A NEILSTON band hope to be a smash hit with music lovers after releasing their debut single.

Indie rock outfit Balado have big ambitions, including being able to perform at Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland venue.

Their debut song – The Buffalo – was inspired by the tough working conditions endured by those employed in the city’s shipyards.

And lead singer Jamie Finnigan, whose ‘day job’ is at a shipyard in Govan, was able to lean on personal experience.

The 32-year-old shipbuilder told the Barrhead News: “The song is about working the nightshift in the yards, in an area known as ‘the killing fields.’

“It was inspired by the important role the gaffer plays there.”

Balado was formed around five months ago and also features the talents of lead guitarist Mark Devlin, 35, guitarist Peter Houston, 32, and 24-year-old drummer Geran Cusick.

Mark is a full-time musician, while Peter works as an electrician and Geran is a chef.

The band have already played a sell-out gig at The 13th Note, in Glasgow, with more concerts in the pipeline.

Jamie said: “The crowd were rowdy as anything, which is exactly what we were aiming for.”

The Buffalo is proving to be a hit after being played in the United States on Amazing Radio and receiving a shout-out from renowned Scottish DJ Jim Gellatly on his Twitter page and radio show.

Jamie said the reception has been “unreal” and also revealed how music has helped the band get through tough times while Covid has been an issue.

“The hard work we’ve put in is paying off,” he added. “The band has definitely got us through the pandemic. It has shown us how appreciative we all should be for live music.

“We have a taste in music that is close to people’s hearts. We are bringing back some old school rock and roll.”

The Buffalo is available to download on all major music platforms.

To follow the band on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, search for ‘balado_band’.