Live Music Highlights - September, 2008

Zoey Van Goey set the bar high early in September with a gig at GRV in Edinburgh on 4 Sep (+ Glasgow on 18 Sep at 13th Note). Not yer typical indie outfit, this continually evolving three-piece deal in beautifully understated pop songs that sparkle and fizz with intelligence and power. Highly recommended.

The story of The Silver Apples is an astonishing one: after pioneering electronic synthesis in rock music during the late 60s, and having overcome the death of his musical partner and a car accident that severed his spinal cord, the mere fact that Simeon is still making music at all is miraculous. Get down to Stereo in Glasgow on 6 Sep to experience some of the most unusual sounds you’ll hear all year.

Playing just a few days after the release of their hotly anticipated new album Carried to Dust, eclectic Arizonans Calexico will play the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, on 11 Sep. Expect horns, strings and plenty of lush, inspirational music.

Toronto’s Constantines have been impressing The Skinny for a good few years now with their moody, muscular indie chops. Their most recent album split the critics but their live shows leave little room for discussion: they just rock. Captain’s Rest on 16 Sep is where it’s going down.

Peppy Teesiders Dartz! will play GRV in Edinburgh on 17 Sep, and if you’re in the mood for some quality Futureheads-esque riffing then you could be in for a treat. On record they may sound a tad derivative thus far, but they are a seriously tight live outfit who will get your feet moving with no worries. A great live prospect.

Having tried their hardest to upstage the Twilight Sad in their support role at a recent Edinburgh gig, and currently garnering serious praise from many quarters, Selkirk’s Frightened Rabbit will play Aberdeen Moshulu on 18 Sep (+ Glasgow Arches on 30 Sep). Their mojo is really working right now - this is the perfect time to check them out.

Although printing the words ‘cocksure indie urchins with a penchant for ska’ is likely to have as many of you reaching for the sick bag as for your dancing shoes, The Skinny is a broad church and is willing to admit that Peckham (endearingly spelt incorrectly on their own MySpace) based rude boys The Metros have a lively and youthful following. Skanking commences at Glasgow King Tut's on 27 Sep.

Currently touring in support of her upcoming solo album, Amanda Palmer of Dresden Dolls will be performing at Edinburgh’s Cabaret Voltaire on 30 Sep. Without the exuberant Brian Viglione punishing the skins, her new stuff sounds even more personal and intimate, and anyone who takes a chance on this gig is likely to be in for a real treat - Palmer is a huge talent.