Scottish Music Highlights: 20-27 Feb
From pop classics given jazzy makeovers, and gigs in art galleries, to psychedelic Aussies and festivals up mountains, there's an eclectic mix on offer across Scotland this week
Gigs in Edinburgh this week
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox @ Usher Hall, 21 Feb
Ever wanted to hear pop classics given a jazzy makeover? Scott Bradlee and co are here to help, with their viral sensation hitting the Usher Hall this week. Our comedy team looked through some of the classics of the SBPJ oeuvre last year – read their guide on what to expect here.
Nieves @ Sneaky Pete's, 23 Feb
Glasgow quartet Nieves release their new album Exist and Expire this week, and celebrate with a pair of shows this weekend. Their Glasgow show has already sold out, so head down to Sneaky's to hear tracks from the new record.
Serendipity @ Voodoo Rooms, 23 Feb
This latest edition of the Edinburgh art-meets-music night features live sets from electro-blues pop-rock outfit Posable Action Figures, indie-grunge quartet The Motion Poets, garage rockers Rottenrows and indie-pop trio Acting Strange. The art comes in the form of Vancouver artist Dave Mullins, whose work tackles "the meeting of nature and psychedelia".
Gig of the Week
[Bas Jan by Kuba Ryniewicz]
Lost Map's Strange Invitation @ Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 24 Feb
One of the latest Lost Map signings, London’s Bas Jan release their debut album Yes I Jan on 23 February. To celebrate, Lost Map are hosting the Edinburgh leg of their album launch the night after at the Fruitmarket Gallery as part of the gallery's Open Out week of performance, film and music. Joining the experimental post-punk trio tonight will be the inimitable Kathryn Joseph, along with Happy Spendy, Lost Map DJs and more to be announced. Ace music and lovely people in a cool art gallery. What’s not to like?!
Gigs in Glasgow this week
The Orielles @ Mono, 22 Feb
Halifax's finest DIY indie trio celebrate the launch of their debut album Silver Dollar Moment with a launch show at Mono. Support comes in the form of Glasgow-based composer Ela Orleans and Order of the Toad, with DJ sets from The Pastels and Sacred Paws to round out a packed Thursday night
The Xcerts @ O2 ABC, 23 Feb
The Xcerts' latest record Hold Onto Your Heart is a great mix of heartbreaker rock and new-wave emo packed with anthemic choruses, and thus ideal for the grand space of the O2 ABC. In the meantime, read our chat with frontman Murray Macleod about the influences behind the album, which range from Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen to the "unfathomably good" Cyndi Lauper.
Husky Loops @ The Garage, 24 Feb
Genre-bending trio Husky Loops had a successful 2017 releasing two EPs – Husky Loops and EP2 – as well as supporting Spoon and Placebo on a number of dates towards the end of the year. The London three-piece, fresh from playing Europe’s biggest showcase festival Eurosonic in January, are now heading off on their first ever headline tour this month and stop by Glasgow’s Garage tonight.
First Aid Kit @ O2 Academy, 24 Feb
Klara and Johanna Söderberg's star continues to ascend, with the band's latest album Ruins finding them in a comfortable groove. Ahead of a summer of outdoor gigs and high-up-the-bill festival slots – including a gig at the Kelvingrove Bandstand this August – catch First Aid Kit at the Academy this weekend.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard @ O2 ABC, 25 Feb
King Gizzard’s live show is always a psychedelic shock to the senses, as we found at Field Day last year, so be ready for a riot of sound and colour as they hit the ABC this week. If nothing else, expect the enormous disco ball to come into play at some point.
Nicole Atkins @ King Tut's, 25 Feb
New Jersey native Nicole Atkins has built up a reputation for intimate and enthralling live shows, so an evening of her classic pop sounds in King Tut's seems like an ideal way to round off the weekend.
Mint Field @ Broadcast, 27 Feb
Tijuana-based Mint Field – 21-year-olds Estrella Sánchez (vocals, guitar) and Amor Amezcua (drums, synths) – release their debut album, Pasar de las Luces, via Innovative Leisure Records this Friday. The shoegaze duo are gearing up for some big things this year including the huge SXSW showcase in Austin, Texas, as well as Mexico’s incredible Ceremonia festival, so catch them in the intimate surrounds of Broadcast tonight while you can.
Also this week...
Groove Cairngorm @ Badaguish near Aviemore, 23 & 24 Feb
Cancel that skiing holiday in the Alps and make a trip to Groove Cairngorm this weekend instead. The UK's only snowsports and music festival allows you to show off your skills on the slopes and catch some cool bands and DJs at the same time – well maybe not at the exact same time. Belgian brothers 2manydjs, and KISS FM co-founder Norman Jay MBE are just two of the acts set to play the festival – get the full line-up here.