Release Date: 23/01/26
Romantic Visions of Scotland is the new album from Glasgow indie-pop stalwarts The Just Joans—melancholic, witty, and quintessentially Scottish. Pairing shambling indie pop with sharp, sardonic observations on romance and everyday life, the record spotlights the wry lyrics and heartfelt vocals of siblings David and Katie Pope at the heart of the band’s distinctive sound. Inspired by a grand exhibition title spotted on Glasgow buses, the album gathers semi‑autobiographical snapshots from Scotland’s Central Belt—stories of mundane failings, bitter regrets, and missed opportunities—threaded with nostalgia and the fear of being left behind by lovers, friends, and peers. Musically, it nods to Village Green‑era Kinks, The Television Personalities, The Smiths, and Dolly Mixture. Recorded at Chem19 in Blantyre with Paul Savage (The Delgados; Teenage Fanclub, Arab Strap, Camera Obscura), the sessions capture a more muscular take on The Just Joans while retaining their ramshackle charm. Subtle bass and cello arrangements add depth to their signature sound. The cover art by vocalist and painter Katie Pope depicts Motherwell Train Station—an ordinary place that mirrors the album’s themes while hinting at escape. Formats and packaging: - 12" black vinyl pressed in Scotland with a 4‑page lyric insert - Digifile CD Tracklist: 1) Think Fast, Make Conversation 2) Here Come The Rugby Boys 3) Limpet 4) Drinking On A Weeknight 5) Back On The Meds 6) The Day We Missed The Train 7) Oh Veronica, How Right You Are 8) Romantic Visions (Prepare For Disappointment) 9) Strictly Presbyterian 10) Everybody’s Moving To Australia 11) Say You’ll Never Leave Me
Romantic Visions of Scotland is the new album from Glasgow indie-pop stalwarts The Just Joans—melancholic, witty, and quintessentially Scottish. Pairing shambling indie pop with sharp, sardonic observations on romance and everyday life, the record spotlights the wry lyrics and heartfelt vocals of siblings David and Katie Pope at the heart of the band’s distinctive sound. Inspired by a grand exhibition title spotted on Glasgow buses, the album gathers semi‑autobiographical snapshots from Scotland’s Central Belt—stories of mundane failings, bitter regrets, and missed opportunities—threaded with nostalgia and the fear of being left behind by lovers, friends, and peers. Musically, it nods to Village Green‑era Kinks, The Television Personalities, The Smiths, and Dolly Mixture. Recorded at Chem19 in Blantyre with Paul Savage (The Delgados; Teenage Fanclub, Arab Strap, Camera Obscura), the sessions capture a more muscular take on The Just Joans while retaining their ramshackle charm. Subtle bass and cello arrangements add depth to their signature sound. The cover art by vocalist and painter Katie Pope depicts Motherwell Train Station—an ordinary place that mirrors the album’s themes while hinting at escape. Formats and packaging: - 12" black vinyl pressed in Scotland with a 4‑page lyric insert - Digifile CD Tracklist: 1) Think Fast, Make Conversation 2) Here Come The Rugby Boys 3) Limpet 4) Drinking On A Weeknight 5) Back On The Meds 6) The Day We Missed The Train 7) Oh Veronica, How Right You Are 8) Romantic Visions (Prepare For Disappointment) 9) Strictly Presbyterian 10) Everybody’s Moving To Australia 11) Say You’ll Never Leave Me