Scottish Gig Highlights: 20-25 Oct

We’re more than halfway through October, firmly into prime touring season, and there are some pretty big guns passing through Edinburgh and Glasgow over the next few days, with something for everyone: rock, indie, pop, psychedelia, electronica and beyond – our highlights round-up is here to help in your decision making for the days ahead. 

Thur 20 Oct

It all starts with London-based indie pop group Teleman, fresh from an appearance on Later... With Jools Holland earlier this week, at Electric Circus on Thursday. This might be the last time you get to see them in such a small setting, so don’t overthink it, just go.     

Electric Circus, 7pm, £13.50

Over in the weej, Australian psychedelic dance outfit Jagwar Ma are bringing the party – they’re a pounding force to be reckoned with, so if you can, get yourself along to The Art School. If you are going to head along, be sure to take some dark chocolate Tunnocks Caramel Wafers with you – find out why by reading our Q&A with the band.

The Art School, 7pm, £13.50

Fri 21 Oct

If you fancy some synthpop, then make sure you check out Porches, the project of New York-based Aaron Maine, on Friday night at The Hug & Pint. His new album Pool is an absolute dream from start to finish, so this promises to be a wondrous show in an intimate setting.

The Hug & Pint, 7pm, £8.50

Also worth checking out on Friday are Edinburgh shows from Beef Jerk at The Safari Lounge and Stanley Odd at Bongo Club. Or, if you’re feeling particularly psychedelic, treat yourself to a touch of the extraordinary, with a healthy dose of Swedish experimentalists Goat at O2 ABC in Glasgow.

Sat 22 Oct

Quite unbelievably, veteran American film director, screenwriter, producer, musician and composer John Carpenter is bringing his massive sound to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall this Saturday. You'll know his work from a host of classic films, including Halloween, Big Trouble in Little China, Village of the Damned and Escape From L.A. A selection of Skinny staff caught his set at Primavera Sound Festival earlier in the year and it was utterly astonishing. Go go go!

The Usher Hall, 7pm, £35

Sun 23 Oct

Daughter bring their unique brand of indie alt-folk to Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Sunday. Their 2016 sophomore album, Not to Disappear, received one of our first five star reviews of the year, so this is not to be missed. Trust us.

O2 Academy, 7pm, £20

Meanwhile in Edinburgh, you can catch LA dream-pop rockers Warpaint at The Queen’s Hall. Unfortunately this one’s sold out, so if you already have tickets we're jealous, but we hope you have a bloody lovely time!

Mon 24 Oct

New York-based Californian indie rock band We Are Scientists are out on the road touring their latest album Helter Seltzer – here’s hoping they throw in some old faves like 2005 classic Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt. They also play Aberdeen on Tues 25 Oct, and Dundee on Wed 26 Oct.

Liquid Room, 7pm, £16.50

If you fancy something a little more alternative, then get yourself through to Glasgow’s Stereo for Canadian electronic rock quartet SUUNS.

Stereo, 7pm, £12.50

Tue 25 Oct

American indie rockers, Augustines, are out for one final fling, before hanging up their guitars for good so this is your last chance to dance along with them. Their tour is entitled Come Sing With Us, One Last Time so you’d better warm up your vocal cords and do as they say. You can also catch them Augustines one last time at Glasgow’s St Luke’s on Thu 27 Oct.

Liquid Room, 7pm, £15