The Mill Highlights @ Òran Mór and Cabaret Voltaire

If you're gonna release a single called Candy Girl, chances are high you're going for weighty Sixties revivalism. The Valkarys (12 Nov, Cabaret Voltaire) prove to be on such a tip, being also psychedelic, rocking, embracingly dark, and defined to large extent by Scott Dunlop's confident vocal. Effortlessly good.

For their own definition, Washington Irving (19 Nov, Òran Mór) have gone for the name of an early American writer they no doubt admire. It translates to their sound: rich Americana country-styled songs, led by personal yet universal lyrics in a style widely practiced - and well delivered - by a number of current Scottish acts, that demonstrates a healthy confidence in their own voice and place. [Dylan Reed]