The Scottish girl group Uninvited are back with their second single, and it delivers on every level

Recently featured on Scotland’s BBC Introducing, Uninvited have proved they are worthy of recognition with their newly released Diet Cigarette. The track comes only five months after their debut single, Tomboy, and gives us another promising insight into the talent of this group.

Formed in late summer 2020, the Scottish group consists of Ray Dillon on vocals and bass, Gillian Dhlakama on vocals and guitar, Bex Young on lead guitar, and Fiorenza Cocozza on drums. 

Opening in a similar fashion to their first release, this track favours a rhythmic guitar loop and consistent percussion throughout to lay the groundwork behind Dillon’s vocals. What is new, however, is the more prominent overlaying of Dhlakama’s vocals and a brief musical interlude before the bridge. The addition of extra harmonies is definitely my favourite thing about this track, but I think the slight instrumental break shows real maturity in the band’s musical decisions. They are right to trust that their musicality alone will keep us entertained, and I, personally, was anxious for another taste of Young’s brief guitar solo that features earlier on. Ever the resolute driving force, Cocozza keeps the vibe steady and solid, but I am still waiting for her moment in the limelight with a killer drum solo.

The song itself presents an interesting take on what it feels like to be used: “you roll me up and throw me out / like I’m a diet cigarette”. The lyrics describe an endless cycle of back and forth between the two lovers, which is played off brilliantly against the music. The inability of one to quit the other matches the title perfectly, with the clever addition of ‘diet’ to seemingly try and convince the lovers that what they are wrapped up in is somehow healthy. And the fantastic irony of a diet cigarette is too clever for me to not highlight at least once. 

By my count, so far Uninvited is two for two on their releases, and I’m really excited to see what this band has in store for us.