Dictator

Scottish four-piece Dictator have announced the release of their mesmerising new single Conquistador. Set to drop on 10th June, the single is the second track to be taken from the band’s debut EP Rubik's Cube which will be released on 2nd September via Blackhall Records digitally and on vinyl.

The forthcoming release follows previous single Rubik’s Cube. Released last month, the band – consisting of vocalist Michael Campbell, guitarist Zach Tarimo Goodhur, bassist Joe Murty, and drummer Allan Ramsay – took an infectious indie-pop stride through how it feels to fall in love. Now, Dictator’s audaciously free-spirited creative approach has led them into the altogether darker and dreamier sounds of Conquistador. 

Taking inspiration from poet Wilfred Owen, Conquistador directly references the poem, “How do I love thee?”, mapping out the cyclical and unrelenting nature of power. “Look where we are, we're lost in our triumphs. Stuck where we are in this familiar asylum,” vocalist Michael Campbell tells the all too familiar story of someone who, after spending their life advocating for change, can ultimately abuse their influence and become the very thing they were originally fighting against.

A heavier subject does nothing however to diminish Dictator’s unshakeable sense of optimism. From the opening bars, which feature the heartbeat of guitarist Zach’s unborn son, the single reverbates with the soulful musicality that make the West Lothian quartet so intriguing. Ebbing from moments of crystalline reflection to flurries of buoyant gospel-like vocals, Dictator continue to elevate their ever-evolving sound to new heights. 

Speaking on the track, the band said: “The catalyst of this song was actually our fans. Mid-pandemic we gave people the opportunity to vote on the direction the song should take. For each of the parts, we asked everyone to provide a word bank of lyrics for Michael to choose from so that everyone would have a part of the track in one way shape or form!”