Glasgow’s Bottle Rockets erupt with raw passion and purpose on their fiery sixth single “Video Call,” an emotionally charged indie rock anthem that feels destined to put the rising Scottish four-piece on the map for good.
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Stream: “Video Call” – Bottle Rockets
We hope the song speaks to those who need a reminder that it’s okay to let go and embrace that sense of empowerment.
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Listening to “Video Call,” you’d hardly think this was Bottle Rockets’ sixth (ever!) single release.
A passionate indie rock anthem, the track – released in late February – roars with a feverish lead guitar line and a polished, pounding rhythm section – not to mention frontwoman Kenzi Murray’s spirited, fiery vocals, which all but demand our undivided attention.
But it is the Glasgow band’s sixth song, and it’s a powerhouse of seductive sound and feeling alike: The kind of sonic and emotional upheaval that can singlehandedly (excuse the pun) put a group on the map for good. A radiant reckoning with emotionally distant hearts and star-crossed souls, “Video Call” is an exhilarating eruption that captures the intensity and tenacity of Bottle Rockets – a Scottish four-piece fast on the rise.
I tried to call you when
the last drops fell to the floor
I’m doing everything to not
knock down at your door
You said, “It’s just on principle”
Why you make it so difficult?
I’ve got nothing else, not even myself
I’ll pull my teeth through heaven and hell
Just basking in the blue light,
don’t forsake me tonight
You say you wanted a fighter, (liar)
Putting out fires (I’m tired)
You’d be ashamed if you saw me now
Stay on the line, figure it out
“‘Video Call’ is about holding on to the final threads of a relationship that you know is coming to an end – even if you don’t want it to,” Murray – who plays together with guitarist John Tamburrini, bassist Andrew Cummings and drummer Sam Rae – tells Atwood Magazine. “It’s about accepting that reality and finding the courage to move on. We hope the song speaks to those who need a reminder that it’s okay to let go and embrace that sense of empowerment.”
“Unlike most of our songs, which are built from the ground up, this track carried a unique energy from the very start. As we rehearsed, ‘Video Call’ morphed through several versions, each with a slightly different structure, but always maintaining that original intensity. We’ve been teasing it live for a while, and each performance felt different as we refined and perfected it. What makes this track stand out is how much of that raw, spontaneous energy has remained with it throughout. It’s not just about the song – it’s about capturing the emotion and urgency we felt the first time we shared it on stage.”
As Bottle Rockets themselves explain, this song is for anyone who’s experienced the sharp pangs of heartbreak and is now ready to embrace the strength that comes with choosing to move forward.
The refrain, “Why won’t you answer the video call? You got somebody else catching your fall?” echoes the aching we feel within as two passing ships bid their overdue farewells, and underscores the band’s ability to meld vulnerability with resilience – both a sonic and emotional drive.
Why won’t you answer the video call?
You got somebody else catching your fall?
I know I get kinda weird, I’m not sane at all
I’m gonna need you to answer that call
“What sets ‘Video Call’ apart in our growing catalogue is the blend of pop and alternative rock,” the band explains. “We’ve always been open to experimenting with our sound, and this track pushes us further into pop territory while still keeping our signature style. Each of our five previous releases has explored different genres, but ‘Video Call’ feels like a bold fusion of gritty guitars and dreamy, atmospheric pop melodies – fresh, but distinctly us.”
They continue, “We’ve always incorporated alternative elements and open tunings, but ‘Video Call’ is different because it blends pop with our alternative roots,” we explain. “At the time, we wanted to make a song that felt like a typical pop track, but with our own twist. We’ve always loved both gritty guitars and dreamy melodies, and lately, we’ve been inspired by artists like Paramore, Bleach Lab, Slow Pulp, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan.”
It’s been 300 days, 42 weeks
Won’t speak your name ‘cause talkin’ is cheap
Took it as a sure sign, disabled my landline
And I’ve got yellow page smeared,
blood, sweat, and tears
Took some time, now I see it so clear
Gave myself the green light,
Go forsake me tonight
“Ultimately, ‘Video Call’ represents a new chapter for us as we continue our journey of sonic exploration and creative growth. This track marks the latest step in our musical evolution, pushing forward with a sound that’s always evolving.”
“Video Call” is dynamic, dramatic, and rousing – an undeniable hit in the making that showcases Bottle Rockets at their most urgent and electrifying.
From its gritty guitar licks to its impassioned vocal performance, the track brims with raw feeling and polished power, striking that sweet spot between emotional vulnerability and sonic intensity. If this is the sound of what’s to come, then Bottle Rockets are well on their way to carving out a bold space in the indie rock scene. Stay tuned for more from this rising Scottish powerhouse — and here’s hoping they keep chasing this kind of cathartic, anthemic magic for years to come.
You say you wanted a fighter, (liar)
Putting out fires (I’m tired)
You’d be ashamed if you saw me now
Stay on the line, figure it out
Line is going dead, I’m cutting you off
It’s going dead, I’m cutting you off
Ring her instead, I’m cutting you off now (cutting you off now)
Why won’t you answer the video call?
You got somebody else catching your fall?
I know I get kinda weird, I’m not sane at all
I’m gonna need you to answer that call
Answer the video call?
I know you got someone catching your fall
I know I get kinda weird, I’m not sane at all
I’m gonna need you to answer that call
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:: connect with Bottle Rockets here ::
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© Rosie Sco
© Rosie Sco
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