“Fairytale On Fire” by Salt

If there’s a fire burning in the Scottish underground, SALT might be the ones who lit the match. Their latest vinyl-only release, “Fairytale on Fire,” is a genre-defying journey through post-punk shadows and pop-noir surrealism, delivered with emotional grit and sonic fearlessness.

This Edinburgh-based four-piece doesn’t just flirt with eclecticism they fully embrace it. Built on the deeply personal artistic visions of Sharon and Robin Woods, backed by the tight rhythm section of Simon Kettles (bass) and James King (drums and keys), SALT have created an album that feels like stepping into a fever dream moody, beautiful, and just the right amount of unsettling.

From the grunge-tinged guitars to Sharon’s uniquely haunting vocals, Fairytale on Fire plays like a twisted fairy tale told under flickering neon lights. There are touches of Nick Cave’s gothic storytelling, the chaotic charm of The Fall, and the raw energy of The Pixies, but SALT never sound derivative they’re writing their own mythology here.

What elevates the album even further is the session work of Sal Bernardi, whose contributions lend a deep, cinematic layer to the already rich soundscape. The production is raw yet intentional, highlighting the band’s DIY ethos while never sacrificing clarity or atmosphere.

Tracks bleed into one another with emotional intensity, but each carries its own weight anchored by conversational, lived-in lyrics that feel pulled straight from the bones of real experience. The drums have an organic push-and-pull feel, while the low-register instrumentation adds a brooding depth throughout.

“Fairytale on Fire” isn’t just an album it’s a mood, a world, and an experience. It’s the sound of a band that refuses to follow rules, trusting their instincts and the strength of their art to guide the way.