Struggling to come up with an intro line, I am wondering if “Dragged Up” is meant in the cross-dressing or literal sense. Or maybe both and that’s the point. Questions…
As I’m sure I have said before, I often avoid writing about singles as there is only so much meaningful that I can usually say about a sole song, but Dragged Up are the lighter side of my music tastes and I adore their sound. I have also just discovered that I somehow failed to actually write anything about last year’s Hex Domestic and feel really bad about that…
Blake’s Tape is as solid as singles come with a strong, memorable lead guitar hook and the kind of intro that always gets me excited. Seemingly inspired by the kind of record collection that I grew with (i.e. Indie before it became a genre), Dragged Up offer a warmly inviting delivery of a laid back yet still up-beat performance.
There is a remarkably loose yet still tight feel to the song, with audible strumming and comfortably relaxed vocals. Blake’s Tape is the kind of song that perfectly showcases a band who have honed in on their craft and are able to create genuine music that feels naturally written.
Clachan Dubh (however you pronounce that, it looks Irish (apparently it is Gaelic, and a location, which considering Dragged Up are Scottish and listening to the lyrics again properly makes complete sense. I’m leaving my embarrassingly typical ignorantly English error in. The more you know!!)) drives a little bit harder with its constant chugging lead, but still retains the charm, albeit a little messier with the delivery. Something about the track feels a bit more of an energetic rush as it hops between sections, with the hook this time coming from the “Do ya, do ya, do ya” which will ring around your head after the abrupt silence.
Beyond the beautiful noise intro, Dragged Up treat you to a throwback of wonderful old-school indie and shoegaze sound, whilst retaining a modern sense of quality to even get Stanley rocking out with his duck.
Jake Hancke – 07/07/2025
Blake’s Tape and Clachan Dubh are available now on BandCamp
You can find on Dragged Up on their Linktree, Facebook and Instagram pages
The Cauteriser 
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