Scottish Music Highlights: 13-19 Mar

Gigs in Edinburgh this week

Good Grief #2 @ Henry’s Cellar Bar, 16 Mar
From the good people who brought us January’s Rock Trust fundraiser at the Biscuit Factory, new promoters Good Grief are back for their second outing tonight with a show at Henry’s featuring a trio of bands whose names are worth the entry fee alone: Thick Syrup, Commie Cars and Buffet Lunch. See, we told you! Once again, all proceeds from this show will go towards the Rock Trust charity who work with young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless or socially excluded.

Out Lines @ Summerhall, 17 Mar
Responsible for releasing one of the best albums to come out of Scotland in 2017 with the beautiful and powerful Conflats, Glasgow supergroup Out Lines are set for their Edinburgh debut tonight at Summerhall. Comprised of The Twilight Sad’s James Graham, SAY Award winner Kathryn Joseph and producer Marcus Mackay, the three-piece promise to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Support tonight comes from the equally excellent Lomond Campbell.

Happy Meals @ Sneaky Pete's, 17 Mar
Glasgow's premier cosmic synth pop two-piece pitch up in Edinburgh for a very special late show with the Wasabi Disco crew at Sneaky's. Expect pounding basslines, sultry vocals and meditative hooks.

Zed Penguin @ Leith Cricket Club, 17 Mar
"Mournful and ferocious" – that was our verdict on the chaotic, long-gestating and warmly-received debut album from Edinburgh outfit Zed Penguin. Catch Matthew Winter and co as they celebrate the launch of the new album at the Franklin Academical Cricket Club on Leith Links. 

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Event of the Week

Tune-Yards @ The Liquid Room, Edinburgh, 14 Mar
On their new album I can feel you creep into my private life, Tune-Yards frontwoman Merrill Garbus explores her relationship with whiteness through a series of 80s throwback bangers. Always ones to line-up exciting and unique support acts, joining them for the entirety of their UK tour is Brazilian psych-rock band Boogarins, so make sure you get down early.

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Gigs in Glasgow this week

Werkha (live) @ The Blue Arrow, 16 Mar
From his first DIY release, which was picked up by Gilles Peterson for the Brownswood Bubblers Ten compilation, to the skyward trajectory of his further outings, Glasgow-based Mancunian Tom A. Leah – aka Werkha – has become internationally recognised as one of electronic music’s most promising talents. Tonight, Werkha will be expanding his live set-up to include local jazz musicians G. Costello and F. McCreadie as well as the ever present Bryony Jarman-Pinto on vocals.

Freddie Quell @ Broadcast, 16 Mar
Glasgow alt-rock outfit Freddie Quell celebrate the release of their Negatives in Sync EP with a launch party at Broadcast. They're joined on the night by the Superchunk-esque college rock of Jutland Songs, and Puppy Fat – a new band featuring members of Womps, The Sinking Feeling & Undo.

Field Music @ Saint Luke's, 17 Mar
On their new album Open Here, Peter and David Brewis tackle some of the dark themes of modern life in defiant and hopeful fashion, while channeling the sounds of 70s rock, funk and the baroque. Find out how the pieces all fit together this evening.

Hookworms @ The Art School, 17 Mar
It may only be March, but Leeds five-piece Hookworms have already dropped a strong contender for album of the year with their new album Microshift. The band take a step away from their scuzzy garage-rock roots and well into the world of psych-pop mastery, juxtaposing upbeat melodies with downbeat lyrics to produce a collection of songs that are equal parts emotive and euphoric. Beg, borrow, speak to that pal of yours who always has spares – do what you must in order to see this gig.

Lou Mclean, Peter Johnstone + Adullboy @ NHC Record Shop, 17 Mar
Saturday is, to be honest, absurdly busy with gigs across Scotland, but there are still pockets of relaxation to be found. One such oasis comes in the form of an in-store at the New Hellfire Club record shop, hosting sets from Peter Johnstone, Adullboy, and Leith-based songwriter and Skinny fave Lou Mclean. 

Open Mike Eagle @ Stereo, 19 Mar
Rapper, comedian and occasional pro-wrestling podcast host Open Mike Eagle released his fifth studio album Brick Body Kids Still Daydream last September and he stops in at Glasgow’s Stereo tonight. The album, which featured on various 2017 Albums of the Year lists including ours, was inspired by the demolition of Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes, a notorious housing project on the south side of Chicago. It offers everything you’d expect from an Open Mike Eagle album and rivals Dark Comedy for the best in his catalogue.