If a debut LP is an artist’s introduction to the world and their sophomore release is their now or never moment, their third is their most cathartic: they’ve made it out, they’re here. Glasgow, Scotland’s indiepop optimists The Spook School, despite personal and political obstacles, made it out, and their latest full- length Could It Be Different? is here. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and feel-good realism; modern, dance-friendly indiepop fueling the fun. They made a name for themselves for their exultant and empowering pop, and now, they’ve shown real growth in nuance.
The Spook School are Nye Todd (guitar/vocals), Anna Cory (bass/vocals), Adam Todd (guitar/vocals) and Niall McCamley (drums). Since forming in 2012, they’ve released two records to critical acclaim: 2013’s Dress Up, a gender-binary eradicating release—noisy, cheery pop critical of social construction and its limitations, and 2015’s Try to Be Hopeful, a celebration of queer and trans identities from a place of newfound self-assurance. “Could It Be Different?” is a collaborative album of personal storytelling that works through life’s hardships with positivity—even at their most beaten down, The Spook School manage to find hope free of naivety.
This new album is a very human release—a record full of the insecurities and anxiety that arrive after self- awareness, in learning something new and potentially frightening about yourself. But at its heart is joy— there’s no desolation on the LP, because The Spook School manage to find light in moments of darkness. All things glum must pass—even if hope comes only in the form of acceptance. Why cry when you can dance?
Could It Be Different? is out January 26, followed by this epic run of shows with Diet Cig:
Jan 29 – Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place # ^
Jan 30 – Toronto, ON @ The Garrison # ^
Jan 31 – Detroit, MI @ Marble Bar # ^
Feb 01 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge # &
Feb 02 – Madison, WI @ University of Wisconsin # &
Feb 03 – Minneapolis, MN @ University of Minnesota # &
Feb 05 – Lawrence, KS @ White Schoolhouse # &
Feb 06 – Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge # &
Feb 07 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake Lounge # &
Feb 08 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court # &
Feb 09 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux  # &
Feb 10 – Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt  # &
Feb 11 – Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey # &
Feb 12 – Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater # &
Feb 14 – San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop # &
Feb 15 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst  # &
Feb 16 – Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room # &
Feb 17 – San Diego, CA @ You Are Going To Hate This Fest 3 #
Feb 19 – Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress # &
Feb 21 – Austin, TX @ Sidewinder # &
Feb 22 – Dallas, TX @ Three Links # &
Feb 23 – New Orleans, LA @ Hi Ho Lounge # &
Feb 24 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade # &
Feb 25 – Asheville, NC @ The Mothlight # &
Feb 26 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre # &
Feb 27 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle # &
Feb 28 – Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel # &
Mar 01 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere # &
Mar 02 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall # &
Mar 03 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church # &
# = w/ Diet Cig      ^ = w/ Lala Lala      & = w/ Great Grandpa