Review: Pete MacLeod – ‘God Speed’


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Having spent the best part of 15 years touring the country, as well as America’s West Coast, it seems that finally Scottish singer/songwriter Pete MacLeod may have harnessed the attention that has been long overdue.

God Speed‘, one of a trio of self released singles dedicated to Macleod’s father’s battle with cancer, is an uplifting track full of warm summer sun melodies and comforting intimations. With strains of hope and optimism, ‘God Speed’ ambles along with a comfortable acoustic rhythm leading the way before its buoyant and ambitious chorus takes centre stage.

Lines such as, “So you know who you are/Making sure you’re not far/You make the right decisions/So lets build our dreams together” perhaps go along way in suggesting the Coatbridge born singer’s relationship with his father was nothing short of love and respect.

Having been on tour with Ocean Colour Scene and performed with former Oasis guitarist Bonehead, it may well be fair to question MacLeod’s acumen when it comes to producing US West Coast inspired sounds, but his craft is as polished as it could be with influences and subtle nuances coming from Bruce Springsteen and Paul Weller to name just a few.

‘God Speed’ is honest, melodic, guitar infused pop at its best, and with fans such as Dave Grohl and Robbie Williams, as well as acclaim from Q magazine, then who’s going to argue?

(Elliot Kuruvita)


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