Triptych 2007

Timelessness: the touted theme of the laudable musical landmark that is Triptych. Reading the accompanying programme one would have thought that obscurity was what they were really after. So, this year, brace yourself for an array of aural despots and alchemists, some cunning proclivity for diaphanous ballads and lustrous idioms, verdant endeavours from various unparagoned global forces, decalescence, dessicance and so much ardour that you'll think you've happened upon a Mills and Boon festival conference.

Worried the music's going to be this stand-offish? Well, don't be. As it happens, most of the superlatives are justified, once you've deciphered what they may actually mean. Though Triptych operates away from the glare of the mainstream, quality is always assured. Most of the acts are well-known and revered in their own right, and it's the perfect opportunity to get exposure to high class examples of not-so-common-in-these-parts genres.

You want an example? Ok. How often have you seen music played with rotary saws, sheet metal and traffic cones? Fair enough, could be any given evening on the Byres Road, but how often have you seen [i] good [/italics please] music done in this way? Einstrzende Neubauten, leaders of the industrial avant-garde movement (yes, there's been one) grace us with their presence for one night only. Formed in 1980 by Blixa Bargeld (of Bad Seeds fame) and experimental in the extreme, they've recently been trying out silence as a form of music. You dare not miss this, dare you?

Minimalism is also used to describe the work of Californian legend Terry Riley. Expect lots of short, repetitive phrases and monotones. It will grow on you, we promise. If not, just nod your head sagely, and bear in mind you're in the presence of a bona fide legend. If this is your thing, then you'll also need to check out the Free Noise sessions featuring Evan Parker and Yellow Swans. Crazy.

Developing legendary status themselves (but for how long?) are the increasingly prominent Brazilian electro-pop-rockers Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS see our interview feature). We've already witnessed the energy of their live sets in these parts, and their lead singer is called Lovefoxxx (insert random obvious joke here). Their party nights with Ratatat and Prinzhorn Dance School promise much in the way of joie de vivre. Stash up!

Another line-up to relish is that of Gruff Rhys (of Super Furry Animals) teaming up with Cincinatti producer / DJ / all-round talented guy Boom Bip. The two are rumoured to be cooking up something special together this year. Given their mutual propensity for mischief, humour and bloody good tunes, expect any such collaboration to do nothing but good for the planet. Also appearing on the same bill are the Philadelphian fantasists Espers. Not quite folk, not quite drone, not quite orchestral. Certainly quite good though.

Another act frequently put in the 'quite good' department is Cat Power, whilst others maintain that she's a tuneless Norah Jones. Yet, she was nominated for a Brit Award last year in the same category as Pink and Gwen Stefani, so she can't be that bad, can she? If you really want to see versatility effortlessly combined with class, then check out the electronic jazz/soul/beats outfit the Cinematic Orchestra. Turntables, samples, and jazz improvisation all on stage in joyous harmony. Enjoy!

Featuring possibly the most familiar name of the lot, Idlewild, along with an intimidating who's who of contemporary Scottish fiction, poetry and music, make up Ballad of the Books - an altogether more literary approach to this year's festival, and a one off at the Tramway. In that vein, let us also welcome Billy Childish and the Musicians of the British Empire. Childish is a poet, photographer, artist, filmmaker and author with a substantial legacy of work to his name. Oh, and he sings and plays guitar too and used to be friends with Jack White, who cites him as an influence.

Anguished Texan Micah P. Hinson is a redneck goth. If you've ever wondered what one of those might sound like, check out his gig with the excellent Califone. Nobody really uses the term post-rock anymore (not a bad thing), but that's kinda what these guys are. Melancholic, yet strangely uplifting all at once.

Then there's the various prodigys who have splintered from their old day jobs - from post-rock poster boys David Pajo (of Slint fame) and Alexander Tucker (formerly of Unhome and sometime Jackie-O-Motherfucker co-conspirator) to electronic pop wonder, Euros Childs (Gorky's Zygotic Mynci). You'd do well to catch all three, although Pajo and Tucker are only in Glasgow for a one off at the Classic Grand. Good news? They share the same bill.

Finally, much heed, as ever, is paid to the local scene. Sons and Daughters make a much vaunted return, and yo can expect good impressions to be made by the likes of Belleruche, Kling Klang (ok, they're Scousers), Park Attack and Tom Brosseau.

And there we have it: a splendiferous smattering of highlights from this five day-long all-rounder of unconventional sound taking place right at your front door. Now do yourself a favour: suck it and see.