The Delgados

The Delgados formed in Glasgow in 1994, Emma Pollock and Alun Woodward's dual vocals and the band's orchestral indie rock giving them a quality that was immediately distinctive. They founded Chemikal Underground Records — the label that would also sign Arab Strap and Mogwai — and released their debut album 'Domestiques' (1996).

'The Great Eastern' (2000) was the breakthrough — one of the finest Scottish albums of its era. 'The Past That Suits You Best', 'American Trilogy', and 'No Danger' were all excellent. The album showed a band capable of real orchestral ambition, the strings and brass arrangements giving the music a grandeur that few of their contemporaries could match.

'Hate' (2002) and 'Universal Audio' (2004) were both strong follow-ups. The band split in 2005. Pollock and Woodward have both had successful solo careers. The Delgados' legacy — both as a band and as the founders of Chemikal Underground — is enormous. Without them, Scottish indie music would look very different.