Algernon Doll / Manuscripts / Star Rover @ Banshee Labyrinth, 21 January

In Edinburgh’s tiny sweatbox the Banshee Labyrinth, the taut, stuttering rhythms of three piece Star Rover recall hardcore legends Quicksand with a touch of Gang of Four to the formula; they even find neat ways to bring a touch of Grandaddy’s darker moments to their groove. A well-rehearsed unit throughout, there’s huge potential here – a point underlined when they wrap up this opening set with a wall of blistering guitar noise as every band really should.

Manuscripts' set-up is a little more basic by comparison, but still manage to sound more intricate than a duo has any right to. Every song is full throttle with a waspish buzz and Iain Gillon’s kick drum is hit so hard it makes several attempts to migrate from the stage.

To suggest that Glasgow’s Algernon Doll are ‘going places’ is an understatement on all fronts, with frontman Ewan Grant musing over a move to Chicago in the wake of mounting US label interest. Such regard may have something to do with Shellac frontman and engineering colossus Steve Albini having recorded their forthcoming fourth album – on tonight’s evidence it’s easy to see why the notoriously prickly producer might have taken a shine to them.

Grant is a wispy and diminutive figure, but onstage is transformed into a ferocious band leader, howling through new material that will soon see the light of day with Albini’s post-punk pawprints all over it. Last year’s Omphalic is largely ignored, save for a particularly vicious Relate at the close. Even without Albini’s patronage, Algernon Doll are an intimidating presence; tonight ensures their next step is a mouthwatering prospect. [Stu Lewis]