heavyskint drops “Headstone” music video

Formed in Glasgow early last year, heavyskint have been quick to make their presence felt across Scotland’s live music scene. Driven by an uncompromising take on guitar-focused music and performances that revel in unpredictability, the five-piece have already earned a reputation as one of the country’s most compelling new live acts. Every show they’ve played to date has sold out, while recognition from the Scottish Live Music Awards and a growing following have seen heavyskint make an instant impact.

Drawing on the textures of 90s shoegaze, grunge and alternative rock, the band bring together noisy guitars, soulful tones and an intensity that gives their music a character of its own. Fronted by the enigmatic Jacob Hunter, heavyskint are completed by Jamie Kelly and Sean Reilly on guitars, Joel Walker on drums and Maddie Thomasset on bass. The group came together through Glasgow’s music scene, with the connections formed there providing common ground for five people whose backgrounds and experiences are otherwise markedly different.

Their openness to embrace those differences extends to their audience too, with heavyskint shows bringing together people of different ages, genders, sexualities and backgrounds. Their music draws from personal struggles involving addiction, sexuality, religion and grief, giving the songs a sense of emotional context that sits alongside their more explosive musical sonic output and that tension is perhaps most apparent in the band’s live performances.

In July, heavyskint took their first steps beyond Scotland, playing a series of shows south of the border that included a sold-out London debut headlining Camden’s Elephant’s Head. The response confirmed that their unique brand of chaos could travel just as effectively as it had at home, where back in Glasgow, a raucous appearance at Tenement Trail further amplified their reputation, with December set to bring their biggest headline performance so far at the city’s 500-capacity Art School.

Now arriving with their fourth single titled “Headstone,” heavyskint turn their attention towards consequence, regret and the difficult process of recognising what you’ve become. The track explores the point at which reflection arrives too late to change the course of events, examining the relationship between personal responsibility and the environments that shape people’s lives. Jacob explains that the track was inspired by stories of people shaped by violence, fear, addiction and poverty and when those circumstances become part of everyday existence, he suggests, it can be difficult to recognise the choices being made or the person arising from them.

Opened by the rustle of drums, the track jumps with expressive vocal leads and twanging guitar tones, forming a moody alternative rock scene that flows with commanding melodic leads and building instrumental intensity. Surging with stacked guitar layers and propelled by lively drums, it’s hazy atmosphere is punctured by compelling vocal performance carrying profound lyricism while flashes of slick lead guitar injects gritty bursts of energy throughout. It’s an epic modern rock outing that’s brimming with angst, gripping arrangement and powerful vocals, offering another superb display of heavyskint’s studio sound.

Directed by Daniel Blake and Jamie Kelly, the music video brings the track alive on screen, capturing the band performing the song in various backstage settings cut with storytelling scenes and wrapped in a fuzzy, lo-fi filter. It’s a thrilling new release from an exciting band that’s showing no signs of slowing down on their unstoppable rise. As they continue to win over fans from both the stage and studio, we can’t wait to see where this act will go next on their thogoughly captivating musical adventure.

Watch the music video for Headstone below

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