Imagine if The Beach Boys sounded like a Scottish indie band from the 90s.
This is Be Like Pablo. The band make hook-laden pop tunes with four-part harmonies, fuzzy guitars and 80s synths.
Their new single My Kind of Girl is a love letter to 70s new wave heroes The Cars and classic pop from the 50s and 60s.
Lyrically, it’s a story about falling for someone who others see as unearthly – somebody who’s laughed at for being introverted and different but who is, in actual fact, intelligent, creative and brilliant.
Lyricist Ewen Watson said: ‘It was a straightforward song to write and as a result has a simplistic charm.’
Ross Watson, also of the band, describes My Kind of Girl as ‘our attempt at writing a super concise, to the point, pop song. The style and arrangement is very much influenced by songs from the 50s and 60s, particularly Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.’
Having released their debut album The New Adventures in 2014, Be Like Pablo returned last summer with the single There She Is and have had support from the likes of NME, Clash, The 405, Drowned In Sound, and many more throughout. They have previously performed at T in the Park and in session on BBC Radio 1 and Radio Scotland and have also had notable airplay from Dermot O’Leary and Steve Lamacq.
Be Like Pablo are Ewen Watson, Ross Watson, Karen McLauchlan, Jamie Murphy and Andrew Stepien.
The band have had positive comments from respected names in the music industry.
Broadcaster Steve Lamacq said: ‘Follow the noise of latter-day power pop and you’ll find Be Like Pablo at the end of it.’
The NME added: ‘Quirky Scottish indie-rock in the style of a particularly giddy Weezer.’
Clash magazine said: ‘This could be a big year for Be Like Pablo.’
And Drowned in Sound said: ‘Scottish indie pop of the most traditional and twee sort. Charming.’
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