Insect Heroes – Apocalypso

Technically, releasing music these days is a bit of a doddle: fire it online and job’s a good 'un. But getting people to seek out and actually listen to your creativity, never mind part with cash for the pleasure of doing so, remains an uphill struggle that leaves plenty of promise underexposed. Case in point: Glasgow-based oddballs Insect Heroes, who self-released their intriguing, intoxicating debut Apocalypso via Bandcamp back in 2012, followed by a limited physical release last year.

Neither won the album the attention it deserved, but the band’s subsequent acceptance into Lost Map’s musical menagerie should belatedly rectify that. Lo-fi sci-fi artwork pre-empts the charmingly rough-edged, otherworldly treats within, ranging from the delightfully kitsch Beautiful World to the lurching melody of Spacesuit. “I sold my soul for another shot at pop music” goes one chipper chorus; don’t let Apocalypso’s second shot in the spotlight pass you by. [Chris Buckle]