cues from the iconic textures of the 80s, his music blends nostalgic atmospheres with a modern energy, nodding to influences such as The Cure, The Smiths and The Blue Nile while folding in the energy of contemporary acts like Bleachers, Blink-182 and The 1975.

Aldo’s stage name itself speaks to his grounded nature; a common Scottish nickname for Alan, it reflects the down-to-earth approach that underpins his work. But beneath the shimmer of his melodies lies a profoundly personal context with his songs shaped by his own experiences with mental health struggles and substance addiction, initially conceived as a private outlet for self-expression before growing into a platform for solidarity and connection.

Through his music, Aldo hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges to speak openly and find comfort in shared experiences. Last year, his debut single “The Sickboy Method” landed as an emphatic statement of intent which drew from the cult 1996 film Trainspotting to distil its depiction of recovery and isolation as a metaphor for heartbreak and emotional healing. It perfectly introduced his sound where moody synths and heartfelt lyricism collide, firmly planting him on the map of must watch artists on the rise.

Now, Aldo brings us his latest release with the new single titled “Flame to a Gaslight,” a love letter to the era that inspires much of his sound, conjuring cinematic 80s imagery of rain-slicked streets, reflected light and the aching romance immortalised by John Cusack’s boombox moment in Say Anything. Produced in collaboration with Chris Marshall and Johnny Madden, “Flame to a Gaslight” brings together bright synth layers with punching drums and jangling guitars, reflecting the tension between beauty and turmoil.

Capped by his instantly catchy vocal leads, the track serves up a memorable and energising alternative pop experience from start to finish. Ultimately, beneath its romantic veneer, “Flame to a Gaslight” confronts something more sobering by framing the lure of addiction as a way to dull emotional pain, resulting in an engaging pop outing that’s infectious and meaningful in equal measure.

The accompanying video, directed by Daniel Blake, captures the theme of the song in vivid detail, set against Glasgow’s downtown at twilight, it paints a portrait of loneliness under the lights, where wandering thoughts and empty streets mirror the emotional impact of the track. As he continues to impress on his exciting musical journey, we can’t wait to see what he’s got in store for the rest of 2025 and beyond.

Watch the music video for Flame to a Gaslight below

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