Former Champ both draw from and reach beyond their lineage of Scottish guitar pop, melding the melodic genius of Teenage Fanclub with the anthemic boldness of Thin Lizzy, and the breezy excellence of Alvvays. Like many of their influences, Former Champ’s identity is one of a tight gang, with strength in the collective. Their songs are rich with the realisation that you can be cool and still give a fuck at the same time; that you can be happy with your lot and still think about your parallel selves living out variations on your life. Rich with alchemy, sly wisdom and complexity, I saw you in paradise is a perfect-ten of perfect pop.

Former Champ’s debut album I saw you in paradise is a heavenly power-pop experience delivered with effortless charm. Released on the Glasgow-based five-piece’s own label Hand of God, the album’s ten tracks sparkle with melody, character, and sharply recognisable details of love, friendship and contemporary life.

Available to listen and buy over at https://formerchamp.bandcamp.com/