Poster Paints - 'Number 1'

‘Number 1’ is the feel-good debut single by Poster Paints, a Glaswegian duo pooling the talents of The Vaselines’ Carla J Easton and Frightened Rabbit’s Simon Liddell.

The pair collaborated remotely to make an album in lockdown, although the first taste, a scuzzy piece of summer pop, feels just as real and honest as a straight studio creation. After being introduced by Eugene Kelly of The Vaselines – a mutual friend – Poster Paints have no expectations or end goals. The result is a freer experience which sits gladly next to some of Scotland’s other great indie pop.

Simon takes on the production, utilising skills he learnt when Frightened Rabbit were split across different cities.

It brings out the the strength of Carla’s vocals. A name in her own right in Glasgow’s indie pop scene, as well as the synth player with The Vaselines, she brings the tale of young love and past summers to life. She rattles through the lyrics in a dreamlike state that it means the first verse is repeated in the second half of the song – and it feels all the better for it.

Number 1’ also features Chvrches drummer Jonny Scott and bassist Suse Bear of Tuff Love to make something that feels well-rounded, and sets a high benchmark for whatever Carla and Simon release next.

There’s an innocent simplicity to young lives, and it’s something adults continually reflect upon. In all the excitement of the coming summer, Poster Paints may have realised the perfect soundtrack to it might be hidden in our memories of the past. 

Words by Samuel Draper

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