Clubbing Highlights Scotland – November 2014

We begin in Glasgow where the Art School hosts FOAM, a collaborative effort which brings together an impressive line-up across a pleasingly broad spectrum – from the deep, spellbinding sounds of Mathematics boss Jamal Moss AKA Hieroglyphic Being, to the meandering acid grooves of Posthuman and a DJ set from Warp legends Plaid. This expansive multi-room collaboration between different promoters is definitely looking like an early tip for one of the best nights of the month (Sat 8 Nov, £5/6).

Next up, we’re headed to the Sub Club where Rubix are set to host the artist formerly known as Ramadanman. A producer who uses rhythm like few others, David Kennedy AKA Pearson Sound has made massive strides since he emerged in 2006 with a particularly engaging brand of dubstep in what was then a vibrant period for the scene generally. In the years since, Kennedy has developed his sound significantly and is co-founder of Hessle Audio, possibly one of the most influential British labels around right now. Expect a varied set, with that hallowed bass-driven Sub Club system sure to be used to full effect (Thu 13 Nov, £5/7).

If you’ve made it through Rubix on the Thursday unscathed and you’re in the mood for an upping of the tempo on Friday 14 November, we can’t recommend the visit of Don’t boss Jerome Hill enough. A veteran of the UK scene and prone to mixing up rave, techno, jungle, hip hop and whatever else takes his fancy, Hill is a DJ of the highest calibre and one who undoubtedly deserves more recognition – as FACT pointed out just last month in their list of DJs who “deserve more shine.” This is the second outing for new night Wax Factory and also features appearances from Nomad Spectrum and 3Phazegenerator (69 Below, £5 early bird).

Another option for that evening, and our final Weegie pick for this month, is the ever reliable confines of La Cheetah and the last event of their sprawling 5^th Birthday celebrations. For this one they have invited a true pioneer and possibly one of the most interesting electronic artists to emerge from the UK. For many, Matthew Herbert wrote the deep house rule book with his early self-titled releases, sampling everything including the kitchen sink in the process. Despite having gone on to work on a dizzying array of other projects – devising operas and working for the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop among the most impressive – Herbert this year decided to return to his house roots with parts six and seven of his eponymous series. With DJ outings very rare these days, we suggest you catch him while you still can (Fri 14 Nov, £10 adv).

Moving on to Edinburgh and if you fancy a cheeky Thursday night outing, Sneaky Pete’s on Thursday 13 November looks like a no brainer as Juice welcome Miami-bred resident of NYC, Anthony Naples. The US producer has turned plenty of heads in recent years with his releases for the likes of Mister Saturday Night and The Trilogy Tapes. Equally as comfortable producing grittier techno leaning productions as he is dropping jazzy house jams, Naples has already established himself as an artist very much in the ascendancy (£6).

The following weekend sees Pulse celebrate their 5^th Birthday in fine fashion with the visit of Dutch techno master Steve Rachmad, appearing under his brilliant Sterac guise. Exploring the deeper side of Rachmad’s musical sensibilities, Sterac has been the name under which he has released some of his finest work. Dating back to the mid 90s, this moniker has always focussed on hypnotic and richly layered minimal techno – sometimes light and airy as in much of his landmark Secret Life of Machines album, at other times dark and penetrating in a similar style to Detroit legend Robert Hood. With more recent releases on Klockworks and Delsin to his name, Rachmad has proven he is still very much on top of his game (Fri 21 Nov, Studio 24, £10).

Finally, we doff our hat to Nightvision as they present one of the most appealing nights of their series so far. Long beloved and thankfully reopened venue La Belle Angele hosts the visit of super duo KiNK & Neville Watson. Always tooled up with a gratifying array of buttons, pads and percussive devices, Bulgarian Strahil Velchev and his UK counterpart have become one of the most in demand live acts in house music and are able to draw from a wealth of material released through such sterling labels as Snuff Trax and Rush Hour. They are joined on this occasion by local talent in the shape of Kirk Douglas – no, not that one! (Sat 29 Nov, £10).