It’s been so long since we last spoke. Has absence made the heart grow fonder? If anything, it’s given us time to trawl the seas and bring up a rich haul of suggestions and musical interludes. Here are the prime pickings, lovingly curated and brought to you.
The forecast of March and beyond is looking to be exciting – promising riches in both live dates and new releases. For the literati, join in celebration of the spoken word at the monthly Neu Reekie nights –with poetry from Ryan Van Winkle and music from the infectious house-band Emelle. Stationed at Sandeman House, the headliner Withered Hand will be playing tracks from his recently released Heart Heart e.p. – out now on Fence Records. This heart-warming masterwork is typical of what we have come to expect from Mr Dan Wilson.
Soak up some more Glasgow goodness with volume 1 of the ‘Attention Glasgow’ compilation – with contributions from the likes of Washington Irving (recently announced for Deer Shed Festival), Tasty Jailbait and Juan Pablo. If that doesn’t melt your butter, then try on the new Song, by Toad Records sampler. It stars the stunning, string-laden work of Jesus H. Foxx – fast-becoming the Edinburgh name to self-consciously drop into conversation. They make transcendental, beautiful music and if you can’t wait for the album (due later in the year) you may as well tide yourself over with this. If not, why not bask in the continuing success of Julia and the Doogans – who launch the loveliness of the Diamonds E.P. on Friday April 13th in the civilized surrounds of the Captain’s Rest?
Moving into the realms of ‘the Big Guns’ – the latest release from Malcolm Middleton, ‘Human Don’t be Angry’ is due out on Chemikal Underground in the middle of April. The 16th, to be precise. Taking on a more experimental, guitar-based slant than previous work, it promises to be a welcome change of direction from the ginger half of Arab Strap.
Otherwise, feast your eyes on ‘Move Up and Shine’ the latest video from the best-dressed band in Glasgow – The River 68s, offering a hirsute blend of old-school rock’n’roll with visuals chock-full of sunshine. Incidentally, they’re headlining the splendid-looking 10 Fest, alongside comrades The Merrylees, The Rudiments and Forest Fires. Taking over Maggie’s Chambers in Auld Reekie from 3pm on the 24th March 2012 – it’s guaranteed to be a good night. Alternatively, wait up for Davey Horne’s new e.p. – Deep Down on the 23rd April. If the title track is anything to go by, there’s a gorgeous slice of blue-eyed soul on the way.
Go analogue at Downsize Sounds with Wounded Knee at Stereo. It’s tonight, but if you’re fast you can enjoy Fritz Welch and Howie Reeve – alongside Wounded Knee himself, entertaining the audience in a live-performance night completely without the aid of electricity. Doors at 8.
It promises to be a cracking month for club nights. Join the pretty young things at Under the Moonlight, this Saturday night at Stereo. Combining the talents of Strawberry Ocean Sea and Glasgow vintage boutique We Love to Boogie –the night aims to merge the underground fashion and music scenes in the city with an eye to breaking fresh talent. With live slots from SOS, support from Jack Townes and DJ sets from the stylish hosts themselves – it’ll be a late night.
Failing that, try out this ‘This Feeling’ – on the last night of this month. A London Import taking residence at Chambre 69 –there’s sets from the Draymin and Selective Service with a rare DJ set from increasingly elusive The Coral thrown in to round the whole thing off.
Find that all a bit ‘indie’? Bit ‘predictable’? Let the completely bananas eclecticism of HYPE WILLIAMS (Hyperdub), Silk Cut + Nackt Insecten at SWG3 on the 23rd of March – act as a palette cleanser. Not Scottish, I grant you. But they are wonderful and it’s only fair that I tell you about it. One of the more fabulous choices from the Cry Parrot stable, it promises to be a night to remember.
I bid you adieu.
Words by Marianne Gallagher
