Live Music Highlights – June 2011

The church of lo-fi psych has seen both its congregation and its clergy swell dramatically over the last couple of years but Julian Lynch and Matt Mondanile (aka Ducktails) have long been two of the scene's most revered arch-bliss-hops (that's it, you're fired – ed). More than mere apostles for hazy nostalgia and strung-out half-remembered moments, they're both packing some serious songwriting talent. See them play at Glasgow Captain's Rest on 3 June, Edinburgh Sneaky Pete's on 5 June.

Glasgow's Classic Grand will experience a heavy dose of otherworldly vibrations on 5 June, courtesy of improvisational super-group Aethenor. Featuring members of Sunn O))), Guapo and Ulver and operating roughly at the intersection of drone, metal and avant-jazz (rhythmically at least), intrepid gig goers can expect to be subjected to some serious occult frequencies at the hands of this talented collective.

Bona fide indie royalty, Yo La Tengo stop by Edinburgh's Queen's Hall on 6 June as part of their bizarre Reinventing the Wheel Tour. The band will play two sets on the night, with the content of the first set being determined by the spin of a large coloured wheel. Recent gigs have seen the band indulge in various japes including reciting the entirety of the 'Chinese Restaurant' episode of Seinfeld to a bemused Chicago crowd. Park your expectations at the door and you're sure to have a grand old time.

Versatile producer, DJ and label-head Matthew Dear will lay down some sophisticated future-pop moves at Glasgow Captain's Rest on 6 June and Edinburgh Sneaky Pete's on 7 June. Expect a varied and engaging set ranging from experimental technoid jams to full-on electro bangers.

As far as seductive robotic pop goes, Ladytron are pretty much in a class of their own. Although they're thought of primarily as a studio band, their live shows are perhaps even more compelling than their recorded work, revealing the fragile human impetus behind their cold, imperious (but eminently danceable) sound. Sleek, hypnotic and strangely moving, their show at Glasgow's Arches on 9 June comes with our highest recommendation.

After a mysterious five-year hiatus, Tom Vek returns with the excellent Leisure Seizure this month, tracks from which he will undoubtedly showcase during his upcoming set at Glasgow's Classic Grand on 14 June. Electronically enhanced post-punk hooks and glitchy, danceable grooves are this boy's bread and butter – expect a great atmosphere for this one.

After the creative quantum leap of 2009's Primary Colours, all eyes will be on The Horrors when they drop their new LP later this year, and their pre-release gig at Glasgow's Òran Mór on 15 June will be an ideal opportunity for the ambitious five-piece to road-test their new material. Expect tickets to disappear fast.

Prominent of quiff and chunky of cardigan, quintessential Mancunian miserabilist Morrissey fires up to Perth Horsecross on 15 June, Inverness Ironworks on 17 June, Dunoon Queen's Hall on 18 June, Dunfermline Alhambra Theatre on 20 June and Hawick on 21 June. The lad may be knocking on a bit now but he's still a unique and arresting live performer.

Led by former Cap'n Jazz man Tim Kinsella, unconventional art rockers Joan of Arc play Glasgow Nice 'N' Sleazy on 26 June and Aberdeen Tunnels on 27 June. Blending intricate instrumental work with stop/start rhythms and rambling lyrical flows, chances are you'll either love them or hate them.

Despite the recent death of bassist Gerard Smith, TV on the Radio will soldier on in support of new album Nine Types of Light with a gig at Glasgow O2 ABC on 28 June. One can only guess at what the band themselves are going through, but reports suggest that they haven't let this tragic event temper the joyful boisterousness of their live performance. Should be a cracking show.

Perennial Birkenhead heroes Half Man Half Biscuit round out the month with a gig at Edinburgh Liquid Room on 30 June with support from The Mannequins. These boys know what's up when it comes to chugging riffs, tongue-in-cheek surrealism and giving the audience their money's worth. Fans of The Fall, Ivor Cutler etc. should check them out.