Scottish Gigs of the Week: 11-17 Jul
From West African funk to high-powered drone to classic hip-hop, this week's gig round-up is an eclectic selection
Live music in Edinburgh
The London Astrobeat Arkestra @ Summerhall, 15 Jul
Jonathan Demme’s live Talking Heads concert movie Stop Making Sense is a thing of legend and wonder, constantly celebrated among film and music fans alike. Experience the band's music like never before as they get an African overhaul courtesy of The London Astrobeat Arkestra, making their first trip to Scotland to play their favourite Talking Heads songs as featured in the film. We don’t know about you, but we're 100% sold on the concept – see you on the dancefloor!
Rachel Alice Johnson @ Sneaky Pete's, 16 Jul
Edinburgh College of Art graduate Rachel Alice Johnson has spent the past twelve months busy working on her sound, which draws influences from the likes of Lana Del Rey, Wolf Alice, Royal Blood and The Black Keys, and now she launches her new single at Sneaky's. We premiered the video for I Won't Remember You last week – watch the clip here.
Gig of the Week
Ibibio Sound Machine @ West Princes St Gardens, 14 Jul
Part of this year's Edinburgh Jazz Festival line-up, Eno Williams' West African dance powerhouse tears into town with tracks from excellent new album Uyai. Taking cues from 70s highlife, funk, 80s legends like Grace Jones and the aforementioned Talking Heads, as well as modern dance acts like LCD Soundsystem and Caribou. Ibibio Sound Machine are guaranteed party-starters so bring your dancing shoes.
Live music in Glasgow
Nas @ O2 Academy, 11 Jul
When American hip-hop legend Nas tours the UK it feels like a great privilege, and he follows concerts celebrating the 20th anniversary of his seminal Illmatic album with another string of European dates, this time to coincide with his much anticipated new LP. Support comes from Paisley MC Shogun, fresh from the release of his own Katana EP.
The Ninth Wave @ The Poetry Club, 13 Jul
Best Newcomers at the 2016 Scottish Alternative Music Awards, Glasgow’s The Ninth Wave are heavily influenced by 80s new wave and gothic pop, and are super-polished and tight when it comes to their live show. Fresh from playing one of the official TRNSMT after parties last weekend, The Ninth Wave play the Poetry Club tonight, and Dragon's Den in Dundee tomorrow (14 Jul).
The Motion Poets @ Stereo, 13 Jul
The Motion Poets are a young indie-grunge band who live together in Edinburgh. After getting together last year, the four-piece released their debut single, One Too Many, at the start of May and tonight play their first headline show in Glasgow at the mighty Stereo. Get there early to enjoy some delicious vegan food and a hefty helping of support acts in the form of Glasgow's Flakes and fellow Edinburgh bands Posable Action Figures and IDKID.
SUNN O))) @ SWG3, 16 Jul
The experimental metal and drone titans have a reputation for playing some of the loudest live shows around, so have been rather aptly tucked away in Glasgow’s SWG3 tonight. Witnessing a SUNN O))) show is akin to joining a cult – the famous O))) symbol will be made by hands throughout the venue, and you’ll quite literally vibrate from head to toe for the duration of their set as the lengthy notes ring out in your ears. If you’ve never experienced SUNN O))) before then there’s no time like the present, right? Don't forget your earplugs.