W.L. (Red Vinyl)

W.L. is the debut studio album by Scottish indie rock band The Snuts, released on 2 April 2021 through Parlophone. The album debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, marking it as the first debut album by a Scottish band to achieve this since The View’s Hats Off to the Buskers in 2007.

Formed in 2015, The Snuts developed a significant following with their “anthemic indie rock” style. In November 2018, they signed with Parlophone. Their Mixtape EP, released in March 2020, showcased varied influences and achieved a Top 20 position on the UK Albums Chart.

The announcement of W.L. came on 3 December 2020, with lead singer Jack Cochrane describing it as “our lifetime work” and a milestone reflecting their journey. The release of the album was initially planned for 19 March 2021 but was delayed by two weeks to avoid potential freight issues caused by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. To promote the album, The Snuts performed a live stream gig at Stirling Castle on 26 March, which was released as a live album on 7 April. Cochrane also performed an acoustic set at Hamilton Mausoleum, featured on BBC Scotland’s music show TUNE.

The album includes 8 singles, compiling much of The Snuts’ previously released material. Notable tracks include “All Your Friends,” their first major release with Parlophone, and “Elephants,” which peaked at number 2 on the Scottish Singles Chart. “Always” topped the chart in December 2020, becoming the last number one before the chart’s discontinuation. “Somebody Loves You,” released on 4 February 2021, supported the Scottish Refugee Council.

W.L. features re-recorded versions of earlier singles such as “Glasgow” and “Sing for Your Supper.” The track “Top Deck” includes verses written both a decade ago and during the album’s recording. The song “Always” is a heartfelt love ballad, while “Juan Belmonte” offers an indie rock flair named after a Spanish bullfighter. “All Your Friends” addresses social issues related to drug epidemics, and “Somebody Loves You” reflects on appreciating life’s small moments.

The album’s diverse sound includes elements of indie rock, pop, and garage rock. “Boardwalk” features intricate guitars and a choir, showcasing a more delicate side of their songwriting. “Maybe California” is described as an indie statement piece, and “Don’t Forget It (Punk)” addresses the band’s early challenges. “Coffee & Cigarettes” celebrates simpler pleasures, while “Elephants” conveys a message of self-belief during struggles.

Recording of the album took place across various studios and involved multiple producers. Key tracks were recorded at The Firepit in London with Tony Hoffer, while other tracks were produced by Inflo at DTLA Studios and Serenity Studios in Los Angeles. Rich Costey produced “Maybe California” at Eastcote Studios, and “Don’t Forget It (Punk)” underwent additional production in Glasgow. “Somebody Loves You” was produced by Mark Ralph at Club Ralph in London. The opening track “Top Deck” and other bonus tracks were produced by Cochrane and Richard Woodcraft at The Firepit.