Music Previews: The rest of the Edge

Amy Macdonald

Three years ago, Bishopbriggs born singer-songwriter Amy Mcdonald made her T on the Fringe debut as an unknown artist, but returns this year with two hit albums in the bag and a legion of fans north of the border. Her latest offering, A Curious Thing, was met with mixed reviews, but the rapturous reception with which Macdonald’s debut album was met has assured her a place in the category of female Scots artists who never struggle to attract a crowd. The self-taught 22-year-old unleashes mature rock-pop sound, tackling subjects as diverse and controversial as the cult of celebrity, the late Michael Jackson, and the murder of James Bulger. [Amy Taylor]

Colin McIntyre

It’s not everyone who can make the moniker leap; however Colin McIntyre seems to have acquitted himself rather nicely. After three melancholically melodious albums released as Mull Historical Society, Hebridean pop-smith McIntyre stepped into the limelight as himself for widely acclaimed The Water and Island. With gorgeously wistful, epic numbers mingling with punchier, drum-driven frivolity in McIntyre’s back catalogue, his gigs tend to be varied affairs that reflect his compatibility with acts like REM and The Strokes, with whom he’s toured. Other highlights to look forward to include stage chit-chat aplenty and cool trainers. [Rosie Nolan]

General Fiasco

Making their first appearance at the Edge Festival this year, the Irish alternative indie rock trio have garnered a cult following over the last three years, culminating in the release their first album, Buildings, in March this year. From performing their first gig together at the 2007 Glastonbury festival, to supporting bands such as The Enemy, The Pigeon Detectives and The Wombats over the last three years, General Fiasco are hot property on the rock circuit, recently being nominated for the Kerrang! Award for Best British Newcomer. [Rosie Nolan]

Hallogallo

A member of pioneering electronica outfit Kraftwerk, and co-founder of monumental spin-off band NEU!, guitarist Michael Rother’s return to the gigging circuit—more than three decades after Kraftwerk’s debut—shows he’s got a lot to answer for. Rather than facing the marginal electro audience of yesteryear, Rother’s revolutionary contribution to alt-music genres inspired a fleet of modern favourites, from Joy Division to Sonic Youth to the Mars Volta. Expect a rapturous response, lots of surprise guests and astonishingly fresh sounds from this evening of NEU! music that has actually been around for years. [Rosie Nolan]

Little Feat

Legendary roots-rockers and pioneers of the LA sound, Little Feat, return to Edinburgh after a two year absence for a night of their eclectic mix of rock, blues, funk and jazz. Having survived for 41 years, 16 albums and the untimely death of frontman and band co-founder Lowell George in 1979, this seven-piece remain as popular as ever. With original members Bill Payne on piano and Paul Barrere on guitar, Little Feat live promises a rich and varied night of musical excess, with the sound of Hammond organs and seemingly never-ending guitar solos. [Amy Taylor]

SOMA Nights: SLAM and Funk D’Void

Alias-juggling Lars Sandberg breezes into Edinburgh trailing his trademark stream of irrepressible techno-pop. One of Scots label Soma’s prodigal sons, expect Glaswegian, Spain-dwelling Funk D’Void to whip the crowds into a tizzy with his delicious fusion of name-making classics (Chemical Brothers favourite, 'Diabla') and tracks from recent LP, Second Skin.

Meanwhile, fresh from their 12th stint at T in the Park's eponymous Slam Tent, Soma’s biggest act treat the Edge Festival to their chaotically beautiful underground electro. Glasgow-based Slam may be loved for their monthly Pressure club in the city, but McMillan and Meikle’s gigs at Glastonbury and Space make them a must-see for any self-respecting raver. [Rosie Nolan]