Live Music Highlights - June 2008

Edinburgh

These woozy summer nights, there's nothing quite like them, eh? Tiny Dancers do a pretty good job of capturing that magic, so get along to Cabaret Voltaire on 4 June and soak up the good vibrations. Much hyped, and with good reason, these Sheffield lads have the talent to suggest they'll still be around when their flash-in-the-pan peers are long forgotten. Lush.

Genres are bullshit, yeah? You and What Army certainly seem to think so. And for anyone who, in their quietest moments, has wondered what a head on collision between rap, screamo, death metal and Jean-Michele Jarre would sound like - you now have the opportunity to find out. Their live shows have been known to feature lazers, smoke machines and strobe lighting... the Hive, 5 June. Totally fucking weapon.

Like fellow Mancunians Joy Division, A Certain Ratio had the naively Holocaust-referencing name, the seductive austerity, not to mention the fact that they were way ahead of their time. Although they never made an impact in the way Joy Division did, their unique synthesis of punk, funk and dance music has been enjoying a critical re-evaluation over the past few years, so check them out at The Voodoo Rooms on 14 June and discover something special.

Currently holed up writing their second album, Glasgow-based Cinematics will break cover for a gig at The Jam House on 15 June. Having already enjoyed significant attention in the US, their dynamic take on the new wave aesthetic makes them one of our best local prospects for international success in the coming years. This is irresistable stuff and a guaranteed good night out.

Glasgow

Goodtime indiefun this way comes, courtesy of Black Kids who are playing King Tut's on 4 June. They ain't peddling anything new, but if you're up for dancing, or even just some zealous foot tapping, these upbeat folks have the sonic ammunition to make it happen. Fear not the singalong pop goodness my children.

Eccentric post-punk troublemakers Electricity in Our Homes are a fascinating up-and-coming London band whose live shows are built upon lurching, aggresive riffs and intense, manic energy. This lot are just oozing with good ideas at the moment, and best of all they ain't trying to look cool. We like the cut of their jib, and we think you will too. Nice N Sleazy 12 June. Check.

Skinny faves Errors are launching their new album at Stereo on 13 June, so shoot down and show your support for this fine local band. Some call this kind of thing math rock, but I can't imagine any maths teacher I ever had jazzing to these riffs. Lush stuff, no doubt - these boys have got all kinds of mad instrumental skills.

Deerhunter cap off a good month in Glasgow with some freaky ear candy at Stereo on 15 June. If you've only heard the album you might be expecting something a lot more sedate than you're actually gonna get. This band rag on their instruments and really up the energy when they play live. Pop along and see why everyone's talking about them.