Glasvegas’ eponymous debut from 2008 was a life affirming album. From the moment the drums kicked in on opener “Flowers and Football Tops” you had a sharp intake of breath and a sudden realisation: this is what rock music should sound like. Second track and single “Geraldine” was arguably the song of 2008, and tracks like “Go Square Go”, “It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry” and “Daddy’s Gone” – to name just a few of the absolutely stunning tracks on offer – all added up to a classic rock album of the highest order.

The word “epic” is overused and cliched, yet it’s the perfect word to describe Glasvegas’ music. Mid tempo, grandiose and studio crafted, vocals delivered in a thick Glaswegian brogue by singer James Allan – looking uncannily like a young Joe Strummer – and beaten out by a female drummer who stands up when she plays. Yes. This Is Rock Music. A debut album that is up there with Definitely Maybe and Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not amongst the great UK debut albums. The fact that by 2010 it was left off most people’s “Best Albums Of The Decade” lists was a crime attributable to the fickleness of the industry and the sheer volume of great music released in the last decade. It certainly would’ve made mine.

So the fact that Glasvegas have a new album very near to release should be met by people who like good music (and since you’re reading this blog, let’s assume that you do) with the kind of joy that fat people get when the McDonalds monthly mailout coincides with payday. So far they’ve released two songs off it, both great: “The World Is Yours” is more of the rocking goodness you’d expect, but with a slight dance vibe, while “Euphoria Take My Hand” is more synth heavy and indicates a possible change of direction for the new album. Great stuff, both are playable below.

EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ is due out on the 4th of April 2011. If you want to make bets on possible contenders for best albums of 2011, chances are good on this being one of them.

[STOP PRESS 27 April 2011]: Sadly, it’s not the great album we were all hoping for. It’s not awful, but unfortunately suffers pretty heavily from difficult follow up album syndrome. Check out my full review over at Guerrilla Geek.

The World Is Yours by glasvegas