Aiming to make the word “funk” synonymous with Scotland, A Name For Everything I’ll Ever Be is the third album from Glasgow’s Tom McGuire & the Brassholes.

By Graeme Smith

A Name For Everything I’ll Ever Be opens with classical strings and characterful spoken word vocals in a short Introduction before things get soulful for Deamons. The vocals are instantly arresting during a number that feels beautifully theatrical. There’s a touch of the timeless about it as it progresses, setting up the rest of the album well.

Take My Money is funky in its evisceration of commercialisation. Fun is a bright and catchy highlight. Its groove never quits while its guitar is flashy. We also get a sumptuous brass solo. The Tooth is rich with teeth-sucking storytelling. Why So Serious brings with it plenty of bite. After a series of upbeat anthems, Not Where I Belong slows things down for a soulful ballad and Sick ~Well ends things in bombastic style.

This is the second time we’ve shared music from Tom McGuire & the Brassholes but you have to go back to 2022 to find my take on their single D.R.E.A.D. It’s great to have them back on the blog and to hear how their sound has developed over the past few years. Their third album is a turning point for them, inspired by the birth of frontman Tom McGuire’s child. “Life is confusing and hard,” he says, “but music is fun and great so let’s talk about it whilst, at the same time, getting down.”

If you’re inspired to catch the band live, they’ll be coming to the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds on 20 November 2025.

A Name For Everything I’ll Ever Be is out now and you can give it a listen below.