Scottish Music Highlights: 16-22 Jan

Gigs in Edinburgh this week

This is the Kit @ Pleasance Theatre, 20 Jan
What's the only thing that can brighten up a winter-y, January evening? Banjos, that's what – and potentially a mug of hot chocolate by an open fire but beggars can't be choosers. This is the Kit made their Rough Trade debut with Moonshine Freeze in July and they'll be playing songs from it in Glasgow on 19 Jan as part of Celtic Connections, and in Edinburgh on 20 Jan. If you can't grab a ticket for the show, the band are also playing an acoustic set at Assai Records at 1pm – details here.

Start to End: John Martyn's Solid Air @ Sneaky Pete's, 21 Jan
The first of two outings for the Start to End crew in this round-up, bringing their interpretation of John Martyn's classic fourth LP Solid Air to Sneaky's ahead of a double bill of shows in Glasgow for Celtic Connections.

The Cribs @ Queens Hall, 22 Jan
The Jarman brothers' extensive recent touring run continues, with a show in support of their seventh album 24-7 Rock Star Shit. Support comes from Dublin three-piece Fangclub, and Glasgow alt-rock trio PAWS.

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Gig of the Week

[Irma Vep. Photo by Annapurna Mellor]

Rock Trust Fundraiser @ Biscuit Factory, 21 Jan
Breakfast Muff, Duds, Robert Sotelo Group, Jack Lee, Rainham Sheds and Smooth Dad & The Community are all playing this charity fundraiser courtesy of new Edinburgh promoters Good Grief with Irma Vep stepping in to replace Spinning Coin. For only £10 you can enjoy this all-dayer safe in the knowledge that all proceeds will go to the Rock Trust, who work with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or socially excluded. A fun day out that will also help a vital cause. Can't make it through, then Duds also play Glasgow on 20 Jan for Freakender at Nice N Sleazy.

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Gigs in Glasgow this week

Broken Records @ The Hug & Pint, 18 Jan
The 2018 edition of Celtic Connections kicks off with an intimate show from Edinburgh mainstays Broken Records. Their fourth studio album, What We Might Know, is out at the end of March – take a listen to the Springsteen and Patti Smith-inspired track They Won't Ever Leave Us Alone here. 

Fauves @ King Tut’s, Glasgow, 19 Jan
Glasgow-based Fauves were formed in February 2016 by Ryan Caldwell after he began recording some demos with the help of drummer (and now bandmate) Ciaran Devlin. The band is completed by Jonny Glass, Rory Bradley and The Vegan Leather’s Gianluca Bernacchi. Their new EP – Les Fauves – is due for release on 17 Jan via Spiral Oh, and they play as part of King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution tonight!

The Ninth Wave @ King Tut's, 20 Jan
King Tut's New Year's Revolution comes to a close tonight with a jam-packed show headlined by The Ninth Wave. Also on the bill are Acrylic, Das Plastixx, and Le Thug; LUCIA is on DJ duty, and there's an as-yet-unknown secret guest band lined up for the aftershow party. Who could it be? We actually don't know, but there's only one way to find out...

Paramore @ SSE Hydro, 20 Jan 
Paramore have led a turbulent existence, full of fall-outs, band member departures and law suits but they returned in 2017, with original drummer Zac Farro back in tow, and released one of the best pop albums of the year, After Laughter. The band return to Glasgow tonight for what's sure to be one of the funnest gigs you'll ever go to. 

Manuela @ The Old Hairdresser's, 20 Jan
Manuela Gernedel and ex-Franz Ferdinand guitarist Nick McCarthy bring the eccentric pop stylings of their Lost Map-released self-titled debut album to The Old Hairdresser's. Support comes from Rocky Lorelei and The Neighbourhood Goat.

SOUNDING, Saint Luke’s, Glasgow, 21 Jan
After a successful outing during the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe, SOUNDING is back as part of 2018’s Celtic Connections programme. Featuring 2017 Scottish Album of the Year longlisters Modern Studies, alongside Lomond Campbell, together they’ll perform their unique brand of pastoral and lyrical pop enhanced by intricate arrangements performed by ten-piece string section, the Pumpkinseed Chamber Orchestra.

Start to End: Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark @ Òran Mór, 22 Jan
Start to End begin their two-night run at Òran Mór tonight, presenting live reworkings of Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark and John Martyn's Solid Air. Tonight, they take on the Joni Mitchell classic, featuring Rachel Lightbody on vocals and Tom Gibbs on piano/keyboards, alongside members of Admiral Fallow, Pronto Mama and Fat-Suit. A new group of musicians take on Solid Air tomorrow night (23 Jan).