The Skinny April 2008 by The Skinny

THE SKINNY ISSUE 31 :: APRIL 2008 :: FREE

Jamie lidell

Soul of the feStival

MUSIC I ART I THEATRE I FILM I DVD I GAMES I COMEDY I FASHION I LISTINGS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

THE SKINNYshowcase

This month the Showcase is proud to present the illustrations of Leigh Pearson, The Skinny's very own (departing) picture editor. Since graduating from GSA in 2005 with a degree in photography, Leigh has concentrated his efforts on creating illustrative work, designing a number of Skinny covers, contributing works to magazines such as MEAT, and editing and producing his very own zine, Thunderheart. To see more of his work, go to www.thunderheart.co.uk, or come along to the Bongo Cafe from Thursday 17 April, where we will be hosting an exhibition of Leigh's drawings. SKINNY SHOWCASE PRESENTS LEIGH PEARSON AT THE BONGO CAFE, 17 APR - 9 MAY FOR THE CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR WORK PUBLISHED HERE AND CREATE A SHOW FOR THE BONGO CAFE, SEND IMAGES, INFORMATION AND IDEAS TO SHOWCASE@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

WELCOME EDITORIAL They tell you not to meet your heroes. Sometimes, though, you meet someone and only later come to realise they’re a hero. That was the case with David Robins, a friend of my parents, who died recently. Whenever I saw him he would encourage me in my writing, and generally had a lot of questions of the kind to keep a young person energised, curious, and on their toes. I knew he was involved with the consistently influential Royal Court Theatre in London, and had a background in highly successful initiatives to get kids from disadvantaged backgrounds into the arts. Only more recently did I find out that as a young man in the Sixties, he was a core member of the team that put out the International Times, a major counter-cultural magazine. I recently read Robins’ last book, Cool Rules, subtitled ‘anatomy of an attitude’, which he co-authored with Dick Pountain. It is decidedly cool itself, refusing to succumb to tedious academic excesses without losing its rigour: ‘what kind of an entity is cool?’, they ask, ‘Is it a philosophy, a sensibility, a religion, an ideology, a personality type, a behaviour pattern, an attitude, a zeitgeist, a worldview? We shall not concern ourselves too deeply with this question here, leaving that pleasure for others. Rather we intend to take an unfashionably naïve approach by simply accepting cool as a phenomenon that we can recognise when we see it…’ Not so naïve, you can’t help thinking. Cool Rules is a fascinating, broad history that you are well advised to read and I’d be ill advised to summarise too brutally. However, the rough conclusion is that this once countercultural, outlaw stance has now been well and truly co-opted by the mainstream. Though there’s no sense that this is a cataclysmic problem, their argument has (by their own admission) similarities with that of American philosopher Fredric Jameson’s seminal Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism – begging, once

again, the millennial question: ‘What next?’ Well, never ones to shy away from the DIY approach, here at The Skinny we’re going to have a go at this one ourselves. In line with the ‘mainstream culture to the Nth degree’ line I was spinning in this space last issue, the plan is to run a series of interviews under the series title of ‘Hyperculture’. These interviews will be with a range of top thinkers: be they artists, politicians, chroniclers of the digital age, or anyone else whose ideas seem appropriately stretchy. It could be understood that the first Hyperculture interview was that with Bill Drummond back in November, which featured the ex-KLF conceptual activist talking about his unusual ongoing project No Music Day. This month sees the official kick-off, though, and it’s an extended interview with the writer and ex-politician Kevin Williamson. Williamson, who as founder of Rebel Inc. was the first publisher of Irvine Welsh, has a whole range of qualifications for the affections and respect of the Scottish people. But what I was most excited to speak to him about, and with direct reference to Hyperculture’s (as yet vague, but increasingly clarifying) themes, was his recent assertion that democracy should be seen as a ‘creative art’. Interesting stuff – turn to page 10 to find out more. In terms of heroes (and heroines), they don’t come much more exalted (personally speaking) than the great Candi Staton, who headlines the Triptych final party this month. Apart from The-Greatest-Singer-Ever (I told you it was subjective), there’s plenty of top range stuff on at the last Triptych festival, and we’ve got interviews with many of the best artists. There’s RZA, Jamie Lidell, Frightened Rabbit and Flying Lotus for starters, as well as a centre spread devoted to the event, including a historical timeline to bring back the memories. Elsewhere, we look forward to what looks set to be a brilliant Arches Theatre Festival, Glasgow International Art Festival, and an exceptional month for films: Son of Rambow, [Rec] and In Bruges are just the very best of a host of highlights. RUPERT@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

THE SKINNY Let us know what you think: E: letters@skinnymag.co.uk P: The Skinny, The Drill Hall, 30-38 Dalmeny St, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG. Issue 31, April 2008 © Radge Media Ltd The Skinny offers a wide range of advertising packages and affordable ways to promote your business. Get in touch to find out more: E: sales@skinnymag.co.uk T: 0131 467 4630 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within this publication do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the printer or the publisher. Printed by Trinity Mirror ABC: 23,089. 1/7/07 - 31/12/07

PUBLISHER

SOPHIE KYLE

EDITOR

RUPERT THOMSON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

MATT MACLEOD

ENTERPRISE MANAGER

LARA MOLONEY

PRODUCTION EDITOR

LEIGH PEARSON

SALES EXECUTIVE

CAROLINE BAIRD

ONLINE & SOUNDS EDITOR

DAVE KERR

BEATS EDITOR

ALEX BURDEN

LGBT EDITOR

NINE

FILM EDITOR

PAUL GREENWOOD

FASHION EDITOR

LINDSAY WEST

THEATRE EDITOR

GARETH K. VILE (DEPUTY)

COMEDY EDITOR

EMMA LENNOX

BOOKS EDITOR

KEIR HIND

GAMES EDITOR

JOSH WILSON

ART EDITOR

ROSAMUND WEST

EATING & DRINKING EDITOR

RUTH MARSH

COMPETITIONS EDITOR

FINBARR BERMINGHAM

CLUB LISTINGS

ANDREW COOKE

LISTINGS ASSISTANT

ALLY BROWN

LAYOUT ASSISTANTS

IAN SINKAMBA MICHELLE HO

SUBEDITORS

PAUL GREENWOOD NICK MITCHELL JENNY CRUICKSHANK

SHOWCASE CURATORS

ROSAMUND WEST CHARLOTTE RODENSTEDT

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

WELCOME

4 8 10 12 14 18 20 24 25 26 30 32 48 58

CONTENTS

ISSUE 31 : : APRIL 2008

SHOWCASE Leigh Pearson - illustration

HEADS UP

Beltane festival, vox pops and lots of other little wonderments

FEATURES Kevin Williamson on democracy as a creative art

LGBT

Namoli Brennet - musician

FASHION

Our guide to buying online, and a whole host of new columns

KEVIN WILLIAMSON, PAGE 10

EATING & DRINKING Brewhaha Tea Company

FILM

Garth Jennings on Son of Rambow, plus In Bruges and lots of reviews

GAMES Grand Theft Auto IV

BOOKS Aye Write! report

THEATRE

BLACK KIDS, PAGE 40

Arches Theatre Festival, April dance roundup

ART

GI Festival highlights

SOUNDS

Triptych ‘08, plus Brian Jonestown Massacre, Adam Green, Alec Empire and more

BEATS

Triptych ‘08, Somaskool, Dollskabeat and a shedload of other interesting things

LISTINGS Get off your arse! Find something to do

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

ADAM GREEN, PAGE 38

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

HEADS UP

Ready to Burn Beltane Festival:

Off with the extra pair of socks: Spring is slowly seeping in. These last few weeks have seen daylight lingering for longer, signs of blossom sprinkled throughout the streets and smiles appearing on gloomy winter faces. What better way to welcome the sunshine than a crazy, entertaining gathering and colourful fire festival. A celebration of spring centred around Celtic and Gaelic traditions, this year's Beltane Festival welcomes back one of the co-founders and original choreographers, Lindsay John. Since taking part in the original festival in the late '80s, John has embarked on a stunning career as a sculptor, dancer and performance artist.

JAMIE

SEAN

MARK

CORYN

TOTTIE

Gutter Talk

DANIEL STERN

by Kirsteen Connor

MODELS, MODEL TEAM, GLASGOW

The Beltane ceremony, translated as 'bright and sacred fire', was traditionally celebrated to mark the blossoming of Spring and welcome the turning of the seasons. Now in its 21st year, this spectacular annual event gathers a crowd of 15,000 people to Calton Hill and involves over 300 volunteers from throughout the community. Get ready to welcome the sunshine with this fanatically fun ceremony. [Shelley Blake] BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL, CALTON HILL, EDINBURGH, WED 30 APR, 9PM-1AM TICKETS £7 / £5 ADV THE 2008 PROGRAMME INVOLVES A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED WITH CHILDREN IN MIND. FOR THESE, AND MORE INFO, CHECK OUT WWW.BELTANE.ORG

CERISE

OVE HANSEN

PREVIEWS ABSEIL FROM THE FORTH RAIL BRIDGE FORTH RAIL BRIDGE, 27 APR

JEN OWENS

At the end of April you have the opportunity to abseil for free from one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. All you need to do is to pledge to raise a minimum amount of money for ChildLine. This event has everything to satisfy even the most experienced abseil monkeys, and will also feature highly trained staff, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants with no previous experience. Places are limited, so apply now. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SCOTLANDEVENTS@NSPCC.ORG.UK 0844 892 0212

CHARITY SKYDIVING

MARK HUTCHISON, 23 HAVE YOU EVER STOLEN ANYTHING? Biscuits out of my mum's biscuit tin. I’ve stolen a few hearts in my time too. WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? It was called the Jigsaw Man, a biography of a criminal psychologist. You read quite a lot of books when travelling. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU SPOKE TO ON THE PHONE? My other half Steph. She's going down to London for two months on Wednesday so she called to chat about that. WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING YOU’VE EVER BOUGHT? I don’t want to say how much I spent on it but I do have a fur hat. It’s also known as the hangover hat as that’s the only time I wear it. WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT? Going to bed too late and sleeping in too late. Turning night into day. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST FASHION FAUX PAS? The fur hat. CERISE WADE , 18 EVER STOLEN? Chocolate. Everyone does that when they’re little though, don’t they? LAST BOOK YOU READ? A haematology book for University. The one before that was Harr y Potter. LAST PHONECALL? Stacey from Model Team. Sad isn’t it? MOST EXPENSIVE PURCHASE? I spent £225 on a bag from Paul Smith. I had to have it when I walked into the shop; before that I probably would have said £15. WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT? Biting my nails or pulling my hair. FASHION FAUX PAS? Probably what I’m wearing now.

TOTTIE GREER , 23 EVER STOLEN? When I was 14 I was on a skiing trip with the school in Austria. Me and my friends stole some alcohol out of a local supermarket. It was really easy, they didn’t have detectors. LAST BOOK YOU READ? I’ve not finished it yet but I am reading one of Ian Rankin’s crime novels, Knots and Crosses. LAST PHONECALL? My boyfriend Max. MOST EXPENSIVE PURCHASE?? I’m a bit of a bargain hunter but a few years ago I bought a Luella bag. It was £500. It’s completely ruined now. WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT? Talking too loudly and too quickly. I get too excited! FASHION FAUX PAS? It was definitely when I was a teenager. I used to wear trainers with slouchy socks and a hoodie. SEAN CHAN, 19 EVER STOLEN? No, not that I can recall. I’m a good boy. LAST BOOK YOU READ? It was probably back in school. I study Maths now so To Kill A Mockingbird was probably the last book I read. LAST PHONECALL? My Grampa. He calls about ten times a day; he’s getting quite old and forgets that he called. MOST EXPENSIVE PURCHASE?? Probably a pair of Diesel jeans, they were about £150 and that was in the sale. WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT? This sounds pretty sad but I continuously change what I wear. FASHION FAUX PAS? Wearing skinny jeans, a stripey top, a bunnet and pointy shoes. Someone told me I looked like a member of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

JAMIE CHARLESTON, 29 EVER STOLEN? When I was 6 years old I tried to steal a packet of Fruitella from the supermarket my aunt worked in and I got caught. LAST BOOK YOU READ? I’m reading a book about Celtic by Billy McNeil called Hail Cesar. LAST PHONECALL? My friend Sean. MOST EXPENSIVE PURCHASE?? I spent £650 on a Versace jacket when I was 18. I never wear it. WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT? Being late, I’m too laidback. FASHION FAUX PAS? A black and white checked waistcoat. CORYN DICKSON, 17 HAVE YOU EVER STOLEN ANYTHING? No nothing, I’d have too much of a guilty conscience. WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? It was called Special but I can’t remember who it was by. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU SPOKE TO ON THE PHONE? My best friend Sophie because she had an exam today. WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING YOU’VE EVER BOUGHT? The whole i-pod thing: i-pod, speakers. I once bought a coat for £250 but that probably wasn’t as much. WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT? Biting my nails. It’s disgusting. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST FASHION FAUX PAS? Wearing matching pink tights and a top.

THE SKINNY ON TOUR Our lovely intern Karl in Sweden. Bork Bork.

THREE DIFFERENT AIRFIELDS IN SCOTLAND, ONGOING Thanks to Charity Skydive, you can parachute from 10,000 feet for free. For the opportunity of a lifetime you've got to raise around £375, and in return you'll experience some of the most exciting skydiving available in the UK. Furthermore you can choose between 1,500 different charities to donate the money you raise to, and the charity of your choice will provide the rest. The minimum amount of money to be raised depends on you choice: for a ‘Tandem Skydive’ or the ‘Static Line’ you must raise around £375, or, if you're brave and like challenges, the more expensive and radical ‘Accelerated Freefall’ requires a minimum fund total of £535 (plus optional spare breeks). WWW.SKYLINEPARACHUTING.CO.UK/CHARITY-PARACHUTING.ASPX

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

SEND YOUR PHOTOS FOR SKINNY ON TOUR TO: LETTERS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

HEADS UP

HEADS UP WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

DEMOCRACY AS A CREATIVE ART I n 1996 the New York Times Magazine ran a lengthy feature on the burgeoning ‘beatnik’ literary scene in Scotland. Featured were a number of up-and-coming writers, including Irvine Welsh, Alan Warner, and Kevin Williamson – publisher of Rebel Inc. One thing they had right: this really was a notably talented generation, and there was a scene. One thing they were totally tricked on: that this group centred their activities on Robbie’s Bar on Leith Walk – where a series of highly sincere black and white portraits were taken of the writers. Truth is, they actually used to gather in nearby Dizzie’s (currently closed). It’s not the greatest scam that’s ever been pulled on or by an established magazine, but it’s certainly typical of the kind of subtle subversion that has defined a great deal of Williamson’s work and impact. So it is that when I meet Kevin Williamson, in the café of the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, the arts centre where The Skinny has its offices, the location could hardly be more suited. Dizzie’s is just around the corner. Another connection is that, as a community arts centre, the Out of the Blue Drill Hall fits with the kind of localised cultural activity that Williamson sees as essential to Scotland’s future. Still, ‘democracy as a creative art’ is a concept with more aspects to it than this alone, and Williamson had a lot to say on a range of topics. I began by asking about a recent project he has been involved with: Bella Caledonia.1 “I’ve not been involved in any kind of publishing since Rebel Inc. finished in 2000, 2001, 2 and I just thought: ‘Yeah, this is a good idea. It sounds fresh.’ For me, it’s marking a different kind of social, cultural, political development for myself: I feel a lot freer having got out of the straightjacket of political parties I had been in. It’s got free reign to think, to work on ideas. And if there’s one thing political parties aren’t good environments for, it’s ideas, developing ideas. They’re good for lowest common denominator manifestos, which everyone’s expected to agree with. I had felt myself moving away from that over a number of years. I had been able to develop my own ideas on drug policy within the structure of the Scottish Socialist Party, but the type of ideas I’ve been interested in recently - they don’t fit within that framework of a political party. Bella Caledonia is more ideas than organisation.” Williamson is modest and softly spoken, but very articulate. When I asked him about what he had meant by ‘creative democracy’ it turned out he has a great deal to say on the subject. I would occasionally chip in with comments or supplementary questions, but what follows is a lightly edited transcription of his arguments. I was surprised as I transcribed to find he had done so much of the talking: there was nothing rant-like about his manner, and getting him to engage at a deeper level with his subjects was totally unnecessary – everything mentioned was given full analysis as a matter of course. I’ve since added headings, which roughly correlate to the areas I asked him about.

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

AT THE RECENT BRIDGE READING FOR HIS NEW BOOK OF POETRY, IN A ROOM DARKENED, SCOTTISH WRITER, PUBLISHER, ACTIVIST AND REBEL HERO KEVIN WILLIAMSON INSISTED THAT DEMOCRACY OUGHT TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS A ‘CREATIVE ART’. IN THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF SKINNY INTERVIEWS UNDER THE BANNER OF ‘HYPERCULTURE’, RJ THOMSON ASKS ABOUT THE CONTEXT OF THIS CHALLENGING ASSERTION

HOW WE THINK ABOUT DEMOCRACY

“The concept: we’re given this word ‘democracy’, and it’s handed down to us and everybody stands by the word democracy. But what’s really meant when you strip away all the rhetoric is a nineteenth century form of democracy, where you put a cross in a box every four or five years. You vote for a political party, and then the political party goes away and does what you’ve asked; and then they come back, and ask for your vote in a box four or five years later. Democracy has to change with the times. We have to be creative: it can’t be left to other people, it can’t be a passive interaction when it comes to power and politics.3 We live in a society where representational democracy is a finished, fixed system, and nobody’s interested in changing. With Bella Caledonia we’re trying to put forward ideas of participatory democracy. It’s a completely different thing: participation at a community level, participation in the workplace, participation on a broader democratic framework than ‘society’. “We’re looking at engaging people at a cultural level. Political parties are all fine and good, but it doesn’t involve people. You find that people’s participation in their community tends not to be political; it tends to be cultural. If you look at the Leith Festival: that gets far more people involved than Leith Council does. I imagine you could replicate that all across the country. “I’m just thinking aloud here - this is no manifesto. But we need spaces where we can think aloud, where it’s not a ‘them and us’ hostile political battle. You watch a party conference, and it’s just a battle of soundbites with no depth to anything. That’s if the parties even allow that to go ahead. “So what we’re trying to do with Bella Caledonia is create a space for lots of ideas.”

THE FREE PRESS

“I write for the One O’Clock Gun4 quite regularly. I think it’s a great newspaper; I think what Craig [Gibson] does is brilliant. I read the stuff you write in The Skinny. There are newspapers and magazines appearing that do have a non-mainstream agenda, and I find them interesting. “I like the idea of do-it-yourself. “The thing we’ve got in common - with The Skinny, with Bella Caledonia, with the One O’Clock Gun - is that none of us charges anything. You just get it together: you put it out, and you don’t have to worry about selling them. We take Bella Caledonia to political events, where you have people from the political parties trying to sell newspapers, and we just give them away free [laughs]. I think this is brilliant! I really like the idea of giving stuff away free: ideas should be free. And it becomes a creative art in itself - trying to find the resources to bring out the next one. I like that kind of chaotic anarchistic approach to publishing.”

CREATIVE CITIZENSHIP

“There’s the old Hakim Bey philosophy which I used within Rebel Inc. - the Temporary Autonomous Zone.5 Back in 1994 we used to use the Unemployed Workers’ Centre in Broughton Street - it’s closed now. And we used to put on what we used to call Rebel Inc. Night Cafes, where we locked the doors, and, once people were in, we decided all the rules. And the rest of society was… gone. All sorts of things happened there that were pretty farout. We had to watch who came in the door: it was our own space, and we put on poetry and music.

“THE CANNABIS COFFEE SHOP WAS AN AUTONOMOUS ZONE. WE JUST WANTED TO SHOW THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO ACCEPT THE GIVEN RULES. NONE OF US ENDED UP IN JAIL...YOU CAN PUSH THINGS - IF YOU'VE GOT THE COURAGE TO DO IT.”

“We used to raffle things. We used to raffle sex videos that were... people. I’m not saying it was me that did it, but LSD and ecstasy were raffled; joints appeared in various guises. It had an anarchic feel to the whole thing. And that allows people to sample freedom on a small scale, and think about it.”

THE ‘HASH CAFÉ’

“It was the same with the Cannabis Coffee Shop:6 we wanted to challenge certain ideas; we wanted to challenge some prejudices about cannabis; we wanted to challenge some realities... The very fact that people were sitting in the alley next door jagging up while the news cameras and police were all focused on us - this, to me, said it all. Kids lying in the street jagging up, but the biggest problem for society was that people were getting to smoke cannabis in a safe environment that was separate from all other drugs. “It was an autonomous zone. We didn’t last long: it was a very short-lived autonomous zone. But we just wanted to show that you don’t have to accept the given rules. None of us ended up in jail; you know. You can push things - if you’ve got the courage to do it. “We didn’t open that coffee shop overnight there was about two years of thinking gone into it. It didn’t open the way I would have hoped: we wanted to have a real cultural venue that could’ve evolved; it turned out it was a bit of a greasy spoon café. Needs must. You have to make the plan. “You can get away with a lot of things. If you think it through you can push the boundaries of what’s acceptable or legal, if you believe it’s in a progressive direction. And with a lot of these things, it’s about self-expression. So much of our entertainment is given to us; it’s the same thing - this passivity; we absorb culture passively rather than participating in it.”

THE CREATIVE REPUBLIC 7

“I think we’re moving into an era when big states will be broken up into smaller more democratic units. I can see it happening in England because I don’t see any grounds for an English republic; I don’t see the politics of identity and multiculturalism all coming together on an English basis.

FEATURES

FEATURES KEVIN WILLIAMSON BY JACK WADDINGTON

“Scotland’s more of a unified identity. But once Scotland’s taken out of the equation in Britain, who’s left? Historically, I think England’s got much stronger regional identities than it does a national identity: Yorkshire, Northern England; London has a very strong identity; Lancashire has a very strong identity. And these go right back to pre-Norman times; that’s probably why they’re strong. You can’t just fuse together a country by military conquest. “The political process in Scotland is very interesting just now. I just look forward to the day when we win a referendum. And then it has to become really creative. Scotland as a democracy does not have to be mini-me Westminster. You can create a completely different democracy, something that’ll inspire people the world over: the way the American Revolution did in the 18th century, or the

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

French revolution, or even the Declaration of Arbroath inspired people back in medieval times - because it was very radical, and undermined the divine right of a monarch to rule, and put the community of the realm as the ones who are in charge, and the monarch as answerable to them. Scotland could produce something just as radical now. And that’s what I hope to see in politics, a more creative approach to the break-up of Britain: where people actually look at the opportunities.” Williamson is no blind optimist. Currently living in Wester Hailes, he bemoans the fact that he can’t even buy a pint of milk near his flat. “Scotland’s a really fucked up place,” he tells me with no hint of either inverse pride or irony. If Williamson’s working history is anything to go by, though, getting fucked is just the precursor to getting creative. Let’s hope so.

KEVIN WILLIAMSON’S RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOK OF POETRY, IN A ROOM DARKENED, IS EXCELLENT. VETERAN EDINBURGH CLUBBERS WILL BE WELL ADVISED TO LOOK OUT REQUIEM FOR LA BELLE ANGELLE – A MOVING ACCOUNT OF GOOD TIMES PAST, EXPERTLY DELIVERED.

HAVE A LOOK AT WWW.TWORAVENSPRESS.COM FOR MORE INFO. ALSO WELL WORTH A LOOK IS WILLIAMSON’S REGULARLY UPDATED BLOG: WWW.THESCOTTISHPATIENT.COM. EVEN HEARTS FANS WILL FIND SOMETHING TO LIKE ABOUT IT.

1. Bella Caledonia is a free libertarian newspaper - named after the character ‘Bella’ in Alasdair Gray’s novel Small Things - of which Williamson is Co-Editor. Pick up a copy in Word Power Books in Edinburgh. 2. Williamson founded now legendary publisher Rebel Inc. in 1992, which first published authors including Irvine Welsh and Alan Warner. Rebel Inc. events included Scotland’s first (successful) attempts to put writers alongside DJs in a clubbing environment. 3. Williamson, it should be noted, was the first person to be expelled from the Scottish Parliament – for entering wearing a George Bush mask for a 2004 anti-war demonstration. 4. The One O’Clock Gun is an Edinburgh based free literary newspaper, which features a range of esteemed contributors. www.paxedina.co.uk 5. Hakim Bey’s philosophies of ‘Ontological Anarchy’ and ‘Poetic Terrorism’, explained in his book on the Temporary Autonomous Zone, first published in 1991, have influenced anarchist intellectuals and rave organisers alike. 6. As well as setting up a cannabis coffee shop (the police shut it down after 3 hours, mind), Williamson wrote the Scottish Socialist Party’s controversial drugs policy – which argued for the legalisation of cannabis and provision of heroin to addicts – and has also toured with Howard Marks to campaign for a change to drug laws. 7. The following comments are Williamson’s pointsr egarding Scotland’s potential independence. He also told me that he thinks ‘state socialism is dead’, and added that ‘one of the reasons why I don't have a lot of confidence in the left wing parties is that none of them seem to understand the market’; his own ideal model would feature ‘small scale cooperatives… still producing stuff that's sold on the market’.

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

LGBT EDITORIAL Stuff from the last month:

1. I went to Vienna for a conference. (My life is so hard.) It gave me the chance to meet up with my old friend Ulli, who was part of my queer women’s student group in Edinburgh a decade ago. We reminisced past 5am in Marea Alta, a fabulous yet obscenely smoky gay bar, piecing together what was actually going on ten years ago, with all the unspoken dramas, affairs, crushes and other scandals. TEN YEARS.

Namoli Brennet

by Alma Cork

“FOR ME BEING TRANS IS SO MUCH ABOUT TRYING TO BE AS AUTHENTIC AS POSSIBLE, AND I DON’T THINK YOU CAN MAKE REAL, HONEST, INTENSE MUSIC IF YOU’RE NOT AUTHENTIC”

2. I did my first reading ever, at Who’s Your Dandy?, the queer event organised by Word Power Books. Nerve-wracking as hell, but well worth the experience; I glowed for a couple of days afterwards. Plus, insisting on going first meant I was able to actually enjoy the subsequent acts: Hamish MacDonald, Graeme Hawley and Zorras, the latter being a new duo who fuse spoken word with music and megaphones. 3. I met an acquaintance I hadn’t seen in years and we caught up on what was new. “Did you decide?” she asked me. I thought: oh no, please do not be asking me what I think you are asking me. But she pressed on: “Last time you were bisexual.” “Yes,” I agreed, feeling suddenly weary. On the plus side, no-one has managed this kind of faux pas with me for several years now, which is precisely what makes it remarkable.

5 P O T LGBT(ISH) The end.

EVENTS

LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS 4 APR, 8-11PM

THE FLYING DUCK, 142 RENFIELD ST, GLASGOW

Celebrate the launch of this new queer alternative magazine with live music and burlesque girls. Also includes free entry to club night Back Tae Mine. FREE ENTRY WITH INVITE PACK (SEE WEBSITE)/£4/3 WWW.LOCKUPYOURDAUGHTERSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

YIDDLE WITH HIS FIDDLE (YIDL MITN FIDL) 6 APR, 4PM

Namoli Brennet, a transgendered artist hailing from Tucson, Arizona, has played hundreds of performances and independently produced and released five CDs on her own label since 2002. Her smooth soulful voice, conjuring images of Tracy Chapman, pairs with a multi-instrumentalist folk-rock acoustic edge. Her achingly wistful arrangements include guitar, mandolin, harmonica and even trumpets, all self-played and complemented by her personal, heartfelt, lyrics.

hired me. Oops." Regarding her new album and songwriting, she "stylistically wanted this album to be a little more cohesive; I wanted to make the arrangements fuller than the more sparse and acoustic previous two CDs. Songwriting for me is a really organic process, it usually just happens as I play guitar and stumble across what sounds like a song. I have to really feel something deeply though. A lot of good songs come out of very difficult times."

FILMHOUSE, LOTHIAN RD, EDINBURGH

Screening as part of the Yiddish Cinema season, this 1936 Polish drag comedy follows street violinist Picon, who disguises herself as a boy to seek fame and fortune. Introduced by Ellen Galford. £4.50/3

CAST SOME LIGHT 12, 19, & 26 APR, 2PM

CCA, SAUCHIEHALL ST, GLASGOW

A programme of artists’ film and video supported by the Nordic Culture Fund, many of these screenings will explore gender roles and sexuality. Special mention: Wall of Love, featuring Mrs Berliner-Mauer, a self-described object-sexual who’s married to the Berlin Wall. FREE

MR GAY UK (GLASGOW HEAT) 18 APR, 11:30PM

BENNETS, 90 GLASSFORD ST, GLASGOW

Win tickets to see Kylie, Girls Aloud and Shayne Ward … if you’ve got the nerve. £5/4 WITH FLYER

FUNDRAISING CABARET PARTY 27 APR, 4-8PM

THE NEWTOWN BAR 26B DUBLIN STREET, EDINBURGH

Kate Copstick and a host of talent kick off NTB Cares – the Newtown Bar’s new fundraising venture in aid of Waverley Care. DONATE ON-LINE: WWW.JUSTGIVING.COM/JIMMYQUINN

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

Namoli got her first drum kit aged three. "I was definitely never someone who wondered what they would do when they grew up, I just always knew I'd play music." From these beginnings she eventually started producing her own albums: "I had no idea what I was doing, I just had to try it and trust my ears. I thought for sure the mastering engineer would tell me it was awful!" As she's progressed her technical and songwriting proficiency have grown. "I have definitely reached a place where I think that less is more. I don't feel like I need to have as much going on in a song and I'm really into trying to capture good performances. I've learned a hugely important lesson, which is to not overthink things and to be very instinctual when I write and record." It used to be difficult for her to analyse how being trans influences her music, although now she says, "For me being trans is so much about trying to be as authentic as possible, and I don't think you can make real, honest, intense music if you're not authentic. Maybe that's how it ties in?" Performance-wise it has been more of an issue. "In the early days I wasn't trying to pass as female and I was doing more gender-variant stuff, it was really difficult. On top of worrying about how I would be received and understood musically I was pretty much

terrified about how people would react to my gender. I'm just this really sensitive, somewhat nervous, person and I don't tend to do really well in those kinds of situations." The number of performances and miles on the road seem to have helped. "I'm definitely much better than I was, but it's still an issue sometimes if the venue isn't overtly queer-friendly." She mentions vulnerability, "because I feel like my voice is pretty ambiguously gendered, so it feels like coming out, you know, on stage." While this vulnerability sounds nervewracking, so far things seem to have worked out for her, "either because people don't know I'm trans, or because they don't care." She says it's really hard to choose which gig has been best from "lots of really great nights, sometimes involving big crowds and sometimes just five people who are really, really listening. [However] I was once hired to play a college gig that turned out to be in a really conservative, rural area, and I realized that they had no idea I was trans when they

As a trans musician she definitely feels connected to the wider trans community, "but I think my thing is also trying to show people that the trans experience is not so different from a lot of other human experiences - it's this struggle of identity, authenticity, overcoming fear and adversity in ourselves and others. I think a lot of people who are not trans deal with those same issues on a daily basis, and it's a way to connect ourselves with the larger human experience and not be so marginalised. I think if I can inspire anyone, that's a great thing." When asked where she sees herself in five years time she says, as somebody into Buddhist thinking, that it's the same place she's in now, "which is being as present as possible in this moment. Whatever you want you still have just this moment, sitting in front of you right now, with whatever it has to offer. To realize that is an amazing thing." SINGER SHINE YOUR LIGHT, NAMOLI’S LATEST CD, IS AVAILABLE FROM HER WEBSITE AND SHE IS PLANNING TO PLAY EUROPE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. WWW.NAMOLIBRENNET.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NAMOLIBRENNET

LGBT

Exasperated Tranny Hits Out at Media Clichés by Ioana Poprowka

‘PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE’ OF TRANSSEXUALS IMPLIES THAT TRANSSEXUALS AND THE PUBLIC ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE

This morning I woke up with a hangover. I took some painkillers. I bought eggs, but couldn’t face food. Eventually I had a coffee; I read the paper and listened to the radio, and I wondered what I would have for dinner. For the record, I’m leaning towards shepherd’s pie. By the way, I’m transsexual. Suddenly it’s not just a mundane hangover is it? “Sex swap drunk starves self after shameless booze binge!” It might even make the front page. Whenever a trans person appears in a news story, whatever the context, their gender takes centre stage. Trans people are constantly being dehumanised in the press and portrayed as lust-driven hedonists; conniving frauds whose only aim in life is to trick people into believing their gender disguise, and then probably have sex with them or murder them, cut them up into little bits and dance widdershins by moonlight around the pieces. I exaggerate, but not by much. This was brought home to me recently while researching another article about the treatment of transgender people by the prison service. I came upon an article by the BBC with the headline “Transsexual man jailed in women’s prison”. At first I thought I had found exactly what I was looking for, a case of a trans person being sentenced as their assigned gender and not their true gender. However, on closer inspection, I was even more horrified to discover that the article was in fact the total opposite, with willful disregard for the correct use of pronouns. The ‘transsexual man’ in question was a male-to-female transsexual called Alexandra Macrae, who made history by being sentenced as a woman. Although brief, this article reads like a checklist of what not to write about a trans woman. Incorrect pronouns abound, she is referred to as the “son of a church of Scotland minister,” and the piece is peppered with details about her life which would be mundane to the extreme - but in light of her trans status they somehow take on a seedy salaciousness. The little detail about her father, the fact that she was a rugby prop in her former life (she played sport?! But that’s so manly, goodness how amusing, I bet she looks a right old state now, etc etc). Even more bafflingly, the article

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closes with the fact that she was “formerly married to a Ghanaian woman”. This article was printed in 1998, although in the intervening years things have changed little. While it is true that leaps and bounds have been made in what is often termed ‘public acceptance’ of transsexuals (implying of course that transsexuals and the public are mutually exclusive), everyone loves a good tranny story. The New York Daily News recently ran the headline “Fooled John Stabbed Bronx Tranny”, about the murder of trans woman Sanesha Stewart. Once again, quite aside from the dehumanising slant the article has taken, there is a clear implication that this young trans woman had set out to ‘fool’ someone ‘john’ is American slang for the client of a sex worker - into accepting her gender. Sensational coverage and the use of language which is at best misleading and at worst downright wrong helps to perpetuate the myth that all trans people are strange, exotic, weird, sex-crazed non-people. The justification that such stories are of ‘human interest’ assumes that the readership does not contain trans people, as if we are somehow outside the normal loop of everyday life. The habit of withholding the correct pronouns in articles until an individual has had surgery creates the feeling that there is some invisible finishing line that trans people are all struggling to cross. On a recent Channel Four documentary, Transsexuals in Iran, even trans women who were living as women full time were referred to as male until they had had surgery. Isn’t it about time that trans people were consulted on how we would best like to be addressed, rather than being handed down a set of rules cobbled together by sloppy and confusing journalism? The rules couldn’t be simpler - just show a little respect.

APRIL 08 THE SKINNY

FASHION

HE SKINNY jeans by Lindsay West

THE BJORK IMPERATIVE Bienvenue, wilkommen and welcome, one and all, to The Skinny's brand new fashion section - four pages of meaty sartorial goodness for your delectation. Skinny Jeans has packed its matching luggage and defected from Heads Up, taking up permanent residence here in the heart of fashion country. So whilst we get settled in, perhaps we should take pause and synchronise our watches; to pin down our style coordinates, so that we're all moving in the same direction. It's a funny old game, this. At its very best, fashion is fun, artistic, creative, ridiculous, inspiring, frivolous and fabulous; but at its worst, and often most visibly, it can be cruel, unforgiving, ﬂ ighty, impatient, and elitist. Think of the generic conventions adhered to by the casting departments responsible for the extras on Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada, and you'll have your approximation of the worst of the fashion industry. Rows and rows of the perfectly coiffured and the nauseatingly vanilla, who accessorize their too-chic ensembles with tuts, eye-rolls, and a manifest lack of vision. In an industry such as this, with its high propensity to hire mean girls and publicly ring unfortunate outﬁts in bright red circles, to linger on fashion ‘don'ts’ would be way too easy. As a result, The Skinny Fashion section won't be telling you what not to wear, and the main reason for this is a philosophical one. As anyone who knows me will tell you, I like to band around a theory or two; and the theory underpinning this refusal to dwell on the ‘don't’ comes by way of the high sultan of trash cinema: the great John Waters. Perusing the frankly blah fashion landscape of this year's Oscars red carpet, Waters (with an eyeroll of his own, you can be sure) told industry magazine WWD,

"Stylists have ruined everything... Nobody wants to be Björk. I love Björk. We need Björk." Welcome, my friends, to the realm of The Björk Imperative. We do indeed need Björk to walk the red carpet engulfed in a fabric swan. We need Tilda Swinton to accept her Best Supporting Actress BAFTA in acres of restrictive chartreuse John Galliano duchess satin. We need them, because without them it's just layers and layers of nondescript Jessicas and Jennifers. Biel/Alba/Simpson and Aniston/ Garner/Love-Hewitt - and their overpaid, overworked stylists - work the assembly line, looking gorgeous but grey, and being lauded for it in the popular press. The Björk Imperative is so-called, because without the existence of the new, the experimental, and the extreme, the world is just one long colourless catwalk. It's not about advocating crazy fashion choices 24/7, nor is it about denying the existence of a bad outfit. It's more about delaying that critical red pen, and acknowledging those who fight for our style freedom. Chloë Sevigny wears ankle socks with heels so you don't have to - but if you so choose, it'll be AOK to do so out there on the streets, thanks to her selfless tour of duty. For all these reasons, in our monthly segment We Like Your Style, we will be devoting a little slice of our time to saluting those whose wardrobes make us think, smile, or doff our hats to their sartorial choices. It's not necessarily about the fabric they're draped in, nor the accessories they choose to sport. Rather, We Like Your Style will focus on the air, the vibe, and the cut of each fashion maverick's unconventional jib. If you were a band, you'd want to immerse yourself in as many different genres before fi nding your own way, so think of this simply as a resource for expanding your style influences. Nothing was ever accomplished in this world without someone taking a chance, so feel free to be brave, have fun, and thank Björk a little every day for choosing that swan.

ARE YOU A

HEATHER(ETTE)? New York fashion luminaries and purveyors of all things pink, Heatherette have shimmied their way into the cosmetics world with their limited edition range for MAC launching this month. Club-kidsturned designers Ritchie Rich and Traver Rains - the boys who put Carrie Bradshaw in her "Carrie" tee - have siphoned off a slice of the Heatherette spirit, and poured it into a collection that will do nothing if not make the rest of your warpaint look positively square. Expect bubblegum and fuchsia glosses, glitter-packed powders, and ﬂashy ﬁshnet lashes, all encased in shiny special edition hot, hot pink packaging. Good enough to eat - but try to restrain yourselves. AVAILABLE VIA WWW.MACCOSMETICS.CO.UK

E K I L WE YOUR E L Y T S

THIS MONTH:

LEILA MOSS FROM THE DUKE SPIRIT

SARTORIAL SALUTES IN THE GENERAL DIRECTION OF THE GREAT AND THE GOOD Fashion is a terrain awash with Moss overgrowth, but since Kate has become a little too ubiquitous, there’s more than enough room to cultivate a new species. Frontwoman of band-you-should-know-about The Duke Spirit, Leila Moss makes the list as both an antidote to the current conspicuous lack of legitimate female figureheaded rock & roll, and as a study in style swagger. Leila is tux jackets, skinny jeans and flat boots all the better for stomping in; rolled-up sleeves rather than bare flesh; and a relentless tambourine arm. Far from being blonde decoration, Leila is an exercise in kinetic stage power: with a pinch of Patti Smith’s potent androgyny, and mussedup tresses parked between Debbie Harry’s hue and Chrissie Hynde’s face-skimming layers. This look is cut-glass cheekbones, heavy-duty liner over lashes in bootstrap black, and a monochrome wardrobe all the way. We love Leila because she holds fi rm the line for girls in bands to look like girls in bands: not tankini-clad video girls, but just like boys in bands - only better. And for those of us with no discernible musical talent, girls like Leila Moss who push the throwback rockstar look offer at least the chance to clamber on the tour bus and play style groupies. Let us in, bouncer; we’re here for the muse. THE DUKE SPIRIT PLAY KING TUT’S, GLASGOW, 2 APR

WWW.THUNDERHEART.CO.UK

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

WWW.DUKESPIRIT.COM

FASHION

FASHION WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

TOTALLY

POSTAL

by Lindsay West

It's April, and with the weather unlikely to become consistently civilised any time soon, the smart way to shop is indoors and online. Although the majority of high street retailers now also boast e-shops, there's still a wealth of online-only fashion stores to be found by those with keen enough clicking ﬁngers. But in order to save you a Google search or two, The Skinny has compiled a guide to the very best the internet has to offer in terms of eclectic, fashion forward online shopping. Each store boasts standard postage under £4, and a cornucopia apiece of designer and designer diffusion ranges for the keen girl and boy fashionista. So stick on the kettle, ﬁre up your laptop, and then wait for the postman to bring all those lovely parcels.

THE FAST MOVER: ASOS.COM With a mind-boggling 200 new items launched every week, ASOS has the swiftest turnover of our pick of online retailers, complete with a frequently updated style news blog and trend reports. Offering the highest of high end designers in their Premium Brands section, from Balenciaga to Miu Miu, ASOS also stocks independent designers and its own, celebrity fashion-led label. If this weren't enough, many items are accompanied by a catwalk video, providing a look at each garment in motion. Honourable mention also goes to their inclusion of niche and hard-to-ﬁ nd north of Oxford St. brands: Opening Ceremony, McQ by Alexander McQueen, and L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani shoes are all on here. But our picks all come from ASOS' formidable own-brand collection. For girls, three pieces that can be jammed together to generate an outﬁt that channels early Sienna and dreams of the summer. And for the boys, a trompe l'oeil tee (that tie is screenprinted on, boys), a graphic print alternative, and a versatile duffel bag.

BOYS:

GIRLS: 3.

1. STRIPE RACER BACK WAISTCOAT, £25 2. PREMIUM SILK FULL SKIRTED HALTER DRESS, £50 3. LEATHER CUFF FLAT SANDALS, £35 (CAMEL COLOUR)

1. FINE STRIPE TIE PRINT SHIRT, £28 2. DESTRUCTION WEARS A BOWLER HAT T-SHIRT, £14 3. DIGI CAMO PRINT BAG, £18

THE DESIGNER STOCKPILE: OLI.CO.UK The newest kid on the mail order block, Oli launched itself fi rmly into the centre of the fashion radar from the get go in 2007 with an impressive commitment to designer diffusion. In addition to securing ranges by PPQ, J.J. Park, and Thomas Vicary amongst others, Oli also supports new designers with its On/Off Boutique collaboration with London Fashion Week. Giving young designers a chance to show alongside established names in London, the On/ Off Boutique on Oli’s website then showcases and sells their work. One to note is Scottish designer Aimee McWilliams, whose metallic dresses cost the same as a small family car, but will make all your latent glam-rock fantasies come true. Our slightly more affordable ladies’ choice from Oli is this sweet Maria Grachvogel drape top, mirrored court shoes by Ann-Sofie Back, and skinny jeans, which are still in - especially when they’re fi re-engine red and by PPQ. For boys, investment jeans aren’t just a female prerogative, as these killer ready-worn Replay numbers demonstrate. Pair with a classic Penguin polo shirt and this bargain Peter Werth watch.

GIRLS:

BOYS: 2.

2. 1.

1. OLI FUSION BY ANN-SOFIE BACK MIRROR COURT SHOES, £35 2. OLI FUSION BY MARIA GRACHVOGEL TOP, £35 (WHITE COLOUR) 3. PPQ SKINNY JEANS, £50 (RED COLOUR)

1. PETER WERTH WATCH, £35 2. PENGUIN PIQUE POLO, £49 3. REPLAY JEANS, £130

THE ETHICAL SHOWROOM: ADILI.COM Taking its name from the Swahili word for ‘ethical & just’, Adili is an online retailer with a serious conscience. Stocking only brands who pass muster against their criteria for ethical trading practices, Adili’s mission is to demonstrate that fair trade production and stylish design are not mutually exclusive. Their innovative logo system allows consumers to make a truly informed purchase, guided by the symbols denoting attributes such as the use of recycled ﬁbres, and traditional skills. Although the men’s range is admittedly more limited than the women’s, the range of fashion on show more generally is impressive and well-selected, including eco-friendly superstars Ciel, and Mrs Bono’s high-end brand, Edun. On the girls’ side, we love this button-back tee by Beaumont Organic, worn with this People Tree military jacket and a set of Kenya-produced brass bangles by Made. For the boys, some dark wash Ascension jeans, with a classic Frank & Faith v-neck, and a pair of whiter than white kicks to match your conscience. These trainers also hold an extra little treat, as Brazillian company Veja Grama engrave the quantity of natural rubber used on each shoe on the sole, making every shoe truly unique.

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

GIRLS:

BOYS:

1. 1. FARHANI BANGLES BY MADE, £12 2. MATTERHORN JACKET BY PEOPLE TREE, £75 3. ROLL SLEEVE T BY BEAUMONT ORGANIC, £48

1. GRAMA WHITE SHOES BY VEJA GRAMA, £79 2. ADAM V NECK BY FRANK & FAITH, £50

FASHION

PS...

by Lindsay West

JUST ONE MORE THING...

EXTRAVAGANT OPTICALS AT DOWNTO-EARTH PRICES, WITH A WEBSITE THAT TALKS BACK? WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF OSCAR & FITCH

Yes, we probably will break our necks. But believe me, those months in traction and that touch-and-go possibility of permanent paralysis will be more than worth it for the blissful hours spent working these babies. Not only are they the couleur du jour, aubergine, but they also bear more than a passing resemblance to a several hundred pounds more expensive pair of Christian Louboutins. So you see, not only will your feet look fantastic, but you're saving more than two hundred pounds. Effectively you made money. That you can now spend on something else. Brilliant.

It's about time eyewear went high concept. With countless celebrities regularly feigning myopia for fashion's sake, glasses are fast becoming legitimate accessories in their own right. Which is excellent news for the opticallychallenged amongst us, who need now only worry about bullies knocking off our specs in order to steal them and wear them themselves. Homegrown optical brand Oscar & Fitch is one such source of stylish eyewear, whose recently opened boutique on Edinburgh's Multrees Walk caters for those who care about what they park on their noses. As face furniture goes, this is fun, stylish, and affordable. IKEA, rather than staid, costly Chippendale. The Oscar & Fitch ethos is that glasses should be interchangeable accessories, not omnipresent investment pieces. And with all-in prices pitched significantly cheaper than the price of designer frames alone, it’s far more likely you'll be able to afford a multiple choice. Already stocked in outlets around the globe, the Multrees Walk store is the place to get the full O&F experience. Stylists will recommend frames based on face shape and colouring – whether you're planning to match your specs to your skin tone or your handbag. The range itself is replete with retro shapes and experimental colours, incorporting animal prints and geometric patterns for the truly brave.

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FASHION

SPECS APPEAL

BOOTS BY SCHUH: £64.99 WWW.SCHUHSTORE.CO.UK

JETHRO COLLINS

Most intriguing, though, is the website concept and ad campaign, which has already won two awards at the Drum's 2006 Scottish Advertising Awards. You see, Oscar & Fitch really exist. Well, in the form of a pair of spheres wearing a beret and a cowboy hat respectively, who make up for what they lack in doodled detail with deafening aural personalities. These savvy New Yorkers' voices follow you around the online store, passing judgements as you click, barking such insights as “I don't do understated, and neither should you,” and “Hell is ugly glasses”. You might want to imagine, as I do, Oscar as a suave Noel

Coward-alike in a smoking jacket, with Fitch his more camp, silk-shirted beau, following you around the store like personal shoppers guiding your trip. Or you might just want to buy some glasses. FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN THREE PAIRS OF OSCAR & FITCH GLASSES, TURN TO PAGE 69

OSCAR & FITCH UNIT 20, MULTREES WALK, EDINBURGH 0131 556 6461 WWW.OSCARANDFITCH.COM

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

EATING AND DRINKING What A Brew-ha-ha

TEA FOR YOU caN’T face washING ouT YouR TeapoT? HERE’S A COUPLE OF PLACES RUTH MARSH RECOMMENDS FOR A CUP OF CHAI...

by Debbie Martin

The fuNKIlY pacKaGed BRew ha ha RaNGe Is BesT DESCRIBED AS A 1950’S STEPFORD UTOPIAN AESTHETIC

TCHAI OVNA TEA HOUSE 169 DEANSTONE DRIVE, G41 3LP AND 42 OTAGO LANE, G11 9BP, 0141 357 4524

Joanne McLeod is embarrassed. I’ve been admiring local tea supplier Brew Ha Ha’s new office in Glasgow’s West End when she suddenly dashes to the kettle. "This is terrible, we’re sitting here talking about tea and I haven’t even offered you a cup!" After suitable teabag infusion time (just dunking it in water is a faux pas apparently), I’m enjoying a particularly smooth cuppa. How does one become a tea entrepreneur, I wonder? McLeod is eager to explain: "Four years ago I realised that tea was going to be the next big thing, plus it’s more interesting than selling light bulbs. I just went for it." Her prediction was accurate - tea culture is exploding, with Brew Ha Ha sales doubling last year. But what’s the secret of producing a good brew? "The leaves," she assures me. "Mine are sourced from Sri Lanka. My supplier thinks I'm nuts as he’s never seen tea packaged this way before, but he also sees that it’s been a success." Developed in her kitchen four years ago and now instantly recognisable, the funkily

packaged Brew Ha Ha range is best described as a 1950’s Stepford utopian aesthetic. In cottage-industry spirit it was designed by Joanne’s husband and inspired by his wife’s quirky style. It’s very popular with students, who hold Brew Ha Ha 'tea dances' across the country.

Perhaps the most boho casualty of the smoking ban, Tchai Ovna may no longer be able to offer its Hookahs, but it still has a damned fine selection of loose-leafed teas. Try ruby red Kenyan OP for a hearty caffeine kick with a warming aftertaste or Little Buddha, scented with papaya and red peppercorns, all served in eclectic mismatched pots and cups. Both locations host regular tea tasting events, plus storytelling and live folk, blues and jazz on a suggested donation basis.

"Not organised by myself," she stresses. "This is all happening spontaneously." A new tea culture, I wonder? "Or an old one. Tea is a British institution, we should be proud of that."

WWW.TCHAIOVNA.COM

PETER’S YARD

It makes sense. It’s a cliché in itself to say that coffee is a corporate cliché, but it happens to be true. As we dart shamefacedly between the plastic Seattle interiors of Starbucks and our toddler-invaded local Beanscene, we can only dream of a haven to read dog-eared Penguin novels in. Perhaps an independent café revival is the answer?

QUARTERMILE, 27 SIMPSON LOAN, EDINBURGH EH3 9GG, 0131 228 5876

This in mind, when I ask Joanne if she has any advice for newbie 'tea heads', she toasts me with her brightly coloured mug: "Simple. Have fun with tea, and have fun with tea culture. It’s time to make a fuss about cuppas again." TO ORDER VISIT WWW.BREWHAHALTD.COM

REVIEWS IRIS

JOHN LEWIS

The hand-picked range of black and green teas at this newly opened bakery cum café are the ideal way to wash down Scandinavian artisan breads like Swedish Rye and caraway-tinged Kavring. Their Morning Kick blend of Assam and Ceylon will start your day nicely whilst their Genmaicha is an intriguingly salty-sweet blend of green tea, roasted rice and popped corn, perfect for cleansing away the guilt of that second Valrhona chocolate muffin. You could have had the bran and lingonberry, but you weren’t going to have the bran and lingonberry… www.peTeRsYaRd.coM

THE LIQUID SHIP

47 A THISTLE STREET, EDINBURGH, 0131 220 2111

THE LIQUID SHIP, 171 GREAT WESTERN ROAD, 0141 331 1901

The sTYlIsh INTeRIoR, fRIeNdlY sTaff aNd FLAVOURSOME CUISINE MAKE IRIS A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE EDINBURGH RESTAURANT SCENE

THE FOOD IS TOP CLASS DRINKING FODDER The Liquid Ship is a welcome retreat from the wild stormy night. The small bar has an inviting, informal atmosphere. There are a couple of sofas at the back for the smoochers but otherwise, the seating is geared towards eating, and is relaxed if not very comfy.

The food is top class drinking fodder. There’s a variety of filling sandwiches that are perfect with a pint although the ‘Squidgy Veggie’ one appealed to me in name only. A range of daily specials add to the varied menu, with comfort food such as venison stew or stuffed roast pumpkin to warm you through. A range of tapas can be nibbled on in whatever volume depending on your time and appetite.

EILIDH BAXTER

Nestled in the heart of affluent edinburgh in the relative silence of Thistle Street, Iris is a restaurant that feels instantly intimate upon entry; further inside, banquet style table plans and warm contemporary interior design add to this inviting ambience.

My companion’s lamb with herb crust and celeriac and harissa mash is also enjoyable: the curious use of North African harissa seasoning added a welcome hint of spice, though the dish itself ultimately lacked aesthetic appeal present throughout the previous courses.

The menu instantly sets the tone of the establishment, with beautiful sounding, yet expensively priced dishes. Iris provides a mouth-watering selection, but my decision to sample the starter of fresh king prawns was not one to regret. Subtly infused with chilli and garlic heat, they are equally as delicious as my companion’s choice of tender scallops, perfectly complimented by cured iberico ham.

To end the meal I decided upon the tarte tatin, which was pleasant though slightly uninspiring; while my friend selected the mandarin chocolate cake: the delicate citrus flavour brought life to the rich sponge, and proved to be a superior choice of dessert.

To follow, I select roast duck breast with fresh raspberries: the choice of fruit is unusual enough to warrant curiosity and balances well with the duck, and a side order of sautéed potatoes creates a sufficient portion size.

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

Many of Iris’ dishes are arguably a little overpriced but nonetheless the stylish interior, friendly staff and flavoursome cuisine make Iris a welcome addition to the Edinburgh restaurant scene. [Rosie Hedger]

I enjoyed the lamb koftas. The meaty patties were moist and spicy, accompanied by warm pitta, tzatziki, hummus and salad. My friend’s mammoth sandwich tastily combined juicy Italian sausages with melted cheese, caramelised onions and chunky home-made potato salad. It is a mystery to me how they do it - the food comes from a small corner behind the bar. I have no idea how they produce this range of menu, all tasting so fresh, with no microwaved hard sausage ends or re-heated mushes to be seen and not a ‘ping’ to be heard. I am suitably impressed.

With food served until 10pm, any gastric gap can be filled here. If you’re not eating, pop in for a drink. Providing an ample range of good wine and beers, served by friendly and efficient staff, it’s a great place to unwind. [Susan Maguire]

MEAL FOR TWO WITH WINE £65 WWW.IRISEDINBURGH.CO.UK

WWW.STRAVAIGIN.COM/LIQUID.HTM

EATING AND DRINKING

THE VARIETY BAR, GLASGOW CALLUM DE CAESTECKER

INSIDE: If the Variety Bar were a person it might just be David Bowie. It’s been around for bloody ages, yet still manages to stay cool and appeal to those both young and old. Furnished in art deco style, it’s small in a cosy way but big on ambience. CLIENTELE: There’s a reason it’s called Variety, you know. Here you’ll ﬁnd a clientele more eclectic than Eddie Izzard’s wardrobe. During the time The Skinny spent in Variety we noticed an elderly couple clothed in traditional ﬁshing garb in one corner (seriously, Wellingtons and everything) while a group of long-haired indie types occupied another. They may or may not have been making eyes at each other. MAGIC MOMENT: After a run of pints, starting to sing along to Hot Chip at the top of your voice, and realising the whole bar is joining in with you. ATMOSPHERE: You’ll tell yourself you’re only dropping in for a couple of drinks before hitting a club, but the Friday and Saturday night DJs will soon make you see sense. Why bother going anywhere else when you’ve got Variety? THE VARIETY BAR,401 SAUCHIEHALL STREET,GLASGOW, 0141 332 4449

EATING AND DRINKING

BAR REVIEWS

SPONSORED BY:

WIN A BOTTLE OF ® BULLEIT BOURBON

Premium Whiskey brand BULLEIT BOURBON® is bringing a series of live music events to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

THE WORLD, EDINBURGH

DYLAN REID

INSIDE: Lots of polished wood over two levels: fairly salubrious, but a little lacking in instantly deﬁnable character (though there are some interesting pics on the walls). CLIENTELE: In Steven Sproule The World boasts Edinburgh’s best landlord – a giant of a man with a personality to match. When you’re in The World it feels like everyone else is a friend of his. This is because most of them are. But stay for a second pint, and you’ll be engaged in conversation by anyone and everyone, and as good as a friend. It can often be difﬁcult to tell who’s working the bar or collecting glasses, ‘cause everyone just mucks in. MAGIC MOMENT: Members of some of the city’s best bands performing cheesy karaoke numbers. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly good to aim for. ATMOSPHERE: Friendly, warm, not too serious. Did we mention friendly? THE WORLD,55 THISTLE STREET,EDINBURGH,0131 225 3275

The ﬁrst Bulleit Sessions event, featuring performances from cutting-edge band The Aliens, home-grown favourites FOUND, and Guitar Shorty, will take place on 10th April 2008, at Glasgow gig venue Maggie Mays. See the preview in Sounds. Whilst enjoying the night at Maggie Mays, guests will have the chance to sample a glass of smoky-smooth Bulleit Bourbon served over ice, with cola or ginger ale. Inspired by Augustus Bulleit’s pioneering recipe from the 1830s, Bulleit is a true blend of taste, quality and heritage. For a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to the Bulleit Sessions at Maggie Mays on the 10th April, just answer the simple question below.

Which City plays host to the launch of the Bulleit Sessions on the 10th April? Send your answers to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by Apr 8 2008 for your chance to win! You must be over 18 to enter. Regular Skinny T&Cs apply, available on request from skinny@skinnymag.co.uk. The BULLEIT BOURBON word and associated logos are trade marks of Bulleit Distilling Company. © Bulleit Distilling Company 2008

DEREK MARK CHAPMAN

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

FILM EDITORIAL

Have you seen the Indiana Jones trailer yet? If the silhouette of a man putting on a hat can cause unseemly anticipatory trembling, who knows what will happen when the film itself arrives. As a warm up for that, nostalgia is in full flow already this month with the release of the delightful Son of Rambow. It might be the best film of the year so far and its director Garth Jennings is a truly lovely man, so go see it. It’s just part of a really strong line up that will fully wash away the nasty taste of the March leftovers, with the hilarious In Bruges and the brutal Funny Games U.S. also not to be missed. And if you’ve managed to recover yet from The Orphanage, those devilish Spaniards strike again with [Rec], the horror of the millennium. Trust me, The Orphanage is about as scary as The Sound of Music next to it. See it before the Hollywood remake which, by the way, will be out in October. Until next month, and the return of that man in the hat. ‘Mon the 80s.

Blood Brothers

LAURA SMITH TALKS TO GARTH JENNINGS, DIRECTOR OF THE WONDERFUL SON OF RAMBOW, ABOUT HIS NEW FILM AND ALL THINGS 1980S

Have fun and see you in May.

SE A E L E R ULE D E H C S APRIL Paul.

4TH

AWAKE (15) FUNNY GAMES (18) HOW SHE MOVE (12A) I’M A CYBORG (15) MY BROTHER IS AN ONLY CHILD (15) NEVER BACK DOWN (15) ONE MISSED CALL (15) SON OF RAMBOW (12A)

11TH

21 (12A) THE 39 STEPS (U) THE BANQUET (15) THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK (TBC) UNE VIELLE MAITRESSE (15) LEATHERHEADS (PG) LONESOME JIM (15) SHINE A LIGHT (12A) STRANGE WILDERNESS (15) [REC] (18)

TH 18

BOTCHED (TBC) FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL (15) FOOL’S GOLD (12A) HAPPY-GO-LUCKY (15) HOPE (TBC) IN BRUGES (18) PRIVATE PROPERTY (TBC) PROTEGE (18) THE RUINS (TBC) STREET KINGS (TBC)

25TH

DEATH NOTE (12A) DECEPTION (TBC) THE EYE (15) FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL (15) THE OXFORD MURDERS (15) PERSEPOLIS (12A) STOP-LOSS (TBC) THREE AND OUT (TBC) HAPPY-GO-LUCKY (15) HOPE (TBC) IN BRUGES (18) PRIVATE PROPERTY (TBC) PROTEGE (18) THE RUINS (TBC) STREET KINGS (TBC)

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

There are some phrases that augur certain doom for this film critic, pathological misanthrope that I am: ‘heart-warming’, ‘coming-of-age’, and that hardy perennial, ‘Sundance favourite’ are right up there, generally accompanied by organ music, lightning flashes and the howling of imaginary wolves. Son of Rambow, the story of two schoolboys who watch a bootlegged copy of First Blood and attempt to make their own lo-fi, zerobudget sequel, is all of these things and then some, and yet it manages, through its giddy, bracingly heartfelt exuberance, to completely charm the idiomatic socks off me. The NHS should really bottle it as a prescription cure for cynicism. It’s the second feature from writer/director Garth Jennings (of music video super-trio Hammer and Tongs), after his underrated big screen version of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and was the film he always planned to make first, before those pesky Hollywood types started waving large cheques in his direction. “I’d never intended to do any big films, I didn’t think it would be much fun, but making Hitchhiker’s was brilliant,” Jennings beams, all charmingly boyish enthusiasm. “And when I got to the end of that I just went back to Son of Rambow and spent about another two years trying to find people to give us the money for it.” The genuine, unaffected and rather gleeful sense of the sheer fun of making movies is an enormous part of the appeal of Rambow, whose two young protagonists embark upon their directorial debut with staggering imaginative zeal. Jennings is like an overgrown but not quite grown-up version of these two, only with

a great cast, an 80s mix-tape and a few million pounds to play with. So, is the film based on the early endeavours of Little Garth Jennings? “Well, when I was about eleven I’d just seen First Blood with some friends,” Jennings explains. “We all used to just goof around in the woods all the time, and then we saw this film where this guy, you know, he’s sewing up his own arm and jumping off cliff faces! We just thought it was incredible and we started making our own little home movie versions, as a whole generation of kids did – of Rambo or Raiders of the Lost Ark or whatever, and I’ve pretty much been doing exactly the same thing ever since!” The DIY spirit and unabashed cinephilia of Jennings’ film echoes that of Michel Gondry’s recent Be Kind Rewind, which also had an 80s feel with its riffs on Ghostbusters, Robocop etc, and its central ode to the joys of videotape. But while all the whimsical bonhomie of Gondry’s film left me feeling somewhat suicidally inadequate for not being part of a community that pulls together and sings tra la la in the face of misfortunes and evil Sigourney Weavers, Rambow completely won me over with its wit and inventiveness. Brilliantly executed slapstick, plenty of visual gags and hilariously risky stunts keep things sunnily jovial throughout. Jennings has a wonderful sense of the power of nostalgia; his is very much a heightened, comically exaggerated, child’s-eye-view of life in Thatcherite suburbia. “It felt like it should be more how you remember things rather than how they were,” the director says, “and I have a kind of rose-tinted-spectacles view of that time. Of course it’s very seductive to go back into one’s

childhood and dig out your BMX and your bits and pieces, but it just felt natural to do it in that way.” The young leads are really terrific: fresh and believable, and clearly having a ball. They’re an Oliver/Artful Dodger-style duo, with the guileless Bill Milner affectingly serious as sheltered innocent Will, and Will Poulter bringing real emotional range to wide-boy troublemaker Lee. Their casting was key, as Jennings affirms: “It took ages, about five months, we were going round regular schools, rather than theatre schools and really, I don’t think I would be sitting here today if I hadn’t found them. Even with funding and what have you, the two of them just made the film what it is.” And what is it? An ‘I heart the 80s’ nostalgia trip? A love letter to the experience of watching and making movies? A tribute to Sly Stallone, king of unlikely comebacks (after Lazarus, Noel Edmonds and high-waisted jeans)? Well, all of the above, but it’s also a very personal story and a very universal one - about being a kid and imagining for yourself a better world than the one you’re in, about dreams and friendship and spacedust. “Around seven years ago I found the tapes my friends and I made and started watching them again,” recalls Jennings. “ And they are ghastly, but also kind of lovely, how they remind of the way you just didn’t worry about how ridiculous your ideas were, just wonderfully, stupidly ambitious, and what odd little characters we all were.” DIR: GARTH JENNINGS STARS: BILL MILNER. WILL POULTER, JESSICA STEVENSON RELEASE DATE: 4 APR

FILM

Belgian Waffle

The feature debut from Oscar winning director Martin McDonagh, In Bruges is a bitingly funny, no-holds-barred black farce that lands somewhere between Grosse Pointe Blank and Father Ted. Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as hitmen sent to the medieval Belgian town of Bruges in the aftermath of a disastrous contract, it manages the supreme feat of combining rollicking comedy with nail-biting action set pieces, all wrapped round a moving character study. In the bowels of a Soho hotel, McDonagh and Farrell have gathered to share their thoughts on the film with an expectant, fully-lunched media. Farrell, bronzed of face and flowing of mane, and looking like he’s just stepped off the set of Miami Vice, was immediately drawn to the project for a very simple reason: “It’s the best script I’ve ever read,” says the Irishman. “Opening it up and getting drawn into that world was an incredibly unique experience. There’s a way about the characters, the way they communicate with each other, their observations on the world, their levels of honesty, and a human aspect that seemed to be at odds with what they do for a living.” For London born McDonagh, who won an Academy Award for his 2004 short film Shooter, the city was key to the film’s existence. “Bruges is such an integral character in the piece that if we hadn’t been allowed to film there I’d have scrapped the whole thing,” the director says. “I wouldn’t have moved it to Paris or Venice or Prague because it had to be somewhere strikingly beautiful, a fairytalelike place, but somewhere that most people didn’t know an awful lot about. I was so surprised it hadn’t been used on film before because it’s distinctive and iconic and strange.” Nonetheless, there was still some concern that the good people of Bruges might take umbrage at the way it’s treated by the characters,

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FILM

In Bruges:

by Paul Greenwood

particularly Farrell’s inexperienced Ray, who takes the view, “If I’d grown up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me, but I didn’t, so it doesn’t,” with McDonagh slightly worried that what Ray says would be construed as the film’s sensibility. Farrell is also quick to play down Ray’s sentiments. “It’s certainly not a shit-hole,” he says. “It’s an incredibly beautiful city but I did enjoy slagging it a bit every day. But that’s part of the beauty of the film, to have so much going on but not have one particular sensibility reign throughout the whole piece, for it to be a mix of so many different worlds and so many different emotions, was just an absolute pleasure.” A resolutely un-PC experience, McDonagh and Farrell were never worried that the violence and language of the film would reflect on them personally. “It’s about creating a character and letting them speak,” says McDonagh. “I’d never try to go down the route of censoring the characters or the dialogue, but that doesn’t mean I share any of their sensibilities - the racist stuff, the homophobic stuff, the antimidget stuff.” Farrell is similarly unequivocal about the content. “In my own life I’d never use some of the words that Ray uses in the film because they’re denigrating and incredibly harmful, but this is about a bunch of characters that Martin created. It’s telling a story and presenting their view of the world. The work could be misconstrued as being un-PC and violent, but Martin’s use of language is second to none and it’s really a very compassionate piece about redemption and self forgiveness, regardless of how horrendous the beginning of that journey may have been.” DIR: MARTIN MCDONAGH STARS: COLIN FARRELL, BRENDAN GLEESON, RALPH FIENNES RELEASE DATE: 18 APR CERT: 18

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

REVIEWS FILM OF THE MONTH:

IN BRUGES rrrr

DIR: MARTIN MCDONAGH STARS: COLIN FARRELL, BRENDAN GLEESON, RALPH FIENNES RELEASE DATE: 18 APR CERT: 18

Wise-cracking, hyper-verbose criminals? Amped-up, gleefully bloody violence? I know what you’re thinking – how very 1992. But let’s try and forget the yammering talk-talk-bang-bang of Mr Tarantino for a moment. In Bruges really doesn’t care that the offbeat crime caper thing has been done before; it’s too busy careering hell-for-leather across the screen in a shaggy, volatile, pound-together pulp of a film, barely pausing for breath between scabrous tough-guy zingers. The feature debut of playwright Martin McDonagh, there’s clearly a dramatist’s ear for dialogue in the verbal acrobatics

of the two sparring protagonists – hitmen on the lam, hiding out in picture-perfect, canal-veined Bruges, awaiting instructions after a job goes very wrong. It’s a kind of zany Waiting for Godot with guns, hookers and a racist dwarf strung out on horse tranquilizer. Not sold? Farrell is unexpectedly brilliant: all overcaffeinated twitches and frazzled nerves, turning in the second funniest performance of his career (after Oliver Stone’s Alexander, quite possibly the single most idiotic cultural artefact mankind has yet produced). Bluff, ursine Gleeson adds a gentle gravitas to McDonagh’s relentlessly obsidian humour, while Clemence Poesy drifts past the camera in dreamy slow-motion and gets drafted in for the requisite Hot Girl sub-plot. Absurdist escapades and cheerful invective fill things out nicely, and then – just when you’d got comfortable with the bickering, shambling momentum – an oily, cockney Ralph Fiennes arrives, blitzing his way through the third act with a gloriously unhinged turn as the crims’ boss. The climactic carnage of the finale sucks the whole thing into a great vortex of sheer, joyous lunacy, with ricocheting one-liners, bloody slapstick and real pathos, in between all the running and swearing and shooting. Go forth and multiplex. [Laura Smith]

HOW SHE MOVE rr DIR: IAN IQBAL RASHID S TA R S : R U T I N A W E S L E Y, ARMSTRONG, DWAYNE MURPHY

TRE

RELEASE DATE: 4 APR CERT: 12A

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

PERSEPOLIS rrrr DIR: VINCENT PARRONAUD, MARJANE SATRAPI S TA R S : C H I A R A M A S T O R I A N N I , CAT H ER I N E D EN EU V E , DA N I EL L E DARRIEUX RELEASE DATE: 25 APR CERT: 12

Persepolis is a black-and-white French animation, set over the last 30 years of Iranian history. Stay where you are though, because it’s one of the more engaging films you’re likely to see this year. Based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical comics, it tells, through flashbacks, the story of a girl coming-of-age in the midst of huge political change in Iran. The complex situation is explained in a way best described as ‘historical shadow theatre’, with events told simply, refreshingly free of the wild bias that can blight films involving dodgy figures from the past. The animation hits you like some hybrid of Sin City and Tintin, the monochrome broken only by the occasional glimpses of the presentday Marjane. But it never lets its aesthetic get in the way of the story, and there’s genuine warmth to the relationships between Marjane and her family. There’s also humour aplenty, and Persepolis is packed with neat 80s pop culture references (including the hilarious sight of Islamic fundamentalists decrying a young Michael Jackson as ‘a bad

influence’). Funny, engaging and engrossing, Persepolis will have you hooked from the first black-andwhite frame. If you can get past the intimidating concept, there’s a great film to be found. [Peter Simpson] WWW.SONYCLASSICS.COM/PERSEPOLIS

SON OF RAMBOW rrrrr

ending of such unforced joy that John Rambo himself might need to dab his eyes with his bandana. [Paul Greenwood]

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ rrrr DIR: CRISTIAN NEMESCU STARS: ARMAND ASSANTE, JAMIE ELMAN, RAZVAN VASILESCU

DIR: GARTH JENNINGS

RELEASE DATE: 11 APR

STARS: BILL MILNER. WILL POULTER, JESSICA STEVENSON

CERT: TBC

RELEASE DATE: 4 APR CERT: 12A

Has there ever been a movie decade like the 80s for inspiring galloping nostalgia in those who remember it? Making you want to run home and watch The Goonies, Son of Rambow uses its story of two lads filming their own lo-fi version of First Blood as a cover for a touching examination of childhood bonds and family upheaval, as timid Will (Milner) forms an unlikely friendship with tearaway Lee (Poulter), each clinging to the other for support. Combining hilarious slapstick with sparkling lines (look out for “skills on toast” as the new catchphrasedu-jour), it barely puts a foot wrong. But its true delights come in the wonderfully natural performances of the two young leads and their thoroughly believable relationship, Poulter in particular looking like a real find. And, reassuringly, writer/ director Jennings doesn’t let the misty glow of ‘I Love 1982’ overpower the story, all the way to an

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

B a s e d o n a t r u e s to r y, t h i s Romanian movie is set in the remote and depressing village of Capalnita. A train of American soldiers travelling with NATO equipment to the war in Kosovo is quite literally stopped in its tracks by the village station master, Doiaru (Vasilescu). Led by Assante’s captain, the soldiers are refused passage as they don’t have the documentation papers Doiaru wants; despite being corrupt and involved in stealing goods from trains he cannot be bribed on this one, leaving the American troops held up in the village for five intense and amusing days. What ensues for the soldiers would be akin to spending a week with Borat’s Romanian cousins. It will make you laugh but that will soon subside as you feel the empty meaning of American promises. Winner of the prestigious Cannes award, Un Certain Regard, in 2007, this movie, which tragically saw the death of Nemescu during post-production, is a must see. [Iain Robertson] WWW.CALIFORNIADREAMINNESFARSIT.RO

Dancing on to the big screen is a movie about the latest dance craze, ‘stepping’. A familiar underdog story told through the world of dance, Raya (Wesley) leaves the ‘hood to better herself and go to university. Tragically - and conveniently for plot purposes - her sister dies of an overdose, so Raya is forced to return home to her bickering parents and crime-filled neighbourhood. Spying a way out, she joins the local ‘step’ group and they begin to battle their way to the national finals, which has a top prize of $50k. When the big competition does come around the dance moves and choreography are good, but even the world of stepping could perhaps have carried a much more fulfilling story and fewer clichéd characters. Rashid directs in an amateurish urban guerilla style which doesn’t suit the material, resulting in an awkwardly made movie which is as enjoyable as your first slow dance. [Kevin McHugh]

MY BROTHER IS AN ONLY CHILD rrr DIR: DANIELE LUCHETTI STARS: ELIO GERMANO, RICCARDO SCAMARCIO, ANGELA FINOCCHIARO RELEASE DATE: 4 APR CERT: 12A

Daniele Luchetti’s breezy family melodrama plays out amidst the tumultuous political landscape of 1960s and 70s Italy, charting the coming-of-age of wiry, hotheaded seminary dropout Accio as he rebels against his left-leaning working-class family by falling in with the the local blackshirts. His older brother Manrico (smouldering Italian heartthrob Riccardo Scamarcio), a charismatic, communist firebrand, is too busy tubthumping at the local factory and getting his jollies with doe-eyed girlfriend Francesca to engage with his awkward, insecure sibling. Elio Germano gives a fantastically raw, twitchy performance as the impulsive, enormously likeable Accio who falls, inevitably, for the energetically liberal Francesca and drifts uneasily between political

polarities, following his brother’s earnest fanaticism from a wary distance. While Luchetti obviously isn’t going for searing political commentary here, a little more incisiveness would have added some welcome authenticity. As is stands, for the uninformed there’s little insight into a turbulent time in Italy’s histor y, beyond a vague sense of being feebly poked with misspelled placards reading ‘fashists – boo!’ and ‘comyoonists – yay!… no, actually, boo!’ But sketchiness aside, the film’s warmth of tone and easy wit, together with lots of gorgeously jaunty 60s Italian pop, make for an enjoyably light, charmingly playful pleasure. [Laura Smith]

UNE VIEILLE MAÎTRESSE rrr DIR: CATHERINE BREILLAT STARS: ASIA ARGENTO, FU’AD AIT AATTOU, ROXANE MESQUIDA RELEASE DATE: 25 APR CERT: 15

Libertine Ryno de Marigny (Aattou) must ex tricate himself from a ten-year affair before marr ying Hermanegarde (Mesquida), a young flower of nineteenth century French aristocracy. However, he is determinedly drawn to his lover, Vellini (Argento), unable to pull himself back from self-destruction. From the moment she appears on screen, as a lounging odalisque, Vellini is the perfect temptress. Ryno and Vellini cling to each other in furious and increasingly debasing sexual encounters, which Ryno describes as a kind of ‘barbarous rape’. Every scene is intense and highly charged with the characters’ self-loathing, but they seem strangely soulless and the story moves slowly, diminishing the film’s overall intensity. The sets and costumes are

sumptuous, the actors impossibly beautiful, but there is no trace of nostalgia for a bygone age: the effect is pure claustrophobia. Breillat brings together all the necessary ingredients for a feast of French period drama: sex, death, adultery, violence and revenge; yet despite so much fine eye candy, the result is ultimately unsatisfying. [Caroline Scott-Thomas]

[REC] rrrrr DIR: JAUME BALAGUERÓ, PACO PLAZA S TA R S: JAV I E R B OT E T, M A N U E L BRONCHUD, FERRAN TERRAZA RELEASE DATE: 11 APR CERT: 18

Following on from the disappointing Cloverfield and the even worse Diary of the Dead comes the third in a recent rash of urban DIY horrors. Thankfully, the Spanish know how to make ‘em far better than the Americans, and [Rec] is a masterpiece. Taking place over the course of several harrowing hours, it follows a bubbly TV presenter and her cameraman as they shadow a Madrid fire crew on their night shift, where a routine call-out to an apartment building turns into an unexplained, unstoppable zombie outbreak, the gimmick being that everything is seen from the TV camera’s POV. As an exercise in sustained horror, [Rec] has rarely been bettered. At the risk of surrendering to hyperbole, it truly is one of the scariest films ever made - actual cower in your seat, hide your eyes and hope-the-monsterdoesn’t-get-you terror. But it’s the variety of scares that impresses most, from slow creeping dread to jump-shocks that you absolutely will not see coming. Astonishing. [Paul Greenwood] WWW.3L-FILMVERLEIH.DE/REC/REC_1.HTML

[REC]

FILM

FILM/DVD

DVD REVIEWS HALLOWEEN r DIR: ROB ZOMBIE STARS: MALCOLM MCDOWELL, TYLER MANE, BRAD DOURIF RELEASE DATE: 28 APR CERT: 18

Cinema’s most famous bogeyman is back to seek revenge in this 2007 remake. Michae l Mye r s kills his sister, is institutionalised, then escapes and returns home on Halloween to kill his younger sister, who escaped his knife first time round. Hot on his tail is the doctor who treated him, played by McDowell. Director Zo m b i e ( T h e D evi l’s R e j e ct s) spends half the film showing how Myers became the man behind the mask with the rest spent devoted to the slaughtering of teenagers we couldn’t care less about. Suspense, tension and terror are all missing, in their place just a nasty trail of blood and guts. John Carpenter’s original had you on the edge of your seat, with plenty of tension and very little gore. Zombie instead bores his audience to sleep and then tries to shock them awake. All blood and no scares make Mike a dull boy. [Kevin McHugh]

SEACHD: THE INACCESSBILE PINNACLE rrr

EARTH rrr DIR: ALASTAIR FOTHERGILL, MARK LINFIELD

DIR: SIMON MILLER

STARS: PATRICK STEWART

S TA R S: PA D R U I G M O I R E A S DA N , AONGHAS PADRUIG CAIMBEUL, COLL DOMHNALLACH

OUT NOW

OUT NOW CERT: PG

The first Gaelic language film to secure a mainstream cinema release, Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle is an ambitious piece of work shot entirely on location in Skye. Told in flashback, it recounts the story of 7 year-old Angus who is brought up by his grandparents after the death of his mother and father in a mountaineering accident. During his childhood, Angus struggles to come to terms with the loss of his family and resists his grandfather’s attempts to keep Gaelic traditions alive by recounting colour ful Scottish folklore. The methodical pace of the childhood stor y contrasts well with the zippy nature of the traditional tales which are wry and touching in equal measure. Built around a terrific performance from Padraig Moireasdan as Angus, the film is beautifully shot and wonderfully atmospheric, but let down by a confusing ending which is just too symbolic for its own good. [Christopher Mackie]

CERT: PG

I f t h e r e’s o n e sure sign of a production’s visual quality, it’s the phrase ‘BBC Natural Histor y Unit’. The kings of the nature documentary, they go wherever they have to and wait as long as it takes to get shots of animals frolicking about. Earth is the unit’s second foray into feature-length documentaries, and the companion piece to David Attenborough’s Planet Earth. As expected, the cinematography is stunning. Shot entirely in hidefinition, even on a standard TV everything looks crisp and sharp. The DVD features a making-of doc showing the lengths the film crew will go to and it pays off in Earth. There are genuinely awe-inspiring moments throughout, ranging from the cute sight of two polar bears hopping across sheets of ice, to the harrowing vision of an elephant being attacked by a pack of lions, via some hilarious footage of tropical birds performing mating

dances. The animals are the stars of the show, and it’s a role they play well. The problems start when the humans get involved. Earth has the ambitious goal of depicting a year on the planet in 90 minutes. To do this it focuses on the more popular members of the Animal Kingdom – your polar bears, elephants, birds with mad feathers and so on, meaning you don’t really get a great deal of new information. The film wanders away from its narrative on a number of occasions, and there isn’t really enough room to develop any great understanding of the animals. There are also lots of breathtaking, but time-consuming, establishing shots that there really isn’t the time for in such a short film. And while Patrick Stewart’s narration is decent, it lacks the sense of authorit y that David Attenborough brings to the table. [Peter Simpson]

REGGAE UNCENSORED rr DIR: N/A STARS: SEAN PAUL, JUNIOR REID, DAMIAN MARLEY OUT NOW CERT: N/A

How does Bob Marley like his doughnuts? Wi’ Jammin’. Everyone gets the joke, because everyone knows the iconic figure of reggae

ON THE SET OF EARTH

and his music. But beyond Marley, just how much do you know about reggae music and its culture? If you want to know more, you might think this is the film for you. The documentary promises to “give you an inside look into what’s really going on in the world of reggae music & its culture.” Some big names, including Sean Paul and Damian Marley – Bob Marley’s son – feature in the film, but it’s let down by the

fact we get so little time with each: in 90 minutes, we get no fewer than 16 different artists. Each is shown backstage or en route to a gig—doing something or saying something controversial or risqué if possible— followed by short clips of a live set. It’s entertaining enough if you’re into reggae, but too convoluted and disjointed to provide anything more than a superficial look at reggae culture. [John Fitzgerald]

WIN TICKETS TO MIRRORBALL OPENING PARTY The Edinburgh International Film Festival (18-29 June) has teamed up with The Skinny to offer one lucky reader and their guest a ticket to the Mirrorball opening party on Saturday 21 June 2008. The winner and their guest will also receive a much-coveted Mirrorball t-shirt. The Mirrorball is a world-renowned section of our programme and a leader in its ﬁeld, presenting jaw-dropping music videos, ads and promos from every corner of the globe. Last year’s ﬁlm Planet B-Boy directed by Benson Lee is a shining example of the Mirrorball programme with its absorbing look at the international phenomena of hip-hop breakdancing. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question:

Who directed last year’s ﬁlm Planet B-Boy? For more competitions and updates register as a free EIFF web member at www.edﬁlmfest.org.uk/register To enter email your answers to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by 30 April 2008 Regular Skinny T&Cs apply, available on request. Competition is open to over 18s only.

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

GAMES Preview:

Grand Theft Auto IV by Josh Wilson

GONE ARE THE OMNISCIENT HELL DESCENDING BASTARDS OF YESTERYEAR. NOW ALL POLICE ARE THOROUGHLY TRAINED IN REALITY Six games, ten years, 66 million copies and countless headlines – it is fair to say Grand Theft Auto has been successful. Its unique and original sandbox gameplay and trademark sense of humour have influenced many other games. And now, four years since the epic San Andreas, Edinburgh-based Rockstar North are gearing up for what they hope will be the media event of 2008: the release of the seventh game, Grand Theft Auto IV.

just like real life.

It is pitched to be as much of an evolution of the series as GTA III was in gaining its extra dimension. Many things have changed and been tweaked here to give a different experience. Coming full circle, in a fashion many a crushed krishna could appreciate, the game takes place in a re-born Liberty City. It’s a much more lifelike city than GTA III: photorealistic landmarks abound and a populous exist, apparently with more to do than wait to meet your bumper.

Aside from the sort of emotional maturation normally associated with the development of ‘hair’, Rockstar have been busy tweaking away at all the complaints about previous games and updating to suit this latest incarnation. One important refinement to the game system is that of the police. Gone are the omniscient hell - descending bastards of yesteryear. Now all police are thoroughly trained in reality and as such, will only react to and pursue crimes committed within their eyesight. Whilst the more heinous crimes will result in a more detailed check of the locality, leaving the vicinity without being spotted now will result in the removal of any ‘Wanted’ level by the coppers. Again, just like real life.

Aside from the obvious (and obligatory) visual boost the game has been given, the major innovation is that of ‘Euphoria’: an AI system which sees all animations in game being generated as-you-go, essentially meaning all animations are unique and dependent on the scenario. So, anyone you choose to shoot will react in a more realistic manner, supposedly so realistically that you will actually start to regret instigation of the random abuse of strangers. Er,

Another change is the increased focus on the story. While in the past it has always been pretty excellently acted (Samuel L Jackson and Chris Penn as corrupt cops in San Andreas were brilliant) but more about linking together a series of unlikely missions, GTA IV is much more focused on the story of our protagonist: one Niko Bellic.

The bane of anyone’s survival instinct in previous titles was always the targeting system. Thankfully however this has now clearly paid attention to the Gears of War school of control. GTA now also sports a one button cover system

and a new improved just-flick-the-right-stick targeting system to provide a much more fluid shooting experience. Which is nice. As you will likely be doing a lot of this. Other smaller changes include the removal of RPG elements from the game. Essentially what this means is that you can now eat whatever you want without getting a bloated captain Niko. You can, however, compensate for this loss by drinking. The only danger here being that your stick gets wobbly. Driving has been improved with the inclusion of a GPS-style map navigation. Mission repeats can now be done instantly via your phone, and you can even scoot around town in a taxi if you don’t fancy the wander.

As well as single player, IV is to offer an unprecedented level of online play: with up to 16 folk rampaging around the city in a variety of game modes. It is unknown yet how the majority of this will play out, but most people’s money will be on the hectic awesome side of chilled. Rockstar North do have a lot to live up to with the GTA series being so popular, but if the pat tells us anything (it does, just ask historians) then they can do it. Probably in a way which will blow all expectations out of the water. The excellent news is that there isn’t that long to wait to find out. Grand Theft Auto IV comes out on 29 April. RELEASED FOR XBOX 360/PS3 ON 29 APR, RRP £49.99 WWW.ROCKSTARGAMES.COM/GTAIV

REVIEWS ARMY OF TWO (EA)

rrr Friendship is important, whether it's lending your mate a fiver so he can come on the lash with you or dragging him bleeding from a hail of hot lead. Ok so you're average mate may never need that sort of assistance but it's the element of team work that sets this game apart from other 3rd-person shooters. Badass rangers Salem and Rios make up a covert special ops team, specialising in team combat and tactics. No one knows of their existence and they tread places the army fear. Using a neat cover system similar to Gears of War you have to battle the Taliban and other bad guys across a range of graphically impressive terrains. It is easy to find yourself pinned down by enemy turrets and the like, and a handy 'aggro' system caters for this. Ordering your partner to fire heavily on a turret will increase his aggro, meaning the enemies will focus on him, giving you time to sneak up behind the gunner and kill him. It starts off underused but some set pieces become intense as a result. Throwing in some interesting gun battles while parachuting and other over-the-top elements such as walk-

ing into gunfire, EA makes good on its promises: this is the explosive kill-fest it set out to be at the start of development - the fact that you can even strap a shotgun to the underside of your AK-47 is just plain brutal! Truly over the top, but definitely a two-player-only game. [Dave Cook] OUT NOW ON X360 RRP £39.99 WWW.EA.COM/ARMYOFTWO

BATTALION WARS 2 ttr Battalion Wars 2 is a third-person real-time strategy game. The player takes direct control of one of a number of different units (soldier, tank, gunship, frigate and so forth) whilst simultaneously issuing commands to the rest of their troops. The controls and gameplay mechanics are relatively simple to master, but can sometimes get a little fraught in the heat of battle, and the lack of greater control over your remaining troops can on occasion be frustrating. The palette and unit style - borrowed from the Advance Wars series on the Gameboy - work really well on the Wii, and both the missions and cut scenes are never less than pretty to look at. Whilst not quite making the most of what Wii has to offer, Battalion Wars 2 is nevertheless an enjoyable and well made game. [Neil Robertson] OUT NOW ON WII RRP £39.99 WWW.BATTALIONWARS.COM

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

COOKING MAMA 2 (MAJESCO)

ttrr F#@&! S#@&! No it's not Gordon Ramsay's Cooking Simulator on DS, it's Cooking Mama 2: a much more wholesome and cute as hell sequel to last year's surprise smash. Cooking one of over 80 different dishes under the watchful eye of the ever-lovable Mama, you do it all: whisking, stirring, chopping, peeling, spreading, all thanks to the wonder that is the DS touch screen. You really feel part of the process as you deftly pour cake mix into bowls without spillage or spin pizza bases on your finger, right down to blowing on the microphone to cool down a pot of sauce. The level of control is brilliant and more than a cheap gimmick, with Mama grading your actions along the way for guidance. Differing from its predecessor, you can choose to cook a recipe for a friend, all the way through, without pausing for a breather. While in the main game, each recipe is broken down into smaller sections for each step. When cooking for a friend, your chosen buddy will taste your food to see if they like it and you are awarded a score at the end for your effort. Scoring well while cooking with Mama wins you presents that hold new outfits for Mama and new recipes. These range from cookies to ravioli to garlic lobsters, each rammed full of small mini-games.

This will keep kids and adults going for a long while. Now, if only Gordon Ramsay could play this nice! [Dave Cook] OUT NOW ON NINTENDO DS RRP £29.99 WWW.COOKINGMAMA2.COM

PROFESSOR KAGEYAMA’S MATHS TRAINING trr Following on from the success of Brain Training, Professor Kageyama’s Maths Training attempts this time to help people improve their mathematical ability. As with the previous titles, a number of daily tests need to be completed to increase your skill level. The ‘Daily Test’ consists of three short games ranging from adding two numbers together to learning your 11723 times table or long division. Ever y five days of completing the tasks successfully means promotion to the next level complete with new and more difficult tasks. T h e g a m e’s m a i n m e t h o d o f i m p r ov i n g yo u r m a t h e m a t i c a l p r owe s s r evo l ve s a r o u n d t h e ‘Hundred Cell Calculation Method’. Numbers given are either added to, subtracted from or multiplied with 10 other numbers and your goal is to complete the whole grid in the

quickest time possible. For the most part the game works okay: however, it has some issues: not least recognising the number 8. You will often find yourself hitting the clear button and rewriting a number as time ticks away. Overall, you won’t be playing this for hours, but if you regularly complete your daily test, especially if you find numbers baffling, it just may help you work out your share of the shopping bill that much quicker without the hunt for a calculator. [Si Wellings] OUT NOW FOR DS RRP £19.99

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 (KOEI/OMEGA FORCE)

ttrr The definitive hack-and-slasher is back, and this sixth iteration marks the first proper next-gen version of the seminal Dynasty Warriors. Set in feudal China, most of your favourite characters return, along with the much-loved, often atrocious voiceacting, and the awesomely anachronistic rawk soundtrack. Each character now has a new costume and, in some cases, a new weapon. This adds some much-needed variety to proceedings, as do some other new gameplay dynamics. Bases are now more impor tant than ever, the kill count has been significantly increased, and allies can actually defeat enemy generals

now, rather than flounder about the battlefield moaning for help before being inevitably routed. The addition of attack extending tomes, an RPG-lite Skill Tree and a new Renbu attack meter increases the ferocity and force of your strikes, boosting the satisfaction gained from slaughtering entire opposing armies with the mash of two buttons. While these additions may not be a ground-breaking change in the way the game is played, they certainly add a refreshing twist to the traditional Warriors gameplay. It’s not perfect though: the increased power of the consoles means there are a hell of a lot more models on screen than ever before, leading to occasional frame-rate issues and ‘What’s going on?’ moments as you struggle to see through the swarm of literally hundreds of soldiers crowding the screen. No amount of fresh touches will eliminate, or disguise, the numerous imperfections found within, and the fact remains that this is classic Dynasty Warriors. Much like black pudding, you’ll either love it or hate it, and you’ll know which camp you’re in by now. If it’s the former, you’ll find this to be an immensely satisfying slice of buttonmashing action. If it’s the latter, that’s a shame, because you’ll be missing out on a genuinely thrilling, if repetitive, experience. [Michael Slevin] OUT NOW ON XBOX 360 & PS3 RRP £44.99 WWW.DYNASTYWARRIORS6.CO.UK

GAMES

BOOKS

BOOKS A Most Successful Festival by Keir Hind

AUDIENCES WERE AGREEABLY MIXED, WITH A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS IN EVIDENCE AT VIRTUALLY EVERY EVENT I ATTENDED The Third Aye Write! International Book Festival was well run, well attended, and extremely enjoyable. The setting helped - The Mitchell Library is the ideal venue for this event, with its grand Main Hall, smaller rooms for more intimate events, and Theatre for the biggest draws. But it’s more than that – the audiences were agreeably mixed, with a number of different age groups in evidence at virtually every event I attended. The audience for The Scottish Poetry Slam Championship, on the opening evening, certainly had a young average age, but the odd grey hair could still be spotted, and all present had a good time. There were plenty of talented performers here, but the reasons for the scoring went unexplained. This made the competition seem a little forced. If classical poetry can be compared to boxing, then the judging process made this pro-wrestling. But I’m bitter - I thought they should have all won prizes. A marked contrast to this was the event on March 10th, 100 Years of Scottish Photography, where Tom Normand’s talk on photography was complemented with an understated poetry reading by Norman Bissell. This was taken from Slate, Sea and Sky, a new book where his poems run alongside Oscar Marzaroli photographs. This pairing produced an informative and pleasant talk. In fact, the author pairings I saw were typically very successful. Less successful was an event in the Main Hall on the 11th where four authors appeared together- Michael Schmidt, Laura Marney, Kei Miller, and Zoë Strachan. This was a showcase for work from creative writing courses, but the event seemed too crowded – any one or two of these writers could have quite easily had their own event. ‘Undercover Economist’ Tim Harford appeared on his own two days later, and gave a very informative hour-long talk on economics as the study of risk and reward, rather than exclusively money. I enjoyed it so much that I bought his book and had it signed, during

which he told me that signing the book could make it very valuable – if he died that night. He didn’t. Ah well. Iain M Banks and Ken Macleod were good value together on the 9th, in the Mitchell Theatre. Both read sections from their new books, and talked about their schooldays together in Greenock. Banks revealed that his current and next sci-fi novels are about The Culture (his pan-galactic utopian socialist society) and MacLeod revealed that he tries to write contemporary fiction, but the sci-fi always creeps in at the planning stage. An eager audience were ready to ask a lot of questions, but (my only complaint) time ran out too quickly. This happened all too often – Meagan Delahunt and Alan Spence actually overran by at least 15 minutes. Here I was fascinated when Spence mentioned that he felt a part of his novel The Pure Land had been ‘given’ to him, communicated ‘in some way’ as if by ‘the soul of Japan’. I don’t exactly disagree, but again I wished that that phrase ‘in some way’ had been examined further. By what process? I ask because a day earlier, Chris Brookmyre and Mark Billingham had disparaged writers who similarly mystified the writing process, writers who ‘need a slap’. They didn’t directly contradict what Spence had said, but I’d like to see them debate. Anyway, Brookmyre and Billingham made it their business, as they do in their books, to be entertaining. They quickly dispensed with reading sections from their books, and got on to telling stories about being an author and reading the wacky emails they’d been sent, and their own bad reviews. They also made plenty of time for questions, but time still ran out too quickly. This was easily, the most amusing event of the festival.

For me, the most affecting event of the festival was the event for Archie Hind. Hind authored one book, The Dear Green Place, in 1966 (see review below). He was due to appear at Aye Write! to talk about the book’s re-release, which features the remaining fragment of his follow-up, Fur Sadie, but he died shortly before. So his friend Alasdair Gray, with journalists John Linklater and Alan Taylor gave readings from the books (Gray was especially good) and talked about Archie as they knew him. And again, time ran out too soon. An appeal was made at the end for any copies of scripts or stories by Hind – and I’ve already found some

in the Scottish Theatre Archive. I’d tell you more, but I’ve ran out of time too. AYE WRITE RAN FROM FRI 7 TO SAT 15 OF MARCH. IF YOU MISSED ANY AUTHOR EVENTS, SOME CAN BE VIEWED ONLINE AT WWW.AYEWRITE.COM/AUDIO-AND-VIDEO/ FURTHER COVERAGE OF THE FESTIVAL IS ON OUR WEBSITE IILLUSTRATION IS BY JENNY SOEP. THESE PICTURES WERE PAINTED WITH WATERCOLOURS, INK AND PENCIL LIVE IN SITU WHILE THE EVENTS UNFOLDS. THE TEXT THAT IS WRITTEN INTO THE THE IMAGE HAS BEEN SPOKEN/VOICED AT THE SAME TIME. MORE EXAMPLES CAN BE SEEN AT WWW.JENNYSOEP.COM

REVIEWS BRUNO, CHIEF OF POLICE BY MARTIN WALKER

rrr Bruno, the gentle and wise, attractive a n d c l e ve r, thoughtful and kind detective found in this first Mar tin Walker crime thriller is just a little too good to be true. Protecting his tiny town in the heart of rural France from EU hygiene inspectors and their own foolish behaviour, his life is also a little on the Utopian side. That is until one of his ﬂock is brutally murdered. The perfection of the hero can be a little cloying at times and yes the middle-aged, single detective ‘with a past’ characterisation is somewhat clichéd, but it is a sweet and gentle book. Well, as far as books about murder go. Bruno’s detection technique is ver y much sof tly softly and we’re led to our culprit

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in a meandering fashion with a few games of tennis, attractive women, some nice wine and plenty of good food along the way. At times the author’s descriptions lack subtlety: where readers may want to be shown who a character is through his actions and behaviour, here they are too often just told. But this is a charming little mystery, not unlike a Sunday night crime drama, intriguing and relaxing, a pleasant way to while away an evening. [Sarah Hunter] RELEASE DATE: 3 APRIL, PUBLISHED BY QUERCUS, COVER PRICE £12.99 HARDBACK.

BRITTEN & BRÜLIGHTLY BY HANNAH BERRY

rrrr Fe r n a n d ez ( k n ow n a s ‘Fe r n’ ) Britten is a depressed, and slightly crazy, detective known as ‘The Heartbreaker’ for the number of lives he’s wrecked, mostly through taking divorce case. His partner Brülightly is a talking teabag. Apart from that, this graphic novel has a straightforward story, set in a quaint and nameless (but ver y

noir) English everytown. It rains nearly constantly through this story – it’s no wonder Britten is depressed. He hopes that one day he might have some positive impact on someone’s life and he takes a case here with that in mind. Britten (and Brülightly) investigates the suspicious suicide of a man named Berni Kudos, and exposes the very odd Kudos family history. This leads to trouble involving large men with guns, religious nuts, and the evil machinations of the Union of Waiters. All of this is brilliantly illustrated, and st ylistically similar to a more elaborately drawn Raymond Briggs or Posy Simmonds book. It can be confusing because small and easily overlooked details consistently prove to be impor tant, but there’s a sly humour here, barely detectable but here nonetheless, which carries the story along. It’s hard to believe that this is writer and illustrator Hannah Berr y’s debut graphic novel, because it’s extraordinarily accomplished.[Kier Hind] RELEASE DATE: 3 APRIL, PUBLISHED BY JONATHAN CAPE, COVER PRICE £12.99

THE MUSEUM OF DR MOSES BY JOYCE CAROL OATES

rrr Joyce Carol Oates is one of the most highly regarded living writers in America right now, and so any new book from her is cause for attention. The Museum Of Dr Moses is a collection of short stories, subtitled ‘Tales of Mystery and Suspense’. All of these tales are ver y dark, but some supply mere disgust in place of suspense. An example is Bad Habits, about some children who become aware that their father is a serial killer. There’s a great deal of suspense until the children find out what’s happened to their father, but afterwards the story is simply unpleasant. The clever opening story is called Hi Howya Doin!, about an over-friendly jogger, but

it’s too quickly rounded off. All of the stories are written with a large degree of thought evident within them yet, perhaps because they were originally written to order for magazines, they sometimes seem forced. The best story of this bunch is the longest, called The Man Who Fought Roland LaStarza. Oates has written extensively on boxing before, and this tale is a fresh take on that oldest of boxing stories, the ﬁghter who tangles with corruption and comes up short. It’s a variable collection at best, but the author’s talent is always in evidence. [Jack Lynch] RELEASE DATE: 3 APRIL, PUBLISHED BY QUERCUS, COVER PRICE £12.99 HARDBACK.

THE DEAR GREEN PLACE BY ARCHIE HIND

rrrrrr Archie Hind died not only just before he was to appear at the Aye Write festival, but before this re-release. It’s a shame that The Dear Green Place wasn’t reprinted

earlier and oftener, because it’s brilliant. The book is about Mat Craig, a Glaswegian clerk, and later slaughterhouse worker, whose ambition it is to write a novel. It’s notable that readers are never in any doubt that Mat’s novel will be well written, because Mat is clearly a version of Archie, so in a sense he’s working on the novel that we’re reading. And the novel that we’re reading is of a very high quality indeed. This edition also includes, for the ﬁrst time, a fragment of Fur Sadie, the unfinished follow-up novel, and it’s supplemented by a sympathetic and informative introduction by Alasdair Gray, who also contributes an afterword explaining where the plot of Fur Sadie may have gone. All of this is fantastic. The Dear Green Place is in fact clearly the best novel ever written by man, woman, trained monkey, or anyone else who could conceivably bash a keyboard. And the fact that I’m the author’s g r a n d s o n h a s o bv i o u s l y h a d absolutely no inﬂuence whatsoever on this review... [Keir Hind] OUT NOW, PUBLISHED BY POLYGON, COVER PRICE £8.99 PAPERBACK.

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

THEATRE EDITORIAL

The Scottish stage is thriving. The National Theatre has demonstrated that it does not need a building to lead the way in accessible, experimental theatre. The Arches Theatre Festival is about to promote a fortnight of chaotic, cutting edge experiences and The Scottish Ballet is gearing up for Romeo and Juliet, a full length modern re-imagining of the classic tragedy. A quick glance over the listings reveals that exciting work from around the world - Cuba, Belgium, Taiwan, even England - is visiting theatres in all three cities.

Preview:

Arches Theatre Festival by Gareth K Vile

ALL THE COMPANIES HAVE SOME KIND OF EDGE TO THEM, SOMETHING CHALLENGING AND COURAGEOUS

This rude health is clearly the product of many years of hard work, intelligent funding and critical support, which have placed culture at the centre of Scotland’s post-devolution confidence. However, this renaissance is not a cause for complacency: as the threat to the RSAMD’s Contemporary Performance Practice degree shows, there is still a need to be vigilant, lest those arts that don’t show a healthy box-office are shown the back door.

Certainly, outside of Scotland, the vibrancy is being ignored: it is too rare to see reviews of Scottish events in the ‘national’ papers - except during the Festival, naturally. The Skinny is proud to claim the depth and breadth of its own coverage, and throws down the challenge: can there be a critical response worthy of the theatre that we are given?

5 TOP THEATRE Gareth

EVENTS

SIDI LARBI CHERKAOUI - MYTH TRAMWAY, GLASGOW, 17-19 APRIL

A former member of the mighty Les Ballets C de la B explores mythology and manga: provocative and genuinely multi-cultural, Myth is at dance’s accessible cutting edge.

MOLLY AND ME - IT’S NOT ABOUT US CCA, GLASGOW, 4 APRIL Local company at the boundaries of performance art and dance: a witty battle of wills in a female double act.

NEDERLANDS DANCE THEATRE FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH, 11-12 APRIL The most acclaimed contemporary dance company in the world.

CLOUD GATE DANCE THEATRE - MOON WATER FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH, 25 APRIL Taiwanese dance interprets Bach: spiritual and tender, and an entire stage flooded with water.

ARCHES THEATRE FESTIVAL

NIALL WALKER

Since 2002, The Arches Theatre Festival has been bridging the gap between New Moves’ wild physical experimentation and the Edinburgh Fringe - both in the calendar and in terms of content. Originally a celebration of Scottish drama, it now casts its web wider to capture the best cabaret, clowning and choreography from around the world. As expected from The Arches, The Festival is concerned with theatre at the edges of convention and good taste. With contributions ranging from the popular yet terrifying Al Seed, through New York’s confrontational feminist Ann Liv Young to the witty and comprehensive history of modern dance by New Art Club, 2008 straddles the divide between humorous live art and its more aggressive side. If Maureen Strack’s Muddclubsolo seems impenetrable and unique, Phil Spencer’s Bluey is almost pure stand-up comedy. Jackie Wylie, arts programmer at the Arches, is clear that this variety isn’t the product of a systematic philosophy. “It’s actually very subjective, they’re just shows that I want to see presented again, shows I think should be given another life because there is something especially exciting and different and provocative about them. We try and put together a programme of work which is new to the Arches audience: shows which haven’t had a wide outing in Scotland outside the Edinburgh Fringe.”

THE ARCHES, GLASGOW 8-19 APRIL Something for everyone (as long as they are old enough) from scripts through to stand up.

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

AFT has space for both international and local performances. The rather wonderful Licence Pending collective takes over one night with

their Glaswegian poetry and playfulness: Teatr Novogo Fronta represent the European avant-garde with Dias De Las Noches, both visually stunning and morally bleak. However, the open-ended approach does not lead to a mere mishmash of styles and unrelated works. By the nature of The Arches’ audience and by the virtue of the works’ approaches, Jackie can identify a common theme. “The audiences that come to The Arches demand to have their expectations subverted, so we want to show them the bravest, riskiest practitioners. All the companies have some kind of edge to them, something challenging and courageous. On a broader level we hope that the shows will invigorate what people think of as ‘theatre’, the festival is far removed from traditional drama. The companies draw influence from a multiplicity of art forms and employ many creative disciplines including visual art, dance, the experience of being at a music gig and new forms of performance technologies.” If this sounds difficult and intellectual, it reflects only part of the AFT’s atmosphere. Wylie suggests that there is a strong social aspect to the ten days of performance. “The scale of The Arches means that there will often be six or seven shows a night with plenty of opportunities to have a drink and relax. A really important part of the festival is the creation of a community that is open to all and informed by those that are seeing the shows, in that moment. There’s an excitement about the work and a really engaged but fun energy in the building.” The time spent waiting in one of The Arches’ many bars can be as exciting

and inspiring as the shows themselves. Of course, The Arches itself has a unique atmosphere, something that the companies will be quick to incorporate. As Wylie points out, “Each production, one way or another, is especially suited to The Arches. The performance spaces in the building have a particular aesthetic created by the raw brickwork and cavernous underground feel. Because the spaces are used for non-theatre events, clubs, gigs and cinema, they are already charged with many of their own exciting meanings before the show is even put in the space. All the productions will bring something to this particular context and will in turn be enhanced by this environment.” This environment has shaped many previous shows, bringing an inescapable intensity to bear. The National Review of Live Art, when held here, became a toxic underground of mysterious delight; equally, the frequent productions of Beckett have had an unmistakable aura of damnation and doom. Ultimately, the overall impact of the series of events overwhelms any individual evening. As Wylie rightly concludes, AFT is important and interesting for all the right reasons. “It is the only theatre festival in Scotland, outside the Fringe, which presents risk taking and experimental work where are all the shows are also completely accessible and enjoyable.” ARCHES THEATRE FESTIVAL RUNS FROM 8-19 APR VARIOUS PRICES FOR INDIVIDUAL SHOWS. FESTIVAL PASS: £35/25 DAY PASSES: £16/10 WWW.THEARCHES.CO.UK/THEATRE

THEATRE

Dance Dance Dance! by Gareth K Vile

APRIL IS SHAPING UP TO BE A FASCINATING MONTH FOR DANCE, WITH PERFORMANCES OF ALL TYPES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL TO THE LOCAL SET TO CHALLENGE AND INSPIRE This month sees an incredible explosion of dance in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. From small scale companies merging performance art and dance through to internationally renowned organisations showcasing perfect technique and large-scale choreography, dance lovers are spoilt for choice. Edinburgh has the biggest names and the established performers, while Glasgow has its usual collection of avantgarde stars of the future. A fairly quiet April at Tramway- which is saving itself for an astonishing May programme, is enlivened by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (17-19 Apr). Cherkaoui is a former member of Les Ballets C de la B, the marvellous company that has redefined the possibilities of contemporary dance over the last decade. Coming from a powerful Belgium dance tradition, Myth will be entertaining and experimental, funny and serious. Cherkaoui is influenced by visual art as much as dance, and Myth retells the classic stories with a modern twist. The usually moribund CCA is responding with Molly and Me’s debut work - It’s Not About Us (4 Apr). Balanced somewhere on the edge of physical theatre and dance, Molly and Me are a female double act who are constantly trying to undermine each other, fighting their way through routines and mocking each other with childish humour. A different scale, perhaps, to Myth, but a great opportunity to catch a young company in their early stages. Edinburgh has two major companies hitting the Festival Theatre. The Nederland Dans Theatre have somehow held onto their cutting edge while becoming one of the most popular companies in the world - they even have a reserve company, like a football team. Their double bill of works by Jiri Kylián (11-12 Apr) are mysterious, evocative and lyrical: like the best contemporary dance, they are both physical and spiritual, elusive and meaningful. They also suspend a pianist above the stage. Later in the month, Cloud Gate will actually flood the stage for Moon Water (25-26 Apr). Moon Water is a meditation on Bach’s music, performed above a layer of water and already acclaimed for its tender beauty. Cloud Gate’s dancers have their roots in tai chi and martial arts as well as dance, and their approach brings a distinctive oriental flavour to contemporary modes.

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EDINBURGH FESTIVAL THEATRE

Back in Glasgow, a British legend arrives at the Theatre Royal on 22 April - Richard Alston. Alston is director of the Place, London’s premier contemporary venue, and his company are nominated for dance awards with an impressive regularity. His triple bill involves live music, Hoagy Carmichael, Bach, and the meeting between classical technique and contemporary freedom. An exhausting month, although even bigger programmes are just around the corner: Tramway begins to let rip again in May and the Festival Theatre welcomes the latest Scottish Ballet production on 14 May.

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

REVIEWS BRICK AWARDS THE ARCHES, 11 MAR

rrrr The Arches’ commitment to emerging theatre is clearly expressed through The Brick Awards: two outstanding performances from the Edinburgh Fringe transplanted to Glasgow. Both 1927 and Analogue demonstrate the best qualities of the fringe: lively performances, imaginative staging and accessible experimentation.

relationship - slowly becomes more intense, more frustrated. The failure to communicate leads Alex to his death, as much as Michael’s mania or the fate dictated by dreams. This lends the play a tragic, fragile beauty that transcends the simple plot of ‘insane man kills commuter’.

On paper, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and Mile End are similar. They use projections in place of scenery. They have young, small casts and are balanced between traditional theatre and suggestive movement-based work. They search for new ways of engaging the audience.

1927 act serious to heighten the comedy. Miss Lillian Henley’s compositions delight with her mellifluous voice and dramatic motion-picture piano; Master Paul Barritt excites the sensibilities with his sepia-tinted animations of devilment and disaster; while the twin performers, Miss Suzanne Andrade and Miss Esme Appleton, specialise in a sensual horror that owes much to the works of Mr Edward Gorey. Their stories may often end in sadness, but are also curiously edifying: since they warn of the dangers facing young women who stray from the path of righteousness, or for those obsessed with the wonders of deep-fat frying.

In performance, they are very different: Between the Devil apes burlesque in a series of mannered, sinister and hilarious sketches, while Mile End is a serious look at the events leading to an apparently random murder. Mile End is obsessed with signs and wonders: birds fall from the sky, dreams and casual conversations take on predictive meanings. Between the Devil happily presents malicious twins and grim tales of absurd death to an elegant piano accompaniment. Analogue’s Mile End begins with Michael and Alex, the eventual killer and his victim, going about their lives. When Kate, Alex’s wife, begins to talk, she talks of loss and disorientation; the action then cuts to the parallel stories that collide at the fatal train station. Sam Taylor brings a convincing anxiety to Michael’s gradual breakdown, and the black-clothed extras who provide special effects, scene changes and additional characters radiate menace. But the interchanges between Alex (Liam Jarvis) and Kate (Hannah Barker) pack the strongest punch. Their bickering - at first the casual attrition of the long-term

SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR LYCEUM, 8 MARCH

rrrr

Have you ever wondered about the connection between art, reality and illusion? Imagine being created by an unknown artist who gives you the draft script of your life and then drops you, leaving you to sort out the mess. You might say that sounds familiar. And so would Luigi Pirandello’s Characters who found themselves stuck in one of the most idiosyncratic plays of the twentieth century. A collaboration between the National Theatre of Scotland, The Lyceum and the Citizen’s Theatre, Mark Thomson’s new production scraps conventions. The play kicks off before the decoyed audience have even finished their pre-show drinks. We soon realise that we’ve come to watch actors rehearsing a new playwithin-a-play, also written by Pirandello, just to confuse us even more. Petty jealousies and egotism collide as the melodramatic Director attempts to rehearse his cast of hacks. Suddenly, six characters in sepia-toned costumes turn up in a box claiming to be looking for their author. They soon hijack the stage, desperate to tell and relive their haunting stories, but in a manner that reveals the truth. Through the extremity of their family drama, the Characters undermine the perception of actors as real in contrast to fictional people as imaginary. Strange as it may sound, the production reveals that we are not real, as we are always changing, and what we believed in yesterday might be irrelevant tomorrow. Facing a constant shift in so-called moral standards, Thomson goes for David Harrower’s contemporary adaptation of Pirandello’s play to show the universal dimension of the text. But at times the well-chosen cast hesitate to credibly convey the drama of living between illusion and reality, leaving us slightly hungry for more gripping performances. Despite this the production was still well worth checking out as, due to its large cast and complexity, the piece is rarely staged. [Agata Maslowska]

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

At the heart of this enthusiastic romp lies a deception: here are very calculating, very sophisticated artists questioning the nature of the stage, and bringing life to a cabaret tradition that is on the verge of collapse beneath amateur strip-tease antics and self-conscious bad comedy. 1927 inhabit the year of their name, straddling music hall, silent movies and temperance-hall lectures - all served with a cheerful slice of respectful irony. Two marvellous and contrasting works, imaginative direction and enthusiastic performances, tragedy and comedy, intensity and absurdity: the Brick Awards themselves are the real winners. [Gareth K Vile] WWW.ANALOGUEPRODUCTIONS.CO.UK WWW.19-27.CO.UK

VANITY FAIR

THE UNCONQUERED

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ROYAL LYCEUM , 10 MARCH Image is everything. Surprisingly, or not, this maxim holds true just as much for the 19th century as it does for today. Vanity Fair presents a gallery of characters and paints their portraits while simultaneously exposing the cracks in the veneer; none are spared the unflinching scrutiny of their lives as their follies, vices and vanities are laid bare. The Lyceum’s production cleverly extends this conceit to the set and costumes, their unfinished appearance making it look like the characters are being painted into existence before our eyes. Adapted from William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel, it follows the lives of the infamous opportunist Becky Sharp and the kind but sappy Amelia Sedley. Condensing the novel into two hours is no mean feat and as a result it’s very plot driven; it rips through their reversals of fortune and pursuit of love and power at a roaring pace. However, while the descriptive style of narration works well for the comedy, it flattens the emotional punch of the drama which is disappointing. That said, director Tony Cownie still provides an enjoyable evening of entertainment. It’s a richly theatrical production; a vast array of props and costumes are employed to a hugely humorous effect. The most is made of the comedic scenes and some are laugh-outloud funny; Joseph Sedley’s botched proposal afloat the Vauxhall canal and an Irish lass’s serenade are just sublime. The cast are great, playing a multitude of characters with exceptional comic timing and the piano accompaniment really enhances and punctuates the action. On one level Vanity Fair is a great story. On another, it challenges our values and the social mores that govern them. Thackery takes it one step further by twisting our notion of what a hero is: no character is wholly good or bad, all are flawed and unsympathetic to varying degrees. But while Becky is conniving, calculating and manipulative, you’ve got to admire her gusto – she always lands on her feet and she always looks good. And as we know, image is everything. [Susannah Radford] THE ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE, EDINBURGH, 14 MAR – 12 APR

THE CAVES, 14 MARCH

Clambering past fellow audience members and nearly falling into one’s neighbour’s pint may not seem like the most comfortable theatre-going experience but The Cave’s cramped conditions suit the social claustrophobia of The Unconquered perfectly. Trapped in the confines of bourgeois suburbia, an unnamed girl spouts diatribes of rage at the mother who has stifled and smothered her in the name of a “good” upbringing. Yet far from being another commentary on teenage angst, Torben Betts’ play plunges Britain into revolution, throws the Prime Minister into prison and puts anarchic junkies in charge of the mob. Social upheaval is watched with trepidation through the sitting room window by one middle-class family afraid to leave the security of their “nice” things. Mutiny also seems probable within the family as “girl" incites her mother to leave the data entering husband she describes as "that dullard who shares my bed" and join the revolution. However, too afraid to throw off the housewife’s duties, casseroles flavoured with fresh dill and the salary that comes in on the 26th every month, the mother stands her ground, attempting to ignore the flaws in the family’s "well-oiled machine." As their plight worsens under a US air raid and the hunger that leaves them contemplating eating next door’s cat, salvation appears in the shape of an uncouth soldier, sent to restore the peace. Steeped in middle-class sensibilities the couple initially object more to his foul language than his unsavoury attention to their daughter yet abandon all scruples for a string of sausages. Though comedy is never more than a quip away the marionette-like performances and stark, monochrome set effectively expose the false and arbitrary nature of the “things” we build our lives on. This play’s everpresent call for change and the need to avoid your parents’ mistakes will leave the audience wanting to join in, "build a bonfire and burn the boybands." [Katie Smyth] RUN CONTINUES AT TRON, GLASGOW 8-12 APRIL

THEATRE

THEATRE/COMEDY

COMEDY The Unquotables! by Emma Lennox

WHY NOT TAKE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON THESE LORDS AND LADIES OF LAUGH TOWN? Some comedians are so high in the public stratosphere there hardly seems any point mentioning them. You know they're funny, and they'll sell their tickets and generally everybody is going to have a good time. But why not take a different perspective on these lords and ladies of laugh town? The following is The Skinny's alternative preview of the comedians you think you know and offers some suggestions for poster quotes you're unlikely to see printed come Fringe time. We're through the looking glass, here, people.

FRANKIE BOYLE The local boy done good, Frankie Boyle seems to command nothing short of fervent mania from the home crowd whenever he graces the Glasgow stage. As the shining jewel of BBC's Mock the Week (no mean feat considering the other talent on board) Boyle has turned his acerbic, cynical wit into a winning formula. A proud Scot, he's never been shy to talk up the home lands with some misty Rabbie Burns style allegiance including: “when they made Braveheart, everyone thought it was ridiculous that Mel Gibson was playing a Scottish guy. But look at him now- an alcoholic racist”. Boyle's uncanny ability to tap into the heart of the nation and its most pressing issues is what endears this performer to the uplifted crowds. Like Alex Salmond before him, Boyle is our man in London, sticking it to the media establishment with his staunch refusal to change his accent or his strange similarity to our other national heroes, The Proclaimers. Unquotable quote: “Frankie Boyle loves life, loves Scotland and loves to make us laugh.”

JERRY SADOWITZ With a career spanning over 25 years, Jerry Sadowitz has been spewing vitriol at all and sundry in what is surely the most impressive alternative comedy career these isles have seen. Making his break at the London Comedy Store in the early 80s, Sadowitz's manager Malcolm Hardee touted him as “too shocking for TV”. Despite this his broadcasting career began in earnest in 1990 and brought his mix of sleight of hand magic and loud of mouth insults to ever increasing offended audiences. Now in his mid 40s, Sadowitz continues his unparalleled mission to challenge the icons, morals and beliefs of every person in this nation. Which other selﬂess comedian, living or dead, has dedicated their anger-consumed lives to helping us tear down false illusions and fortify our self worth? Leading by example of loathing, Sadowitz gives us the chance to re-evaluate this temporal life and bring us to a Matrix style revelation that nothing is important, and everyone is a cunt. Unquotable quote: “As comedy's Mr Nice, Jerry Sadowitz's show is life afﬁrming stuff.”

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FRENCH AND SAUNDERS

From their humble beginnings at drama school, where they met in 1978, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders have scaled the unreachable heights of comedic super stars, in what seems like a fairytale career. Making immediate impact in Channel 4's ﬁ rst comedy series The Comic Strip Presents...(1982), French Presents... and Saunders were obvious leading lady material. French, the curvaceous beauty, leapt about in Fellini inspired spoofs with perfect mock sultriness, and Saunders' impeccable Meryl Streep mimicry showcased her talent for ironic acting. They traversed from the 'alternative' scene to 'national treasure' status with incredible ease through seven BBC series, Christmas specials and spin off shows including Absolutely Fabulous. Fabulous In what is surprisingly only their third live tour, the ﬁ rst ladies of comedy are bringing their double act to the SECC for a prestigious night of expensive comedy. The Queen, who is said to be a big fan of their Pulp Fiction spoof, is planning to be in attendance where, in a surprise move, she will abdicate her throne to them. Unquotable quote: “God bless you Ma'am and Ma'am.”

STEWART LEE Stewart Lee has always been subject to misinterpretation by the media spotlight and sadly it's infringed on his mainstream career as a family entertainer. Lee ﬁ rst came to public attention with his writing partner, Richard Herring, in Radio One's Fist of Fun (1993) which was later transferred to television. As the title suggests, the show was a light hearted protest against violent clowns and was popular with a student audience, many of whom had been abused by clowns in their childhood. Lee and Herring's next television project was This Morning with Richard Not Judy (1998) in which the two spectacularly brought Biblical parables to Sunday morning viewers on a secular BBC channel. (“Consider the lily, aaaaah....erm, consider it a bit more... aaaaah.”) Lee has gone on to champion the best of 'Britishness' in his solo shows in which he offers himself as a living monument to the death of Princess Diana, recounts a religious awakening on a country road and warmly talks of the greatest British comedy invention ever; Del Boy. Lee's inclusion in Channel 4's Best Stand Up of All Time is surely the start of a turn around which will put him at the top of the wish list for the next Royal Variety show. Unquotable quote: “This world class entertainer has what it takes to be the Britain's next Ben Elton.”

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

ART EDITORIAL April is all about Glasgow International, if that wasn’t already clear. What seemed even a couple of years back to be a relatively small affair has become a vast and diverse programme of events and shows that promises to keep the hardcore running from venue to venue for a good fortnight. I’m particularly looking forward to Asking For It, on at the GSA: the first chance for a Scottish audience to get a proper look into the fascinating realm of contemporary Chinese art. And Lowsalt’s Black Fires project, inflatable sculptures appearing and disappearing in undisclosed locations around the city centre, makes me wish I lived in Glasgow so I could see it unfold. Enjoy...

5 P O T /Rosamund

ASKING FOR IT: EVERYDAY NEUROSES IN CHINESE CONTEMPORARY ART 11 APR - 10 MAY

MACKINTOSH GALLERY, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART

Curator-driven exhibition exploring the daily working practices of seven Chinese artists.

G.I. - ‘Go!’ This month’s Glasgow International Festival looks set to present a truly dazzling array of exhibitions, events and happenings throughout the city’s wide variety of grassroots venues and alternative spaces. Now in its fourth year, the festival will next be evolving into a biennial format, thereby placing itself firmly on the international circuit of art Biennials. Reflecting the internationally-renowned nature of Glasgow’s art scene, the extensive programme should provide a busy and challenging fortnight for residents and visitors alike. Here, The Skinny presents a short introduction to some of the shows.

THE PROJECT ROOM The Project Room’s offering during this month’s Gi festival is one of reconfiguration: pulling together a medley of sculpture, installation and collage from the respective talents of Karen Cunningham, Luca Frei and Babak Ghazi. These disparate practices converge at the point of the subject, with each questioning the received structures of exchange between the individual and society, the individual and information systems, and, ultimately, between the individual and the self. This manipulation of boundaries and divisions between notions of the viewer as receptor, creator and observer pull the exhibition in line with the wider concerns of the festival - negotiating the terrain between the public and private. These works of mischievous deconstruction are likely to impose a paradoxical test when exhibited together. Highlighting the futility of a conclusion, they will meditate upon the multiplicities of being which are thrown up in the processes at play in and between the works of all three artists. [Rebecca Pottinger]

KAREN CUNNINGHAM KAREN CUNNINGHAM

THE PROJECT ROOM, 64 OSBOURNE ST, GLASGOW BABAK GHAZI

1 APR - 27 APR

HINTERLAND

LOWSALT PRESENTS: BLACK FIRES 11 - 27 APR

UNDISCLOSED LOCATIONS

Iain Kettles’ inflatable sculptures will be popping up all over the Glasgow city centre over the course of the festival.

The term kitsch has historically been used to describe art that is inferior. Thanks to pop art and postmodernism, however, kitsch has taken on a certain element of cool. The word, like artist Harald Turek, originated in Germany. But it is not only geography that puts these two in close proximity: the name and the phrase are often seen side by side in the reviews and catalogues which announce Turek and his work. German born and based in Glasgow, Turek works in a range of mediums. Whilst photography makes up the majority of his portfolio, he has also worked extensively with video, performance and installation. He uses highly recognisable objects and images, be they religious figurines from trinket shops, plastic submarines or iconic paintings from famed artists of the past. His Standing on History of Art piece is an interesting example. Hugh and I was inspired by Holbein’s The Ambassadors.

THE LOCAL 11 - 27 APR

SWG3 WAREHOUSE, GLASGOW

A series of events, and a bespoke artist-designed bar with a ceiling by Toby Paterson and tables by Jim Lambie. Could be the beating heart of GI.

STREAK OF FAT/ STREAK OF LEAN 18 APR - 11 MAY THE EMBASSY

Turek has recreated the scene but translated it into the 21st Century using his own visual language and iconography. Behind the façade of kitsch, Turek’s fun images are often based on thought-provoking stories and concepts. His images of a model submarine in ‘Stauwasser’ were motivated by the story that German submarines would often clandestinely watch their enemies go about normal lives in order to ward off homesickness. Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser once stated, “The absence of kitsch makes life unbearable”. Whether or not you agree with his sentiments, Turek’s show at GI should prove to be a worthwhile investment of your time. [Gabriella Griffith] HINTERLAND BY HARALD TUREK WILL BE IN CCA’S INTERMEDIA GALLERY 11-27 APR

Solo show from the Glasgow-based artist.

HIGH WIRE 11 - 20 APR

THE COMMON GUILD

CCA

Much-anticipated film premiere of Red Road flats high wire performance should prove to be one of the events of the festival, connecting with the social history and urban terrain of the host city.

Adel Abdessemed gives us an extra dose of dramatic jollity in Glasgow, fresh from his recent show at PS1 New York. Combining media and interconnected philosophies, Abdessemed might be throwing a gauntlet down to the flotsam and jetsam of the average art dabbler. There has already been a small taster of his work in the latest group show at The Common Guild, Always Begin By Degrees. In Abdessemed’s video Talk is Cheap, a microphone is crushed underfoot, releasing a huge blasting sound which then slowly gives way to silence. A roaming solo show is a heady prospect. He is a familiar name on the biennial circuit: featured in Venice 2007 and Sao Paolo 2006, his inclusion often adds a playfully antagonistic element. A gaggle of Moroccan knives splay out from a pivotal point, delivering introspection with serious razzmatazz in Axe On, shown at the 10th Istanbul Biennial: the weapons are tampered with and made impotent through a

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

cunning arrangement. Such taut oppositions might be something of an endangered device, but Abdessemed handles any resulting tension with canny poetics. In his 2005 video God is Design, the transformation of fleeting thoughts into enduring provocations is brought forth in decorative style in the assimilation of symbols from three religions with images of human cells. These unassailable collisions are timely considerations of activism and beauty, showing that there can be room for both politics and pleasure. It will be fascinating to find out how punchy Abdessemed gets in Glasgow. [Daniella Watson] THE COMMON GUILD PRESENTS ADEL ABDESSEMED, 21 WOODLANDS TERRACE 11-27 APR

ART

The Myth of The West

ART

Print the Legend:

by Rosamund West

the settlers derived. Dreams of a new world, a new start, in essence of a life unconstrained by society and the law play across these works of disparate method and formulation, communicating of and with a modern world longing to rip it up and start again.

PETER GRANSER

For this grand Fruitmarket exhibition curator Patricia Bickers has brought together a truly stellar cast to explore her personal preoccupation with the Western. While the starting point is the filmic genre, the true line of argument lies in the notion of the West as myth in the collective psyche, specifically in the hearts and minds of Northern Europeans. We are presented with an array of works by

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

The first work with which we are confronted upon entering the gallery space evokes this notion with a sublime efficiency: Adam Chodzko’s Better Scenery photographic diptych creates a narrative link between the disparate landscapes of the North London supermarket car park and the Arizona desert. Chodzko created then photographed twin signs, each bedecked with a solitary wind chime, upon which he printed directions for reaching the complimentary point. So, in the Arizona desert stands a sign describing how to negotiate the urban sprawl, lines of Laser Eye Clinics, tarmac, unmarked roads, the brief grace of the “curvature of the prodigious concrete and glass O2 building” all adding up to a somewhat ironic play on the notion of Better Scenery. In the grim British car park stands, in contrast, a supremely evocative set of instructions inciting the viewer to meander through the desert, a web of rough cinder tracks, volcanic formations and magical names like Merriam Crater and the Painted Desert. Northern European artists, all of which explore To come across the sign on a grey day, laden or allude to the magical, adventuresome Wild with shopping, must surely and succinctly West, a frontier land of danger and intrigue conjure the allure of the western other, which grew up in the tall tales, dime novels creating a longing for the hypothetical prairie and ultimately films created long after the west sun, the open road, the role of the solitary was won. Underlying is the idea (and the clue wanderer. By setting up both contrast and is in the title) that this is a myth, one which dialogue between these physical and spiritual resonates particularly strongly in this far opposites, Chodzko neatly introduces the removed continent from which the majority of viewer to the question of the Western as an

integral part of our collective psyche. Amidst the household names of Douglas Gordon, Mike Nelson, Gillian Wearing et al, Salla Tykka’s short film Lasso holds its own and perhaps even outshines. This perfect vignette, set to the swelling orchestra of Enrico Morricone’s score for Once Upon A Time in The West, leaves the viewer entranced and inexorably moved by both the music and the apparently simple narrative of a girl in the frozen north peering in a window to witness a teenage boy engrossed in a lasso-driven workout-cum-dance. The accoutrements of his exercise make evident reference to the notion of the West, his youthful dreams of being a cowboy contained within the living room of a bungalow in a drab Scandinavian town. Simultaneously, this brief narrative conveys to us a sexual awakening, a beginning and also an end mirrored in the melting snow which lies upon the surrounding earth. Utterly absorbing, the work is a joy to witness. Each of the many works on display contains something to absorb, coming together under a uniquely present curatorial voice to form a technicolour line of argument, a musing upon the presence of this particular myth of the other in our seemingly far-removed world. The exhibition both challenges our preconceptions of the significance of the Western as genre, and brings to Edinburgh a truly world class selection of artworks. It is truly something to ponder. FRUITMARKET GALLERY, EDINBURGH. TIL 4 MAY WWW.FRUITMARKET.CO.UK

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

SOUNDS EDITORIAL

Brian Jonestown Massacre:

Taking it from the Man

First the Super Nintendo was axed, next came Top of the Pops, and now we're about to lose another cultural institution as Triptych bows out with one last splash at the end of the month. In its eight years of running, the festival has specialised in attracting bands of an esoteric persuasion to Scotland, as well as reminding music fans of a few right under their nose. This issue we take a look back at the highlights and speak to a few of its key players from over the years, as well as Jamie Lidell, Frightened Rabbit and Andrew Bird ahead of their appearances at the final fling.

AS THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE RELEASE THEIR MOST DARING WORK YET, JAY SHUKLA BRACED HIMSELF FOR A Q&A SESSION ON THE PHONE WITH MUSICIAN, VISIONARY, AND FULL-TIME BADASS ANTON NEWCOMBE

Also tying in nicely with this celebration of Triptych's genre bending capers, we give you interview features with shoegaze revivalist Anton Newcombe, anti-folk pioneer Adam Green, post-rock virtuoso David Pajo and digital hardcore wunderkind Alec Empire. Elsewhere, Billy Hamilton and Ally Brown get the skinny on a few new cracking bands we've caught live lately (namely, Isosceles and Super Adventure Club). And if Sounds doesn't look quite right, it's because Sean Michaels and his Easy Gramophone column have just been snapped up by a national Canadian newspaper and, in less positive news, Fraser Thomson's regular XFM missive slipped off the page while the future of the station hangs in the balance. It's all change 'round these parts; probably a spring thing. /Dave

A MUSO’STO

LUKE WINTERS

MGMT

P 10

"Anyone who's listened to our album is not going to pigeonhole us easily, stylistically," Ben Goldwasser of MGMT warned us recently. This might be an accurate enough statement, but it reeks of a challenge if ever we've heard one. To set us off on the right track, the electro-acoustic-bombast-funk duo sent us away with a list of ten tunes that helped them refine their palette. #1

BEACH HOUSE HEART OF CHAMBERS #2 SPECTRUM HELP ME PLEASE (DRUM MIX) #3 BLACK SABBATH SNOWBLIND #4 ALEXANDER ‘SKIP’ SPENCE BROKEN HEART #5 MARGO GURYAN COME TO ME SLOWLY #6 BE BOP DELUXE KISS OF LIGHT #7 THE TEARDROP EXPLODES COLOURS FLY AWAY #8 ALAN VEGA VIDEO BABE #9 CABARET VOLTAIRE 4TH SHOT #10 THOMAS LEER & ROBERT RENTAL DAY BREAKS NIGHT HEALS

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

Skinny: I hear you’ve relocated to Iceland. How did that affect the sound of the new album? Anton Newcombe: "Iceland is the greatest place on earth. I still go back and forth between there and the US. It hasn’t affected the way I make music. I make music everywhere, it’s just like breathing for me. Even when I’m here in London you know, I get up, I don't brush my teeth, I watch Cash in the Attic. It’s all the same." My Bloody Underground is a defiantly uncommercial record. Why make a record like this now? "I was kind of upset with some stuff in the world, so I took a massive amount of psychedelics up there in the great north, and me and my friends just whipped it out. We were done in four days. Everything is one take. I spent two of those four days programming musical algorithms - this stuff that I developed over time. It’s just part of the way that I chose to weave this tapestry. It’s like a Celtic knot or some crap. This is a video album - this is going to unfold over time. All the stuff’s on YouTube right now, people can see the early versions. They’re nuts." The combination of music and image seems to be designed to bring about an alteration in consciousness. Do you have spiritual concerns?

"Of course, but I’m not really trying to brainwash people. You have to understand that I was on a massive amount of drugs. What I was trying to do was to create sonic and visual submersion environments that were capable, individually, of standing in the Tate museum alongside the rest of the crap. I think that for the effort levels that I put in, I really accomplished that. We will see. It’s open to interpretation: it might be performance art, it might be sonic sculpture, it might be spiritual hints at deeper truths. I don’t know. That’s not up to me to decide. It’s done, it’s out there." Do you see yourself doing more videos or even switching disciplines? Maybe eventually being recognised simply as an artist? "Well, that would be a hope, wouldn’t it? I’ve always been doing that. I’m an excellent sculptor, gardener, chef, all kinds of things. I’m just expressing myself, in almost a Renaissance manner I guess - and also reaching out and making friends. I just want people to enjoy it. I’ve already put it out there for free. I don’t care whether people buy the record. I’m not worried about that. The label isn't worried about that, obviously. I am the label." The track titles on the new record are pretty aggressive. Are you poking fun at your public image?

"I don't care. Do you think I want to play Top of the Pops? You know what’s aggressive? I wanna puke every time I open a magazine or turn on any TV show. Our society is completely, aggressively repulsive. I can't tell you how many soldiers have been wasted protecting oil pipelines and everybody’s just dancing around like they’re high on acid or something. You know? That’s repulsive to me. I’m completely underwhelmed with people’s grasp of what’s actually happening to them, but that’s another fish to fry I guess." Do you have any plans to tour the album? "I was planning our next tour to be just of Scotland. Even the small towns, like Echo and the Bunnymen did back in the '80s. I‘m working on five albums right now though, so we’re just looking to play a couple of festivals and one offs and fly back. I’m looking to continue to record. I’m working on an album entirely in the French language. I’m really gonna sock it to ‘em. I hate their arrogance, so I’m really going to shut them down. It’s not going to be a shampoo commercial Air song. This is gonna be really rough." There’s a song on the new album that you wrote when you were nine. Why? "I think I was drunk maybe."

SOUNDS

Live Music

Highlights by Ted Maul

DEVOTCHKA GONNA MAKE IT HAPPEN AT KING TUT’S ON 6 APRIL

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

Snow Patrol a bit too limp-wristed for you? Fancy something a good, ooh, ten per cent more aggressive? Step forward Glasgow’s Crash my Model Car, who play Henry’s Cellar Bar (3 Apr). They’re anthemic, they’ve been featured on The O.C., and they’re probably going to sell lots of records. Don’t bother if: you can name the bassist from Cryptopsy.

Canadian electro-punks Holy Fuck tear it up at Stereo on 5 April. Dark, danceable and somewhat psychedelic, this posse of nonconformist noise-mongers have an enviable live reputation. This could be really very good indeed. Check them out if: you’re willing to take a risk on something that could be fabulous.

London based troubadour Chris T-T hits up Cabaret Voltaire (5 Apr). Expect him to spin witty and literate tales of life in Britain, warts and all. It may not always be pretty, but it’s compelling stuff nonetheless and well worth a shout. Check him out if: you’re a disillusioned 20-something and proud of it.

More recently famous for their guitarist’s romantic exploits, The Kills take the stage at the Liquid Room on 15 April and will hopefully let the music do the talking. Obviously it’s pretty contrived and all, but in the right light, and from a certain angle, this can be pretty exciting stuff. Don’t bother if: you’ve ever uttered the words “it’s like Royal Trux never happened!”

Skinny faves DeVotchKa gonna make it happen at King Tut’s (6 Apr). Gypsy, folk, alt-rock - try and pigeonhole them all you want, Devotchka will surprise you every time. While peers like Gogol Bordello seem to be turning into caricatures of themselves, this band somehow just sound RIGHT. Nothing is forced, they’ve got real style and passion. Check them out if: you’re sexually aroused by the sound of a sousaphone (and who isn’t?). ¡Forward, Russia! round things out with a gig at King Tut’s on 15 April. Deliciously unpredictable, one minute they sound like a slick emo outfit, the next they’re crushing your ribcage with weapons-grade riffage and satanic wailing. They’ve deﬁnitely been polishing their pop skills, but they’re still delightfully rough around the edges. Check ‘em out if: you like bands with ambition.

CHRIS T-T

WIN A COPY OF TOUR SMART Scottish music scene social, Born To Be Wide, is set to mark its move to Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms on 3 April with a talk and advice session featuring industry veteran and former drummer for Public Image Ltd., Killing Joke and Ministry, Martin Atkins. Atkins recently published the book Tour Smart, a comprehensive touring guide for bands, with contributions from such heavyweights as Henry Rollins and the Suicide Girls. After his talk, Atkins will take to the decks and play his favourite records. He will later be joined by Skinny DJs - bringing ‘nuff Rick Astley to your lobes - and members of Our Lunar Activities, fresh from recording their debut LP with Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus. The Skinny has a copy of Tour Smart to give away to whoever can answer this simple question:

Which punk legend fronted Public Image Ltd? A) Captain Sensible B) Johnny Rotten C) Henry Rollins E-mail your entries to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by no later than Sunday 20 April. Born to Be Wide is Free, the next event takes place on Thursday 3 April at the Voodoo Rooms. Martin Atkins tour seminar: 7:45pm – 9pm Guest DJs: 9pm – 1am Usual Skinny T&Cs apply, available on request. You must be over 18 to enter.

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APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

Pajo reborn as Dead Child DAVID PAJO TELLS DAVE KERR WHY HE’S TAKEN A BREAK FROM RECORDING PSYCHEDELIC SOLO RECORDS TO SATISFY A CRAVING FOR SOMETHING MORE AGGRESSIVE, BUT NOT NECESSARILY HEAVIER “I was really into metal as a little kid,” enthuses David Pajo - evidently no stranger to a good slam dance and 20 pints of snakebite on a Saturday night. “My idea of metal was Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath. I started getting into Metallica when Kill ‘Em All came out, then I wanted more aggressive music that was faster.” So far, so very metal, but a brush with a gang of Hell’s Angels and an early love affair with the philosopher’s blend would soon alter the course of young Pajo’s rock ‘n’ roll pilgrimage. “I was 14 or 15 and totally got beat up by a bunch of bikers. I just made the mistake of bumping into them and spilling this guy’s beer all over him. It was straight out of a movie. I missed most of Iron Maiden that night. I think, after that, I still loved all that music but I was turned off of going to shows. Pretty soon I started smoking pot and got into weird music, it seemed that hardcore had gotten as fast as it could by then. That’s when Slint started happening for me; we wanted to do something that was completely different. I kept some of the attitudes from the hardcore and metal scene, but not so much the style.” Slint - the legendary Louisville outfit that spawned something of a sleeper hit in post-rock circles when they committed the influential

Spiderland to wax back in 1990 - would set Pajo off on a path that disassociated him from the realm of metal almost altogether, but a combination of recent events have lead to the prodigious player’s career coming full circle. Pajo takes up the story: “I’d had my eye on doing a metal band for a while: whenever I’d go to New York I’d hassle my friend Matt [Sweeney, ex-Zwan bandmate] to see if he could hook me up. When I finally moved there I started playing with Earlyman and that was perfect; it was what I’d wanted to do for a long time, just to play really straightforward old school metal riffs. Then the Slint reunion happened and it put a stop to everything else.” However, good fortune would send players Todd Cook and Michael (brother of Slint vocalist Brian) McMahan in Pajo’s direction when the reunited Kentucky outfit decided to flesh out their live band. Pretty soon, the chat in the back of the tour van would steer the trio towards another common objective. “We’d discuss our musical tastes, and realised that we all craved doing a band that was more aggressive and in a metal tradition. We all got along really well; we’ve all been in enough bands that we wouldn’t want to do it otherwise. Slint reaffirmed that for me too: playing with these guys that I grew up with made me realise that I shouldn’t mess around and play

SELENA SALFEN

in these weird situations like Zwan. I should just stick to playing with people that I like first and foremost.” With a quartet of like-minded friends in tow, Dead Child are ready to snap some necks “with big thrash breakdowns.” But the question remains: why, having already forged a successful niche as a well-respected original solo artist, has Pajo opted for such a dramatic change of scenery? “I think my solo stuff was too emotionally revealing,” he confesses. “It started to become too heavy for me to play it.

I just never look forward to playing these sad songs. With metal it’s easier, like ‘fuck it; we don’t have to show emotions, let’s just sing about our favourite horror movies.’ It’s not meant to be poetic music, it’s just supposed to be dark, but we’re not like Carcass or something. We’re dark but we’re not, like, disgusting.” THE DEBUT ALBUM ATTACK IS RELEASED ON 7 APR VIA QUARTERSTICK EXPECT TO SEE DEAD CHILD ON THESE SHORES EARLY SUMMER WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DEADCHILDMUSIC

METAL UP YOUR ASS!

by Jamie Borthwick

METALCORE CRASHES INTO IVORY BLACKS THIS MONTH WHEN THOSE OHIOAN LOBE PUNISHERS CHIMAIRA POP IN FOR A PINT ON THEIR STEAMROLLER Everyone has that special place where they remember seeing the best bands at their peak. Whether you saw Nirvana at Studio 24, Metallica at the Playhouse or Converge at Barfly; it's always the stage, the atmosphere and the lager that make band nights special. That in mind, many of the best underground metal shows seem to be centering on The Hive in Edinburgh just now, Ivory Blacks has returned in Glasgow and is looking to establish itself as the place to go for west coast heaviness, and Dexters in Dundee has attracted some excellent acts recently. So do yourself a favour and slam down to one of the following shows this month - see if you can write the next entry into the gig-goers canon.

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First up, in what’s sure to be a gran ol’ month, melodic punk from Pickled Dick at Dexters on Thursday 3 April. Then Saturday 5 April sees metalcore crashing into Ivory Blacks when those Ohioan lobe punishers Chimaira pop in for a pint on their steamroller. Classic metal is the name of the game with Kirk Hammett's old sparring partners Exodus, playing The Cathouse on Friday 11 April. Pick of The Hive in Edinburgh this April is Leeds progressive outfit Humanfly on Saturday, 19 April. They're touring with the fantastic Red Stars Parade and the pair of them will appear at O'Henry's in Glasgow on Sunday 20 April. More pop punk in the form of the superbly monikered Templeton Pek rounds off our April shower: they play Glasgow ABC on Saturday 26 April.

SOUNDS

SOUNDS FOALS: YANNIS SECOND FROM RIGHT

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APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

FAREWELL TO

The Whistling Gypsy

TRIPTYCH

Having just intercepted Andrew Bird, sipping gratefully on a cold beer backstage at a Glasgow show, the guy looks beat. Panda bear eyes, sweat gushing from his brow and his loosened tie cast midway down his half open shirt. But, as anyone who has borne witness to one of his frenzied live sets will testify: Bird is a performer to behold. Over almost ten albums in as many years, his violin-based sound, defined by his whistle solos and loop replication, has earned him a reputation as one of the most interesting and entertaining artists in his field. The Mysterious Production Of Eggs (2005) and last year’s Armchair Apocrypha in particular have taken the cast of singer songwriter and breathed new life into it, remoulding it into something more sophisticated than many of his peers: a brilliant blend of classic and contemporary. It’s surprising then, given the relative prolificness of his output, when he tells us the studio just ain’t for him.

THE END IS NIGH FOR SCOTLAND'S PREMIER SHOWCASE OF AVANT-GARDE MUSIC. PAUL MITCHELL TALKS UP A SWANSONG FOR ONE OF THE MORE INNOVATIVE FESTIVALS TO GRACE THESE ISLES IN THE LAST DECADE Triptych, from the beginning, set its stall by appealing to the more discerning music fan and the highlights over the years have been many. Speaking to The Skinny, Triptych co-programmer Paul Fegan cited a time when reggae legend Jimmy Cliff “broke into a verse of Johnny Too Bad in the post-screening Q&A of The Harder They Fall” as his personal highlight, exemplary of the hard-to-find moments it has offered over an eight season lifespan. Identifying a taste range to which the mainstream summer festival would not appeal, Triptych has fulfilled its promise to showcase the highlights of musical endeavour operating outwith standard corporate focus and mainstream media attention. Alumni from the past were a joy to behold. Maverick artists such as Karlheinz Stockhausen, Einstürzende Neubauten and Grace Jones were afforded the opportunity to display their wares. In this regard, Scotland, with a rich history of appreciation for a wide variety of musical tastes, was a fertile playground for such a groundbreaking forum. So it is with a heavy heart we bid Triptych adieu. Tennent’s are preparing themselves for a new initiative called Tennent’s Mutual. Details at the moment are sketchy, but check www.tennentsmutual.com after 15 April when all will be revealed. In the meantime, it goes without saying that this year’s festival still has much to offer across the three city showpiece, many of the acts featured are sufficiently high-calibre and musically innovative enough

to warrant serious interest. There’s no doubt that there’s many a good night out to be had at this year’s events, so get your tickets fast. American soul legend Candi Staton has been pencilled in as the ‘headline’ act. The 55 year old songstress is best known for her 1976 hit Young Hearts Run Free and 1990’s collaboration with The Source on the track You’ve Got the Love. As far as gospel and R&B are concerned, Candi’s where it’s at this year. And if it’s folk you’re after, then highlight of the weekend is probably the Edinburgh and Glasgow sets of Michael Hurley, Alela Diane and alt-country singer Grant Campbell. Diane, with banjo in hand and ethereal vocal delivery, is likely to be most appetite whetting of the three. It would also be remiss of you not to give Aberdeen’s Alan Davidson, aka Kitchen Cynics a whirl, edging as he does to the psychedelic side of folk, all on his own-io. Lo-ﬁ slacker-rock overlords Sebadoh also loll into town this year. Fronted by Dinosaur Jr progenitor Lou Barlow, the psychedelic outﬁt are playing just one gig, in the Classic Grand. If you can’t get tickets to that, check out the sonically profound Dirty Projectors instead. The Brooklyn-based rock experimentalists have been polite enough to play all three cities for this year’s festival, and we should return the favour by catching their thoughtful set of reconstructed Black Flag numbers at least once. And though the line-up is forged away from the mainstream, there are always going to be curios even among the

curios. Human Bell, “a Baltimore dyad whose bewitching guitar patterns are further enriched by vibraphones, marimbas, and space” are as much an art installation as a music act. Triptych has always endeavoured to give local talent its head when organising this festival. Sometimes it’s felt that this was an act of unnecessary charity when the locals looked out of place against the calibre of international talent on display. Not so this year, when we have possibly the strongest home-grown line up of the festival’s recent history. Romantic philosopher Aidan Moffat (he of Arab Strap) has teamed up with another member of the Falkirk massive, avantegarde jazz groover Bill Wells, to sound like a match made in heaven. Meantime, not to be outdone, Malcolm Middleton (he, also, of Arab Strap) performs his pensive pop on the same billing as Glasgow’s own post-rocking godfathers Mogwai. Throw the Beck/Beta Band-friendly weird pop of FOUND plus their Fence Collective brethren into that mix, as well as the ‘new soul’ might of Jamie Lidell, prodigious Chicagoan troubadour Andrew Bird and the emotive power of Selkirk’s Frightened Rabbit and we’ve got many a reason to get hell out the house and give this ﬁne festival one last salute come the end of April. TRIPTYCH TAKES PLACE ACROSS ABERDEEN, EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW ON 25-28 APR. FOR FULL EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW EVENT DETAILS SEE OUR LISTINGS. FURTHER SHOW INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM WWW.TRIPTYCHFESTIVAL.COM

The

Lidell Pleasures 2001

2002

2003

Triptych, which took its name from the musical term meaning three compositions linked by a uniting theme, was launched and touted as the music fan’s music festival; an underground respite from the sprawling T in the Park. The ﬁ rst acts to grace the tri-city festival included Lee Scratch Perry, Teenage Fanclub and Jarvis Cocker.

With a now established reputation for bringing the innovative, the exciting and the esoteric to Scotland’s normally ‘safe’ live music scene, Triptych’s sophomore year saw performances from jazz guitarist Terry Callier, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and legendary avant-gardist Philip Glass.

In its third incarnation, Triptych seemed to gain in stature without forgetting its outsider status. As well as showcasing a ‘reunion’ show for Sly & Robbie and Grace Jones, and hosting mercurial rapper Roots Manuva, the organisers also put on a free gig for an unsigned band called Franz Ferdinand.

SPEAKING TO JAMIE LIDELL AHEAD OF THE RELEASE OF HIS NEW ALBUM AND TRIPTYCH DATES THIS MONTH, ALLY BROWN TRACES THE ZEITGEIST’S RENEWED INFATUATION WITH SOUL BACK TO THE REAL JIM SHADY

2004 Now expanded from three to ﬁve days and nights, Triptych treated Scottish musos to another divergent instalment, with everyone from Fairport Convention to Four Tet turning up. Other memorable events included appearances by Rolling Stones svengali Andrew Loog Oldham and post-punk pioneers Wire.

“This was a typical chaotic show where nothing is working right before you’re supposed to play and you have to rewire everything. And, yourself, you’re wired too. So that translates to your songs. I end up singing a lot higher and louder and it ends up being as far from studio recording as you can get.”

“I’ve never felt fully comfortable with recording. I feel more comfortable on that wild stage than I ever do in a controlled studio. I’m not a knob twiddler who likes sitting in the basement for hours. I dread it to be honest.”

VIOLINIST, WHISTLER, SONGWRITER EXTRAORDINAIRE. ANDREW BIRD HAS GOT THE MIDAS TOUCH. IN THE BUILD UP TO HIS HOTLY ANTICIPATED TRIPTYCH PERFORMANCE LATER THIS MONTH, FINBARR BERMINGHAM CAUGHT UP WITH A KNACKERED BIRD POST-SET, TO TRY AND DRAG A FEW WORDS OUT OF HIM... At the moment it seems anyone with a wobbly croon or a horn section is being tagged a “soul” star, as PR-pushers swarm to cash in on ‘the Amy effect’. First to ﬂy in Ms Winehouse’s slipstream have been Adele and Duffy, who’ve both received massive industry hype and both obliged with huge sales. But what we’re really seeing here, perhaps, is the aftershock of one of 2005’s best records, released on Warp: Jamie Lidell’s Multiply. “I kinda predicted all this back in 2005, didn’t I? I want some of those Grammys Amy!” Jamie quips from his home in Berlin after giving his thoughts on Britsoul’s most visible star: “I like Amy, she’s got something about her. Unfortunately the celebrity thing has taken over, it just seems like too much too soon.” OK, so its unlikely that any Warp-released record could have such an effect on the multiplatinum buying mainstream market, but

2005 Triptych celebrated its fi fth birthday by luring two of contemporary music’s most influential figures to our fair land of Irn Bru and haggis for rare shows: the late German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen and post-bop funkateer and Miles Davis’s sidekick! - Herbie Hancock.

the critical love and small-scale commercial success of Multiply has now led to Jim: Jamie Lidell’s third solo album and one that could easily spawn some summertime radio hits. Lidell agrees there’s a wee chance: “It is radiofriendly, but I’ve got realistic expectations about how it might do. Warp are always going to be underdogs there [the charts]. A lot of this current soul thing is that they’re all ladies so perhaps there’s a window there for me.” He continues, “I’ve kept Jim more bracketed as a bunch of songs, kept it all together, it’s more about old-fashioned songwriting. I think it’s very focused: it’s short and fat-free but vitaminenriched!” To rewind slightly, it’s worth noting that Lidell wasn’t always a soul man - at least, not to the outside world. Initially he was one-half of IDM duo Super_Collider, before similar early demos of his own caught illustrious

2006 Artist/doodler David Shrigley gave Triptych a striking new image in 2006 but it was the music, as ever, that set the festival apart. The highlight for many was Aphex Twin’s solo laptop set at the Barrowlands, but that year you could also catch Kool Keith (autographing porno mags from the stage, no less), A Certain Ratio, Belle & Sebastian and Arab Strap. Not bad.

Despite having a bachelor’s degree in violin performance to ﬁle alongside his hugely impressive list of collaborators and associates (ranging from My Morning Jacket to Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy), Bird’s attitude suggests neither rockstar nor virtuoso. Instead, he comes across as some sort of nomadic busker; his lackadaisical conversation at odds with his frantic stage persona, his lust for the road harking back to a romantic age of performance all but swallowed up by acquisition hungry record corporates. Some musicians dread touring; Bird however is “sadly addicted to it.” attention. “Muddlin’ Gear came about because Squarepusher heard it and thought I should put it out on Warp”, he says of his solo debut. “I’ve always been into soul, but you have to choose what you release. Electronic music can easily be released on a white label. I was a soul man with Super_Collider but it was Sex Machine meets Man Machine, and now it’s just Sex Machine! Handing in Multiply was a bit of a shocker for Warp, they weren’t sure about it, but once the money started rolling in they were much happier!” In addition to Jim’s late-April release, Lidell will also be arriving in Scotland for two live dates as part of Triptych. His live reputation is quite something, but for this round of touring he has decided to try something new. “For the last 6 years I’ve been playing solo, building up my songs on my own, being spontaneous, improvising it all. I actually programmed my

“Anything can happen in a performance,” he explains wearily, “even if it’s a disaster, I enjoy the situation it creates.” Bird does little to banish the quixotic self portrait he has thus far painted when quizzed on his extra curricular activities. “I just like to ride my bike,” comes the dreamy response. “When I get time off, I just wanna take off across the Mid-West for a few days, me and the open road, just riding.” As we speak, Wilco, famous sons of Bird’s hometown Chicago, are playing in the background. “I really like Wilco; I’m a massive fan of Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting.” But as the conversation turns to his compatriots’ commercial activity, Bird the Wilco fan is replaced by Bird the all whistling, all cycling conversationalist: Tweedy and co struck a deal with Volkswagen last year which gave the German company the rights to use six songs from their Sky Blue Sky album in car commercials. “I have publicly vowed not to do a car commercial because we’re against car culture,” his forehead is instantly ploughed into furrows at the very thought. “I think people ought to get on their bikes more. It’s good that bands are being given a hard time for it: I don’t think it should be accepted. Touring all the time, travelling on buses and planes spewing out exhaust fumes - this general wastefulness in our culture is wrong. And I think religions which have been abandoned should be replaced by conservation. Whatever we put into that should become a cultural thing, not just this faddish ‘green’ stuff.” Needless to say, he wasn’t invited to the inaugural Live Earth fiasco in London last year. Indeed, a brief mention of it leaves him shaking his head in disgust. Bird, it seems, is happy waging his own war. He takes the stage for one of the final shows at the final Triptych Festival at the Classic Grand on April 27, an opportunity to see the Birdman in his natural habitat that should not be missed. ANDREW BIRD PLAYS CLASSIC GRAND, GLASGOW ON 27 APR WWW.ANDREWBIRD.NET

own software to allow me to construct and undo and rework the music live. It’s really electronic and fresh: beatboxing and mixing all the elements together. But I can’t face all that now! It became a comfort zone for me and that’s not a good place to be. So now I’ve got a 4-piece band, including a guy who plays two saxophones at once. So it’s gonna be fun, more of what I did before but integrated into the live band set-up.” Finally, it seems prudent to ask, why use such a modest album title as Jim? “I’m shy of adding big statements to things, and it’s also partly a piss-take on how everything gets over-analysed these days. I am just a normal person, and I think album titles can be pretentious. Jim - it’s a part of me isn’t it? I’m the real Jim Shady!” JAMIE LIDELL PLAYS THE TRAMWAY, GLASGOW ON 25 APR, AND THE LIQUID ROOM, EDINBURGH ON 26 APR JIM IS RELEASED ON 28 APR VIA WARP

2007

2008

Last year saw arguably the most daring Triptych line-up ever, with minimalist composer Terry Riley, German chanteuse Ute Lemper, original industrialists Einsturzende Neubaten, New York punk-funk tearaway James Chance and the aptly-named Funkmasters. Newer talents CSS, Ratatat and Black Lips also got a run-out.

And now, the end is near... But the collective grief of the discerning Scottish music community is at least soothed by the prospect of one last Triptych blowout. The usual balance between the established - Mogwai, The RZA, Candi Staton - and the emergent Dirty Projectors, Frightened Rabbit, Errors - will ensure a ﬁtting ﬁ nale.

The Ill Communication AT 26, ADAM GREEN IS THE YOUNGEST OLD HAND AROUND. HOWEVER, AS A LONG-SERVING FLAG FLYER FOR THE ANTIFOLK MOVEMENT, HE ONLY RECENTLY RECEIVED MAINSTREAM RECOGNITION FOR HIS EFFORTS AS A MOLDY PEACH, VIA THE SOUNDTRACK TO HIT INDIE FLICK JUNO. TOBIAS KAHN TALKS TO GREEN AHEAD OF HIS SOLO DATE IN GLASGOW THIS MONTH

"I feel this is stage three of what I’ve been doing,” Adam Green muses, “you can see how much the substance - what I’m made off - has changed.” For many performers, such talk of transformation is regularly dismissed as hyperbole and self-importance; but for Green, founding member of influential anti-folkers the Moldy Peaches and solo artist in his own right, it’s a legitimate attempt to rationalize an impressive body of work. Starting with lo-fi home recording in his teenage years, moving through the twisted, orchestral backed folk of Friends of Mine, and passing via the early rock and roll sound of Gemstones, followed by the bombastic Jacket Full of Danger; his present style reflects years of development. The New York songwriter is enjoying this artistic maturity too. His latest record, Sixes & Sevens, has twenty tracks and clocks in at a fairly lengthy 50 minutes. “In the past I had three weeks to record an album, I recorded this in a year and a half,” he explains. “I’ve sat with it so long that I’m very comfortable.” A sense of security is certainly evident as he skips between genres with ease: some songs roll with 1970s swagger while others stutter, stop and start again at their own charmingly counter-intuitive pace. The lush production of Sixes & Sevens includes a Brooklyn gospel

choir that pops up throughout the record and fills what Green describes as “an open space, ‘cause I sing low most of the time.” Most notable, however, are the more stripped back numbers such as Cannot Get Sicker, Exp. 1 and Drowning Head First - featuring a duet with his girlfriend - which recalls a Moldy Peaches vibe that it seems, up until this point, Green has been eager to avoid in his solo material. “I think a large part of recording Friends of Mine, Gemstones and Jacket Full of Danger was an attempt to kill indie rock for myself,” he concedes, “but now I’m not so angry about making this type of music.” This is a lucky development, considering the recent and overdue thrusting of the Moldy Peaches into the limelight with the release of hit film Juno, where the duet Anyone Else but You not only features in the soundtrack but is also sung on screen by stars Michael Cera and Ellen Page. “They’re two of my favorite actors at the moment; I was actually stunned when it was proposed that they would sing one of our songs,” says Green excitedly. But is it strange for a song he recorded so early in his career to become many peoples’ introduction to his work? “It’s a little displacing but I welcome any kind of interest people have in any song I’ve written.” In Adam Green’s universe, pathos sits quite

comfortably with humour and profanity. Much like the enigmatic Jens Lekman, it can be difficult to tell when he is and isn’t winking. When Green proposes that the backing band he recently played with in Nashville “was mostly comprised of Bob Dylan’s old band from the Blonde on Blonde era; the guys that were dead were replaced by Elvis’ old band,” there’s no change in his tone to indicate he’s kidding (he isn’t, you know – Ed).

go and find a sandy home and move in,” he chuckles. “I remember I used to have a teacher in school who moved there,” adding earnestly: “I think he was pretty smart.” Smart obviously matters to Green and there’s a sense that, while in conversation, you’re occasionally missing what he's trying to communicate. It's fortunate, then, that a growing number of fans are willing to meet him half way. SIXES AND SEVENS IS OUT NOW VIA ROUGH TRADE

Talking about the future, however, Green finally cracks. “I think I’ll go to Hawaii: just

ADAM GREEN PLAYS ORAN MOR, GLASGOW ON 10 APR WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ADAMGREEN1

Empire Strikes Back ALEC EMPIRE, PROLIFIC PRODUCER AND DJ THAT HE IS, REMAINS BEST KNOWN AS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF BERLIN-BASED DIGITAL HARDCORE GROUP ATARI TEENAGE RIOT. PAUL MITCHELL SPEAKS TO A MAN HELLBENT ON AVOIDING THE PAST “When I look through the majority of the British music press it seems almost backwards in its approach. It’s the tradition of British pop and rock which weighs so heavily on people’s shoulders that there’s no room for progress.” Alec Empire casts his eye over the state of the scene here in Britain. “You open up a magazine and you see these four boys and they talk about the Beatles being their inspiration and all that. I cannot stand them, it sounds like they all went to the same guitar school. It’s quite a shame because the UK has always been so important for Europe in terms of giving an impulse and coming up with new innovations in pop music. I think over the past years they have lost that part of it. The Berlin scene is so avant-garde it inspires me more.” Empire, prolific producer and DJ that he is, remains best known as a founding member of Berlin-based digital hardcore group Atari Teenage Riot - fusing hardcore techno with less than subtle political overtones. Antifascist, anti-Nazi and anti-capitalist agendas have littered his previous work, but with latest offering The Golden Foretaste of Heaven, Empire realised “that I have changed so much that I wanted to get another side of me out there for people to see. I think on my DHR

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

stuff there was one side of me that people saw that maybe took over who I really am. I’m still political and I’ll always make a political point when I feel I need to. For this record I wanted to go a different way, but people can still access my old music and I don’t feel the messages are outdated. When I make political records there is a general approach which is almost like a world view and not anything specific. It’s more like a philosophy so it works over a longer period of time somehow. I don’t feel the need to repeat myself and say the things that I’ve said in the past." Empire has returned to Berlin, still unusually situated in both Western and Eastern Europe - “People from these parts listen to music with completely different ears,” - to get the inspiration for his latest offering The Golden Foretaste of Heaven, released on his new label Eat Your Heart Out. “The whole rock 'n' roll thing has come to a standstill. I’ve always listened to that stuff, even when I was doing techno in the nineties. I think the model of how these songs are written are outdated and almost a relic of the last century, but that’s just a personal opinion of mine. In electronic music at least the option is there for different sound approaches, different

production techniques. People in general are into experimentation a bit more, even if they’re just making pop music. The option is there to change things. With rock music it seems it’s more about trying to preserve something which has long gone. People are trying to hold on to ideas which were right at some point but maybe not anymore.” Playfully, Empire has used his sleeve notes to describe his new album as ‘indie rock’. Surely he's not mellowed that much? “Well, I try to think outside the limits of a genre and just do what I feel is right. It’s a problem with the industry in general when people sit down and ask ‘Can we market this?’ ‘Can we play this song on the radio?’ I think the music industry should just trust its gut feeling more, rather than make assumptions of certain target audiences that may not actually exist. It’s actually very rare that people only listen to one certain genre anyway. So, it was an ironic comment about the state of the industry. I think there’s much more to my music and to me as a person than just a screaming guy.” THE GOLDEN FORETASTE OF HEAVEN IS OUT NOW VIA EAT YOUR HEART OUT WWW.ALEC-EMPIRE.COM

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APRIL 08

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Frightened Rabbit HAVING HOPPED FROM THEIR DARK BURROW INTO THE BIG, WIDE WORLD, GLASGOW’S FRIGHTENED RABBIT ARE READY TO BRING THEIR LIVE SHOW TO A HUTCH NEAR YOU, NICK MITCHELL FINDS

Grant in the New York apartment of the band’s American tour manager, recovering from a night of Dionysian excess with compatriots Sons and Daughters. Over the phone he certainly sounds fatigued, and a little interrogation confirms that they’re all “feeling a bit fragile.” Frightened Rabbit kicked off their American jaunt at this year’s industry showcase South By Southwest, and Grant says the reaction has been strong so far: “They just love anything Scottish over here, you know? They all think they have Scottish ancestry. And they love the accent when we go on stage and introduce ourselves. It’s difficult because the album’s not out yet, but when we’ve played live everyone’s been enjoying it.” With The Midnight Organ Fight’s unpretentious alt.folk styling, Frightened Rabbit were almost ready-made for American success. Whereas first album Sing The Greys was more of a straight-up indie rocker - and basically the re-packaged version of their demo tracks - the follow-up is a finely crafted, musically rich album that was graced by Interpol/The National producer Peter Katis. “He has his own sound that you can hear on the records he’s made,” Grant says. “To be honest he’s the first producer we’ve worked with. Sing The Greys was just us. But having Peter there worked really well for us. We’re happier with the second album because it’s what we knew we could eventually do.”

When The Skinny first spoke to Frightened Rabbit’s Grant Hutchison last year his band were still lurking behind a seemingly intentional cloak of enigma. No surnames given; sparse MySpace; hoodie-clad in their few publicity pictures – it all seemed like some subversive, anti-commercial gameplan. But, on the eve of the release of The Midnight Organ Fight, their second-ish album,

Frightened Rabbit have stepped further into the public domain and, though they may not be the cultural terrorists we took them for, the Glasgow-based Borderers are the latest in the line of fine bands to emerge from Scotland’s burgeoning music scene. And it’s indicative of their progress from local oddities to indie favourites that we now find

JACK WADDINGTON

They’re Alright JACK WADDINGTON

But it’s not likely to be the music that resides in your memory after a first listen: it’s the battering-ram lyrics delivered by Grant’s brother Scott. The biographical nature of his writing is barely concealed (Floating in the Forth portrays a clear-minded contemplation of suicide), although he does twist his personal sagas into gloriously vivid metaphor. It’s just his way of dealing with it, Grant says: “He finds that that’s really the only way that he can talk about his feelings. He doesn’t bring these change have already been sewn, but not by the labels. Nope, it's by the artists themselves - with bands like Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails and The Charlatans bypassing traditional methods in order to distribute directly to fans while generating a rain of positive press. Such established behemoths may have little to lose but these innovative techniques are beginning to percolate into the mindsets of today’s young pups – none more so than Florida born popcooers Black Kids. The group’s ebullient debut EP, The Wizard of Ahhhs, was released for free via the band’s website last year to a blizzard of praise; when The Skinny catches up with founding members Reggie Youngblood, Owen Holmes and Kevin Snow, it finds the trio in bullish mood about the industry’s current plight.

BILLY HAMILTON MET UP WITH FLORIDA POP-COOERS BLACK KIDS TO FIND OUT EXACTLY HOW A FLEDGLING TRANSATLANTIC ACT SURVIVES IN 2008 If you haven’t heard, the music industry is on its knees. Major labels EMI and Warner had a disastrous 2007, with the former’s share price dropping 72% from 2005 and the latter culling its hefty infrastructure by 1,800 staff and 400 artists (a move which may provide a considerable upshot if Robbie Williams carries out his threat to strike), while a number of smaller labels have had no option but to fold. And who gets the blame for this sorry state of affairs? Yes, you've guessed it - you. According to a recent governmental report, there’s an estimated 6 million illegal

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

downloaders in the UK. If each of these, let’s call them superhighway pilferers, paid the high-street price of £15 for just one album every year it would equate to annual takings of £90 million: a not-so-insignificant sum that’s no doubt multiplied many times over. Some say this is merely a balance redress of industryfixed inequalities that have seen consumers fleeced to their last penny for years. Yet, despite this weighty argument, one thing is clear: change has got to come and it has to come quick. The strange thing is that the seeds of this

“I think one of the main reasons downloading is rampant is because the music industry has let a lot of shit slide by on to the public,” claims front man Reggie. “I used to be an avid record buyer - I’d even get records that I didn’t know the slightest thing about - but if you’ve been burned a couple of times you just think: ‘Fuck, I’ll download it to see what it’s like.’ I’m not going to get put out if people download our record as I expect we’ll make our money out of live shows in the future.” With CD sales on the slide and bands learning to survive on ticket sales and merchandising instead, it’s an approach that will no doubt see Black Kids flourish in the future but, without the pre-release hype generated by a label, wasn’t it a daring move for such a fledgling group to undertake? “To us it seemed really obvious – it should be the only stance young bands take,” says drummer Kevin. “Typically people don’t know new bands and aren’t really all that interested. We just thought it would be the best way to get our music out there and get people sharing it with each other. I think in future we’ll still

things up with people in general conversation. If he needs to get over something he puts it in a song. There are some songs where it’s about being in love, then the next one is ‘fuck you’. It’s in real-time almost - the way it flows. Scott writes about exactly how he’s feeling at that moment in time, which is quite strange when you’re his brother in the band and you find out about these things!” Having taken their music to the Yanks, Frightened Rabbit are now focusing on their homeland. The privileged few who have already seen them in full flow will know that they are one of the most exciting live acts around; now expanded to a quartet, they belie their woolly image with strafing guitar and scatter-bomb drums. Do they consciously try to distance themselves from the record on stage? “Of course we want people to recognise the songs - we’re not gonna come out and start playing them in 7/8 time. But live and recorded are completely different things. I’ve never bought a ticket for a gig expecting to go and hear the album. I could just put the CD on in the house and play it really loud if I wanted that. You’ve got to put on some kind of a show for people that they’ll remember; so they feel part of something special. The worst thing for me would be for people to say ‘they’re alright’. I’d prefer if they went home and said ‘they were shit - they did this, they did that’. But for people to say ‘they were OK’, that’s the worst.” With Frightened Rabbit due to make their Triptych debut this month, terms of indifference like ‘alright’ and ‘OK’ are unlikely to be heard post-gig. The band, like the festival itself, are no dwellers of the middle ground. FRIGHTENED RABBIT PLAY CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH ON 13 APR, THE GRV, EDINBURGH ON 24 APR AND TRIPTYCH @ THE TRAMWAY, GLASGOW ON 26 APR. THE MIDNIGHT ORGAN FIGHT IS RELEASED ON 14 APR VIA FATCAT. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/FRIGHTENEDRABBIT

try and get freebies out but we need to pay the bills and I guess that’s what it comes down to really.” Now signed to Almost Gold recordings, the band – who started out as a faith-based act before, as Reggie puts it, “over-compensating by trying to be in a very cool band” - have been steadily laying down tracks for their debut longplayer with ex-Suede guitarist-cum-producer Bernard Butler. So how did it feel to work with such an esteemed (yet notoriously difficult) luminary? “Oh he was a total sweetheart,” chuckles bassist Owen before Reggie teasingly chips in: “Yeah, only if you don’t mind profanity and him groping and harassing you. If you can get by those things and get it into your head that it’s for the good of the band that he’s copping a feel then you’re fine. The girls are safe though – not sure why that is.” Despite Butler’s wandering hands, it’s easy to see why Black Kids appeal to him: there’s an effeminate slenderness to perky pop jaunts like Hurricane Jane and Hit The Heartbreaks. Reggie, however, is eager to stress there’s more than just one factor at work in their doe-eyed arrangements: “In every previous group we were modelling ourselves after something else but now every musical influence we’ve listened to since we were children has been included we’ve not left anything out. Everything from New Edition to bullshit hair-rock with a little hip-hop has been stirred into the mix. Basically we’re raping and pillaging everything we can get our hands on to make something new.” The music industry may be undergoing a rapid transformation but it’s reassuring to know that some things will never, ever change.

BLACK KIDS PLAY KING TUT’S, GLASGOW ON 4 JUN AND T IN THE PARK, BALADO ON 13 JUL THE SINGLE, I’M NOT GONNA TEACH YOUR KIDS HOW TO DANCE WITH YOU IS RELEASED ON 7 APR VIA MERCURY

SOUNDS

SOUNDS WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

LIVE REVIEWS EDINBURGH NEIL YOUNG

THE PLAYHOUSE, 3 MAR

rrrr When the coyote howls and clamouring from an audience of besotted, mainly middle-aged men gets too much for Canadian legend Neil Young on this rare Scottish date, he jokingly cowers away from the spotlight he has known so well for over three decades. For the first hour, it’s just us, Young, six of his most treasured pieces of wood, a piano and his trusty harmonica, as he glides through selections from his irrepressible ‘70s songbook, the best of which emerge as Old Man and After the Goldrush. Young, now 62, is then joined by his band to crank up the decibel level, in no time proving he can still rock with the very best of them. More recent songs brim with vitality; the thudding, grungey riffs of Dirty Old Man in particular. But, drenched in glorious feedback, Down by the River, Powderfinger and Hey, Hey, My, My proves to be the winning salvo from an ultimately stellar two-and-a-half hour performance. [Neil Riddell] WWW.NEILYOUNG.COM

THE FUTUREHEADS THE LIQUID ROOM, 2 MAR

rrr Having patented the style, The Futureheads do barbershop punk better than anyone even if there is precious little longevity in such a musical straitjacket. So let’s get the inevitable it-all-sounds-a-bitsimilar gripe out the way and get on with the gig in hand. Decent Days and Nights is a nought to sixty in zero seconds opener, with singer Barry Hyde doing his best maniacal glare and guitarist Ross Millard hurling his instrument within inches of the ceiling. The disclosure of their first new material since the overly cerebral News and Tributes suggests a return to the zip of their debut. Think is a typically pugilistic offering, Hard To Bear is a good broken-hearts song and The Beginning of the Twist is already a crowd-pleaser. The Futureheads’ own neck-dwelling albatross is, of course, Hounds of Love, but they introduce it in perfectly deceptive fashion as “a cover now... Deep Purple’s Smoke On the Water”. A witty evening then, but - and this can’t be left unsaid a second time it does all sound a bit similar. [Nick Mitchell] THe Beginning oF THe TwisT IS RELEASED ON 10 MAR THeFuTureHeadscMs. TriniTysTreeTdirecT.coM

AMPLIFICO

CLUB EGO, 1 MAR

rrrr Opening proceedings tonight, Chris Bradley (rr) and chums are dogged by sound trouble, so much so that

Bradley’s acoustic guitar playing is rendered inaudible throughout the first track. although the set itself is punctuated with loud bangs from the PA whenever an electronic connection falters, the local troubadour’s own brand of soft country rock is warmly received regardless. Aberfeldy (rrr) suffer a similar fate. The quintet’s dependable, happygo-lucky indie-pop is delivered with the gusto Edinburgh crowds have come to love and expect, but the distractions of the faulty sound gear again upsets the tempo to dramatic effect. carrying on regardless, Talk Me Round is a particular highlight which helps to keep a restless crowd on side. With an expectant and by now vociferous crowd at this launch party for their album See Hear t See Muscle, Amplifico deliver their own brand of melodic but fun-loving rock with an enthusiasm to match Riley Briggs and company. As those pesky KT Tunstall comparisons won’t seem to shift, the band take it upon themselves to prove they are about much more than some are giving them credit for. Instead of playing their hand too early, however, the trio lead us through some of their simpler numbers, Open our eyes, Baby Baby, and Just To Pause This before they play their aces. For the booze addled blues of Filthy the group are joined onstage by the brass section of local ska hoodlums Bombskare; feet move and hips sway. Logic Kills The Fire is punctuated brilliantly by Ross Kilgour’s dark, edgy guitar work, while Donna Maciocia’s vocals occasionally hit the kind of notes that were previously frequented by Freddy Mercury. as First Time on The airwaves comes to its dramatic finale, there’s a clear sense of accomplishment in the air and a pervading feeling that the ‘Fico’s time might finally have come. [neal Parsons] aMPLiFico suPPorT nizLoPi aT THe TunneLs, aBerdeen on 20 aPr and King TuT’s, gLasgow on 21 aPr cHris BradLey PLays: Voodoo rooMs, edinBurgH on 8 aPr and 8 May caBareT VoLTaire, edinBurgH on 12 APR THe arK, edinBurgH on 13 aPr Henry’s ceLLar Bar, edinBurgH on 21 May WWW.MYSPACE.COM/AMPLIFICO WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ cHrisBradLeyMusic WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ aBerFeLdyTHeBand

GLASGOW DEAD MEADOW KING TUT’S, 3 MAR

Youthmovies (rrrr) are setting up their equipment at King Tut’s; the sound guy is sweating, running to organize numerous instruments for the group. They erupt on the stage, mutating the room’s energy and the previously passive audience becomes completely malleable putty in the hands of this oxford quintet. Distortion is layered upon it-

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

NEIL YOUNG JOHN LEWIS

YEASAYER EUAN ANDERSON

self as guitarist Al English dances from pedal to pedal, and controlled blasts surge from a trumpet. Often citing Sonic Youth as a major influence, their sound is even more multi-faceted: sharp and concise, yet equally animated and daring. They might be opening for dead Meadow on this particular tour, but this performance bodes well for future headline gigs. As Dead Meadow (rrr) begin their set, one thing is abundantly clear: drummer Stephen McCarty has cultivated a really boss moustache since he last set foot on these shores. However, facial hair irrelevances aside, the band’s musical stage presence lacks a bit of luster. Their predilection is towards grungy rock that pays homage to many a Southern rock group, interspersed with psychedelic, swirling guitar riffs akin to Widespread Panic and Pink Floyd. The laid-back performance is nicely contrasted with Jason Simon’s smoky, monotone vocals and the trio’s coarse, trippy melodies. Garnering lengthy ‘whoo-hoos’ from the King Tut’s audience and a sweaty front row in particular, it appears Dead Meadow can nevertheless hold their own against all comparisons to produce their own, individual sound. [Beth Malone]

too many samba freakouts to talk the crowd down from impending ecstasy. Cedric - tonight resembling a dishevelled Diana Ross - tirelessly shakes and shimmies while compatriot Omar wrings his axe free of demons, but they’re hogging all the fun. A late appearance of Drunkship of Lanterns strikes a mean between the Volta’s strengths and self-indulgences, but it’s never enough to justify this endurance test. epic? Too right. Virtuosos? in league with Hendrix, mate. so it’s a major frustration that they also dabble in ‘bloody tedious’. [Johnny Langlands] www.MysPace.coM/THeMarsVoLTa

FOALS

QMU, 10 MAR

rrr It seemed like almost everyone was thoroughly bored with dancepunk... until Foals came along. There’s no ennui at QMu; this is one enthused crowd. Directly after the second supporting act people are actually chanting - and it’s not like the stage crew are taking a long time. Foals’ debut record is dark,

intense and powerful, and tonight the band matches that mood. Their guitarist is a frenetic mass of seizure-esqe motion while frontman Yannis Philippakis stands stationary and looks like he’s about to bite off the microphone and spit it into the sea of flailing bodies. Foals have managed to forge a unique and exciting aesthetic in a scene glutted with insipid knockoffs, and this audience dances and bounds as if to say: “This is the sound we’ve been waiting for.” However, it’s a good thing the set ends after an hour, because even if the initial shock of their sound is radical, it’s not deviating much from song to song. And by the end, it’s verging on monotonous. [Tobias Kahn] WWW.MYSPACE.COM/FOALS

MGMT

THE BEAT CLUB, 29 FEB

rrr The use of the acronym in band nomenclature has a chequered history. For every successful deployment as a less verbose alternative (the odds on Anni-Frid-Benny-Bjorn-Agnetha scoring 9 UK number ones would

undoubtedly be long) there are half a dozen misguided also-rans, guaranteed to leave you squeamish upon unscrambling (Epsom Mad Funkers anyone?). Brooklyn duo MgMT – boasting the same syllable count as their former guise The Management – fall somewhere in between. Slightly more mysterious, a tad less authoritative, but going by some of the organisational nous behind their debut Scottish show in Glasgow tonight, decidedly inappropriate. after scoffing at the hoards of behooded bairns queuing in the rain for The dykeenies across the road at the aBc, the first intimation of poor administration comes with the news that MgMT would not be taking the stage until midnight. Set opener Weekend Wars is one of the highlights of MgMT’s album, but as it’s jangly acoustics are drowned out by an understandably pissed-up Friday night crowd, the second indication of misguidance is unveiled. The plush new Beat Club may look nice, but the sound just ain’t up to scratch. Next time out, maybe MgMT should try and negotiate a primetime slot at King Tut’s.

www.MysPace.coM/youTHMoVies WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DEADMEADOW

THE MARS VOLTA ACADEMY, 12 MAR

rr “Ah wish they’d cut oot the foreplay!” a frustrated pilgrim cries from the Academy’s salivating throng. Rarely are the Mars Volta accused of blowing their load early, but when they kick this gig off with a 10 minute long rendition of Roulette Dares, it’s a thing of rare immediacy in the context of the three hour prog-a-thon to follow. For every moment they ease up on the cosmic noodling and let the lightning out of the bottle, (see Goliath and Ouroborous), there are half a dozen

THE MARS VOLTA JOHN LEWIS

SOUNDS

Nonetheless, a restless, sold-out venue needs appeasing and with a workmanlike rendition of their debut album Oracular Spectacular, they just about succeed. Five minutes into the set, MGMT make acquaintance with their strongest ally of the night and ultimately, the main component to their success: noise. A quick kick of a bass drum and an upping of the pace proves an effective conversation killer and reminds the crowd why they’ve come. If an early rendition of crowd pleaser Time To Pretend alleviates the fidgety atmosphere, then lead singer Andrew VanWyngarden takes full advantage, aping glam demi-God Marc Bolan on a stomping, ramshackle take on The Handshake. And as long as the cacophony continues, the duo do no wrong. The empyreal Kids has a galvanising effect, as the erstwhile largely inanimate New Yorkers descend into a loose and rumbustious cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit. Although the palpably poor acoustics grate when given the chance (on downpaced Pieces Of What), scuppering any designs on the oracular or the spectacular, this, on their Scottish bow, is certainly a job well done. [Finbarr Bermingham]

YEASAYER

KING TUT’S, 8 MAR

rrrr

ORACULAR SPECTACULAR IS OUT NOW

Brooklyn’s Yeasayer treat a bustling Tut’s to vocal harmonies lifted straight from the Fleetwood Mac copybook tonight. Many of their numbers sound like said band’s Tusk, but riddled with samples. “This is work / this is business,” lead singer Chris Keating informs the crowd before he and the band set off into the beautifully hypnotic strains of single Waiting for the Summer. There is nothing workmanlike about the delivery of their wares, however: on 2080 guitarist Anand Wilder produces excellently restrained and mystical guitar work like Ravi Shankar at his best. The crowd are bouncing now, singing along to every glorious word and going so far as to hum each jazz fill emanating from Ira Wolf Tuton’s bass. Although some of these interstellar jams could be drawn out longer, it would never be in keeping with the ‘Sayer’s pop aesthetic. Regardless, the quartet sounds more organic and feels more approachable than on record, enough so to keep this crowd well within their grasp. [Neal Parsons]

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MGMT

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/YEASAYER

FOALS JOHN LEWIS

PREVIEWS EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

DIRTY PROJECTORS

FUTURE OF THE LEFT

Dave Longstreth is nothing if not obscure. A Yale dropout with a history of dazzling sonic conceptualisations to his name, Dirty Projectors’ 2007 release, Rise Above, was a stirring reprisal of its awkward honcho’s favourite Black Flag LP Damaged. Littered with wiggling melodies and three-part harmonies, its challenging rhythmic twirls corroded the grey matter of hypnotised listeners and scuffled almost unnoticed on to many a critic’s end of year hitlist. Live, the band encapsulate the record’s intricate components with remarkable ease, adding to it a depth that fingers the African spindling of Peter Gabriel and slivers across the rarely chartered canyon of avant-garde jazz. Such labyrinthic arrangements can, of course, mystify at times, but so resolute is Longstreth’s dedication to his art that it’s difficult not to be swept away by the sea of on-stage aural mastery. Obscure? No doubt. Breathtaking? Absolutely. [Billy Hamilton]

Rising ashen-faced from the embers of Mclusky and Jarcrew, Future Of The Left dropped a huge bloodstained masonry block into the stagnant waters of rock last year with debut album Curses. A cloth-eared public collectively shrugged and carried on having a paddle anyway. If you like your pop music to sound as if it’s being hog-tied and gang-banged by three Welsh blokes armed with power tools and indelible maniacal grins slapped on their faces then FOTL could prove to be your raison d’etre. Previous live shows have bore witness to a thunderous work-through of Curses, but with the work ethic of singer Andy ‘Falco’ Falkous (a man more accustomed to a nice feta salad than a bag of skag), expect plenty of new material which, if they follow their current demented trajectory, will be about strapping Tories to bulldozers and ploughing into the nearest country club house. Violence solved everything, apparently. [Darren Carle]

7PM, £8

8PM, £8.50

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DIRTYPROJECTORS

WWW.FUTUREOFTHELEFT.COM

THE KILLS

THE BULLEIT SESSIONS

Call her what you will, but Kate Moss sure knows how to pick ‘em. Having leeched off of Monsieur Doherty’s media jamboree until it scurried away like a rozzer raided crackhouse, she’s quickly clambered on to to the cliff-edged cheekbones of The Kills’ guitarist Jamie Hince. Unsurprisingly, it’s all coincided with the release of Hince and Alison Mosshart’s third long-player Midnight Boom but, rest assured, the Anglo-American ensemble are the antithesis of Moss’s ex-beau’s gumdiseased rapscallions. A phlegm gobbing frontgal with a snarling blues rasp, Mosshart is the embodiment of late 70s DIY Punk – abrasive, antagonistic, alluring – and backed by Hince’s minimalist riffs the duo make for an enthralling live proposition that leaves eardrums battered and bloodied. If reports are to be believed, though, the scene-jumping supermodel has been barred from blurting out her dulcet tones on unsuspecting audiences, so you’ll have the added bonus of witnessing her diva-esque strops from the sidelines. Result. [Billy Hamilton] ALSO PLAYING ORAN MOR, GLASGOW ON 16 APR

The annual task of pushing the clocks forward a mere 60 minutes never fails to have a dizzying effect on the masses. No doubt over the coming month you’ll be unable to turn a glossy page without encountering some nauseating reference to the ‘joys of spring’, a ‘helpful’ tip on how to brighten up your wardrobe, or be greeted with an assurance that the changing of the season is the perfect time to spice up your love life. But who gives a toss when you’ve just lost an hour in your scratcher. Thankfully, we’re not alone in our misanthropy as The Bulleit Sessions brings electric blues legend Guitar Shorty to Maggie Mays this month. Supported by two of Scotland’s finest purveyors of psychedelia in FOUND and The Aliens, it promises to be a night filled with bluesy brooding, kaleidoscopic noodlings and, no doubt, a few shots of bourbon to set your balls aflame. Further to providing top quality entertainment on the night, Shorty will be extending an open invitation to attendees to join him in a ‘jamalong’ two days later. The Bulleit Sessions could prove to be the unlikeliest refresher this Spring has to offer. [Finbarr Bermingham]

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEKILLS\

8.30PM, £5

CABARET VOLTAIRE, 25 APR

THE LIQUID ROOM, 15 APR

7.30PM, £12.50

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

STEREO, 9 APR

MAGGIE MAYS, 10 APR

DOWN

THE ACADEMY, 8 APR Having single-handedly hauled stripped-down spitand-sawdust metal round by its rear for the most part of the last 20 years, Phil Anselmo and his New Orleans born hard blues ‘supergroup’ are back again to unleash the fury. With three albums to their name, the quintet have established a fervent following despite being far outside of the mainstream. Last year’s Over The Under was a marked return to form for the group and this show is sure to be crammed with perennial crowd pleasers. Stone The Crow, Rehab and I Scream can all be expected to frenzy the pit. Anselmo himself is unquestionable as one of the most incendiary front men in the metal game, and with distinguished veterans of metal such as Corrosion of Conformity’s Pepper Keenan and fellow Pantera ex-pat Rex Brown for support, this is sure to be a non-stop headbanger’s paradise. [Neal Parsons] 7PM, £16 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DOWNNOLA

THESE NEW PURITANS ORAN MOR, 16 APR

Contrary to popular belief, numerology can be cool - especially when sung about repeatedly by musical maestros These New Puritans. Layering sounds like MIA does on Kala: using drum, distorted vocal and electric riffs. Is that a cowbell? They chant redundant lyrics, ingraining them in your head so you can join in on the chorus. The effect is powerful, creating an immediate camaraderie with the group. Maybe this is their commentary on the importance of synchronicity strength in numbers. Sharing the stage with the no-frills minimalism of The Kills will compliment their scratchy

echoing sound and unabashed intellectualism. Citing an Elizabethan Magician and Wu Tang Clan as major influences should be enough to get you through the door ;but once the music starts, you’ll probably find yourself among the crowd, jumping in unison. They should start a cult. Or is that what this is? [Beth Malone] 7.30PM, £12.50 SUPPORTING THE KILLS, ALSO PLAYING ORAN MOR, GLASGOW ON 16 APR WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THESENEWPURITANS

DUNDEE SERGEANT

THE DOGHOUSE, 30 APR ‘Shall we take a trip down memory lane’? If it’s with Northside, whose baggy D-list anthem asked the question, then the answer’s going to be no. But Glenrothes it seems is the perfect place for a re-brewing of the Manchester herb, as they take the bandwagon braze of The Mock Turtles et al, and make it sound, well, quite credible. Yeah, there’s a faux Mancunian twang in there, but if it’s as fresh as a Scottish glen, then fuck it, who cares? Current single K-Ok is in the process of wowing the mainstream music press, and it seems only a matter of time before Sergeant join Glasvegas with the big boys. With small-fish-big-pond aficionado Alan McGee flying the flag, this Scottish tour could well be the last chance to catch them in their Oasis-at-Tut’s phase. Just don’t forget your sunhat if you’re thinking of swaggering down. [Paul Neeson] 8PM, £6 ALSO PLAYING THE JD SET AT CATHOUSE, GLASGOW ON 26 APR, WHITE RIOT FIFE @ OCEAN, KIRKCALDY ON 28 APR, CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH ON 30 APR

DOWN

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

ALBUM REVIEWS JACK ROSE

DR RAGTIME & PALS / SELF TITLED (BEAUTIFUL HAPPINESS)

rrr

TAPES ‘N TAPES WALK IT OFF (XL)

rrrr

This double album from one of the more high profile ‘primitive’ guitar players spans both Jack Rose’s collaborative hoe-down as Dr Ragtime and his more mystical, introspective solo work. The Dr Ragtime disc is real disarming southern twang stuff; augmented by lapsteel, banjo and washboard, the elaborate guitar work belies simple melodies which might just charm the pants right off you. The second disc of lone 12-string work has a slightly sparser feel, but the fretwork is of a very similar ﬁngerpicked vein. There is an occasional Indian influence to the music, particularly on the extended raga Spirits in the House. Overall these albums are entrancing, though the sound rarely deviates a great deal, and can border on monotony as a result. However, there’s enough bewitching material on show for both admirers of expertly played, sepiatinted guitar jams and novices to the ﬁeld alike. [Matt Gollock]

A critically acclaimed debut is a notoriously dif ficult thing to follow, but with Walk It Off Tapes ’n Tapes appear to have had no such trouble. This album sees the Minnesotan foursome develop their take on indie-rock by adding a greater depth of production, and a greater well of ideas from which to draw from. The results are exceptional. The relentless drum roll of The Dirty Dirty is like an aural equivalent to a Hitchcock thriller, with Josh Grier constantly questioning: “Where did all the money go?” Current single Hang Them All, meanwhile, with its scratchy, incessant guitar crunch and fairground organ affirms their grasp of what makes a cracking indie rock single. Blunt, meanwhile, puts them in Black Keys territory, complete with jerky guitar lines and muffled vocals. Tapes ‘n Tapes have come a long way since The Loon, but they’ve done so without abandoning any of the elements that made them so good in the first place. Brilliant. [Neal Parsons]

RELEASE DATE: 7 APR

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ JACKROSEKENSINGTON

TA PES ‘N TA PES PL AY ST ER EO, GLASGOW ON 31 MAY

FRIGHTENED RABBIT

THE MIDNIGHT ORGAN FIGHT (FATCAT RECORDS)

rrrr

JAMIE LIDELL JIM

A large swathe of Glasgowbased Frightened Rabbit’s second LP could be classed as ‘break-up music’. That’s not to say it’s prevailingly downbeat, but there are at least four standout songs that deal with that post-mortem episode of love. In its hazy, tender, Dylan-esque way, Poke is the most affecting and arguably the finest on the album. Before they were a quartet, Frightened Rabbit was the nom-de-plume of singer/ songwriter Scott Hutchison, which may explain why words largely take a precedence over sounds here. There’s a stubborn yet nuanced personality lurking in all the songs, whether it’s defending atheism in Head Rolls Off or scrutinizing the value of a one-night stand in Keep Yourself Warm. With such lyrical chutzpah the music is accompaniment for accompaniment’s sake: an uncomplicated, pretension-free alt. folk canvas of scuzzy guitars, organ swells and brush-stick drums. Sometimes, though, there’s a patent absence of the percussive energy that drove tracks like Be Less Rude and The Greys on their debut. Despite this, The Midnight Organ Fight will surely be the catalyst for a wider appreciation of yet another great Scottish band. [Nick Mitchell] RELEASE DATE: 14 APR

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/TAPESNTAPES

(WARP)

rrr Rarely does a m u s i c i a n execute quite so huge an aboutturn as Jamie Lidell did in 2005, when the previously Aphex-inspired glitch man released a 60s-inspired soul and funk record called Multiply. Despite the retro-gazing, Multiply was a wonderfully presented showcase for a unique new voice in soul, bursting with light and energy in all the right places. Since then, soul has become quite a force in British pop, and Jim could well take advantage of that, mostly comprising jaunt y, up - be at soul- p op that’d perfectly fit on any sunny day-time radio playlist. Jim is at its best when Lidell injects some sass and stomp into proceedings, as on Figured Me Out and Hurricane, but these two highlights are all but cancelled out by two time-wasting steps into drippy balladry. Despite some great moments, Jim doesn’t quite reward multiple listens as a full-length in the way its predecessor did: it’s as lightweight as a kite, and almost as likely to breeze on by. [John Wylie] RELEASE DATE: 28 APR JAMIE LIDELL PLAYS THE TRAMWAY, GLASGOW ON 25 APR AND THE LIQUID ROOM, EDINBURGH ON 26 APR WWW.JAMIELIDELL.COM

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

THE BREEDERS MOUNTAIN BATTLES (4AD)

rrr Mountain Battles: a title that conjures up visions of the Deal twins rising tectonically from the rubble to slay the young upstarts and naysayers. Well, not quite. Opening track Overglazed ushers in a more wide-eyed rebirth of inner-belief, Kim Deal emerging into the light, cooing “I can feel it,” mantra-like to cascading drums and warm, muted guitar fuzz. An auspicious start, and whilst album number four from Cool Kim and co. may feel uneven, sound a tad skeletal, even demo-esque, and is largely lacking the strong grunge pop of their breakthrough Last Splash, repeated listens and a little patience reap rewards. For every Bang On, which promises much but ultimately implodes in on itself with a louche shoulder shrug, there’s an Istanbul, with its dead-pan calland-response charade and spinetingling ethereal vocals. There’s familiar Breeders fare tucked away near the end, but Mountain Battles is the work of a band tentatively exploring new directions. [Darren Carle] RELEASE DATE: 7 APR PLAYING ABC, GLASGOW ON 9 APR WWW.BREEDERSDIGEST.NET/2008

LAKI MERA CLUTTER

(RHYTHM OF LIFE)

rrrr C l u t t e r, t h e debut LP from Glasgow’s Laki Mera, is an album loaded with paradoxes: the muddled, at times formless lyrical content delivered by the ﬂawlessly crystalline vocals of Laura Donnelly; the juxtaposition of harsh, fabricated rhythm structures with the alluring warmth emitted by the broken

bursts of cello and violin. This is the soundtrack to a thousand dying parties, minus the troublesome heavy-eyedness. And then there’s the title itself… Clutter somehow seems inappropriate for an album that sounds so spacious and wistful. From the menacing, grinding bassline that ushers in opening track She’s A Day Later, to the euphoric instrumental I’m Talking and the ethereal beauty of Weighed Down, it’s a moody, atmospheric debut, best treated with headphones or an empty room. Save for the lack of a telling hip hop inﬂuence here, we could be looking at Glasgow’s answer to Massive Attack, and in Donnelly they have their very own Liz Fraser. [Finbarr Bermingham] RELEASE DATE: 7 APR LAKI MERA PLAY THE VOODOO ROOMS, EDINBURGH ON 13 APR, KING TUT’S, GLASGOW ON 4 MAY AND CARNEGIE HALL, DUNFERMLINE ON 18 MAY WWW.MYSPACE.COM/LAKIMERA

LADYHAWK SHOTS

(JAGJAGUWAR)

rrrr Free from the constraints of wanting to fit into the current scene, it’s pretty remarkable what a good musician can achieve. Shots is a near-masterpiece of just such independently-minded thinking. With this album, Canadian quintet Ladyhawk have delivered nine tracks of consistent excellence, especially around the more subdued middle third. They draw comparisons with the unaffected brilliance of Harmacy-era Sebadoh and a rockier Neil Young, but these only serve as the loosest reference points. Quite simply, the songs are superb. Shots as a whole is bound together by refreshingly unfussy recording, rich in roomy atmosphere and veined with vocals which are occasionally imperfect, yet more touching for it. The music swells and falls wonderfully throughout: if you’re planning a trip anywhere special in the near future, put this on as you travel. It’s a work of unpretentious brilliance, surely des-

FEATURED ALBUM PORTISHEAD THIRD

(UNIVERSAL)

rrrrr

From the rolling krautrock groove of opener Silence, it’s clear Portishead haven’t been sitting on their hands in the 11 years since their last album. Critics of their self-titled second record alleged that it sounded too similar to the ﬁrst, but that was just Portishead’s distinctive style. Third is a leap away from that second album, as would be hoped for with a recording so long in the making, but the truly shocking thing is that Third doesn’t disappoint after such a gestation. Anything but, in fact. In the ensuing decade Portishead have ditched the decks, which means the crackling jazz samples and lounge sensibilities are out. Instead, they’ve focussed on their strength, as the second LP indicated they knew - weaving creepy soundscapes for Beth Gibbons to dramatise over. The result is the most frightening record you’ll hear all year, infused with dread and danger at every other turn: from the sense of siege created in Plastic by the to-and-fro of a chopping helicopter effect, to We Carry On’s robotic marching, to the ensuing epic battle depicted in Machine Gun. Closing track Threads builds unease from a straining violin line, until Gibbons’ vocals are overwhelmed by the impending threat; the climax, as booming foghorns announce doom’s arrival, will leave you breathless. [Ally Brown]

we can already tick the ‘sounds like Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song’ box. However, BRS are able to muster an idiosyncratic, spiked guitar hook or unexpected middleeight when it counts, best exempliﬁed by the single It’s Getting Boring By The Sea, which swoops in on a pulsing bassline that could double as the distress signal of a Klingon warship. Elsewhere there’s perhaps too much reliance on a rather perfunctory verse-chorus-verse template, and a bit of pruning on the occasional song length wouldn’t go amiss, but overall a ﬁne if rather derivative debut. [Darren Carle]

tined to soundtrack many, many fond memories. [Chris Cusack] RELEASE DATE: 7 APR WWW.MYSPACE.COM/LADYHAWK

THE DEATHSET WORLDWIDE (COUNTER)

rrr A recent Wire article highlighted Baltimore as the home of underground parties run by messy electronic outﬁts. Well, say hello to The DeathSet. In an era when albums are frequently going on just that little bit too long, TDS’s boast of ‘18 songs in 26 minutes’ is refreshing: no time to be bored here, this is ADHD: The Musical. Musically, it veers all over the place with gleeful abandon; there are flashes of metal, electro beats and synths, and bratty pop sing-along vocals. Intermission is 1.56 of punktronica knees up, and MFDS is a sub-one minute hip-hop interlude that is there to remind us, that they are, indeed, The Motherfucking DeathSet. Similar to contemporaries such as the delightful Mae Shi, and hometown hero Dan Deacon – whose sound they hint at occasionally here - this messy splatter of a record is a rare thing: Fun, dammit, fun! [Matt Gollock]

RELEASE DATE: 14 APR B LO O D R E D S H O E S P L AY K E F, ABERDEEN ON 17 APR AND ABC2, GLASGOW ON 18 APR WWW.BLOODREDSHOES.CO.UK

PUERTO MUERTO I WAS A SWALLOW (FIRE)

rrr The rich tones of husband and wife duo Puerto Muerto bring us ten tracks of what can perhaps be described as - whisper this g oth - c o u nt r y. Fr e q u e nt n o d s to other genres and a pervasive latin influence do expand upon this slightly bizarre niche, but the thrust of the record is subtly morbid, sexually charged alt-country. Though occasionally uplifting and with Christa Meyer’s cheerier vocals often strangely reminiscent of June Carter Cash, the majority of the tracks are sultry anecdotes. Gone is an obvious highlight, calling to mind the earlier work of Mark Lanegan minus the years of whiskey and fags. Twilight too is affecting and sees Christa’s classically trained voice showcased at its most seductive. The arrangements throughout are relatively sparse and I Was a Swallow is never overbearing or needlessly schmaltzy, yet it lacks enough real hooks to secure it repeated plays. [Chris Cusack]

RELEASE DATE: 7 APR PLAYING SNAFU, ABERDEEN ON 7 APR WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEDEATHSET

BLOOD RED SHOES BOX OF SECRETS (V2)

rrr These days we rarely expect bands to reinvent the wheel, just to make it perform some exciting spins, giving giddy thrills on a journey towards some momentary enlightenment. Accordingly, Brighton duo Blood Red Shoes fly their influences high on their album Box Of Secrets, so within two seconds of opening track Doesn’t Matter Much

RELEASE DATE: 14 APR WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ PUERTOMUERTO

TOP 5 ALBUMS #1 #2 #3 #4 #5

PORTISHEAD – THIRD TAPES N TAPES – WALK IT OFF FRIGHTENED RABBIT – THE MIDNIGHT ORGAN FIGHT LADYHAWK – SHOTS LAKI MERA – CLUTTER

ONLINE REVIEWS DEAD CHILD - ATTACK (QUARTERSTICK)

GRAND VOLUME - SEND ME YOUR CHAMPION (FAT NORTHERNER) rrr PAUL HAIG - GO OUT TONIGHT (RHYTHM OF LIFE) SINGER - UNHISTORIES (DRAG CITY) U.S.S.A - THE SPOILS (FUZZ)

rrr

AMY STUDT - MY PAPER MADE MEN (19 RECORDINGS) rr C.R. AVERY - MAGIC HOUR SAILOR SONGS (BONGO BEAT) rr THE KOOKS - KONK (VIRGIN)

RELEASE DATE: 28 APR

THE DRAYTONES - UP IN MY HEAD (1965)

PORTISHEAD PLAY THE CORN EXCHANGE, EDINBURGH ON 12 APR

FLU.ID - IOTS (EXILE ON MAINSTREAM)

WWW.PORTISHEAD.CO.UK

rrr

AMPLIFICO - SEE HEART, SEE MUSCLE (MDM CREATIONS) rrrr

rrr rrr SOUNDS

WAKE THE PRESIDENT

HOLY FUCK

(ELECTRIC HONEY)

(YOUNG TURKS)

YOU CAN’T CHANGE THAT BOY

LOVELY ALLEN

rrr

Listening to Glasgow’s Wake The President, you get the feeling that Erik Sandberg really, really means whatever he chooses to sing. With its danceable beat and cheerful Telecaster lead guitar line, their latest effort finds the band on exuberant form, more like Melbourne indie poppers the Lucksmiths than early Belle and Sebastian a comparison that often gets lobbed their way. You Can’t Change That Boy might not lodge itself in your brain so ruthlessly as last release Remember Fun, but not every single can be a slam-dunk. Nevertheless, WtP prove once again that they’re a band greater than the sum of their individual parts, and surely capable of great things. [Tobias Kahn]

These days there seems to be no end of band monikers guaranteed to make your Mum’s eyes roll. What a nice surprise Holy Fuck are then. Having digested this Canadian electro duo through the medium of print only, and with a slightly more ‘onerous’ listening experience expected, the resultant mini-operatic whirlpool-in-space of Lovely Allen, is indeed quite lovely. It glides in all ethereal and floaty-like, the sort of sounds that dry-ice was invented for, before attaching a sturdy rock-propulsion system and heading heavenwards. Like Sigur Ros soundtracking the video game Geometry Wars with The Who hogging the joypads. [Darren Carle]

RELEASE DATE: 7 APR WAKE THE PRESIDENT PLAY SCHOOL OF ART, GLASGOW ON 5 APR AND WEST END FEST, ORAN MOR, GLASGOW ON 19 JUN

RELEASE DATE: 14 APR PLAYING STEREO, GLASGOW ON 5 APR WWW.MYSPACE.COM/HOLYFUCK

IF THE NEWS MAKES YOU SAD... (YOUNG TURKS)

rrr Upon first listen, Broken Records are slightly under whelming on record - at least in comparison to their rasping live shows. But after a second sounding out, they’ll be as welcome in stereo as they are on stage. If The News Makes You Sad… won’t deter those inevitable Arcade Fire comparisons; it’s an association that’s not wholly inaccurate and it’ll plague them until that zeitgeist subsides. The horn bursts and piano led outro are both gorgeous, but b-side Lessons Never Learnt outshines it. A barer, more sombre affair, it affords singer Jamie Sutherland’s falsetto a limelight it duly accepts. Maybe not the earth-moving experience expected, but a solid debut single nonetheless. [Finbarr Bermingham] RELEASE DATE: 14 APR PLAYING THE BONGO CLUB, EDINBURGH ON 16 APR

BLAH BLAH BLAH

DEATH TO THE INDIE DISCO (KIDS)

r One big problem with the logic here: Blah Blah Blah succeed not only in being thoroughly grating, but also entirely hypocritical by blatantly apeing “the wankers in the London scene” they so vehemently disparage. Pitching itself directly at

the mugs who bought the Wombats album because they didn’t realise that there was only one real song on it, this tune is so ‘now’ it’s already yesterday by the end of this sentence. Face it gents, if it wasn’t for the indie discos you wouldn’t even be getting a look in right now, so hopefully when they go they’ll take your abysmal tune with them. [Chris Cusack] RELEASE DATE: 7 APR PLAYING KING TUT’S, GLASGOW ON 2 APR

ISOSCELES

KITCH BITCH/WATERTIGHT (ART GOES POP)

rrrr Another day, another Glasgow artpop combo. ‘Change the record’, the cynics may say, but give Isosceles’ double A-side Kitch Bitch/Watertight a twirl and you’ll find this disc’s nae for changing. A clatter of cheeky guitar chops and shoulder-popping bass, Kitch Bitch is infused with the whizzed up hyperactivity of youth, wiggling its hips to sneering word-plays and shoogle-pop melodics. Watertight is perhaps less infectious than its fuller-bodied accomplice but immersed in a spate of crispy jinglejanglery there’s more than enough here to suggest this Glasgow-based quartet will lend some momentum to the art-pop bandwagon’s wheels. [Billy Hamilton] RELEASE DATE: 21 APR

MORE SINGLE REVIEWS ONLINE @ WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

THE DIRTY DOZEN WELL-TRAVELLED BEATNIKS, WHITE SOULSTERS, THRASH METAL AND SCOUTING FOR GIRLS. NICK MITCHELL PRESENTS THIS MONTH’S SINGLES ROUND-UP

Pitched somewhere between O Brother Where Art Thou? and The Pogues, The Ballad of Bess Houdini ( rrr, 7 Apr) by Paul Vickers and The Leg is nothing if not intriguing. So we’ve established that SL Records have an ear for quirky, beatnik troubadours. Thomas Truax is further proof: Stranger On a Train ( rrr, 14 Apr) is a skiffle ode to locomotive life that showcases his weird and witty narrative style. On the more conventional side of the singer/songwriter scale is Rory McVicar. No More Do I Care ( rrr, 7 Apr) really benefits from repeated listens – a pleasant strum by the Norwich native. White, English, mid-30s, but Jamie Lidell does his best Stevie Wonder on Little Bit of Feel Good ( rrr, 14 Apr). A less flattering tagline would be ‘the male Joss Stone’, but we know better.

Scouting For Girls have a new song out. It’s called Heartbeats ( r, 7 Apr) and the beat is timed to a human heartbeat sample. Clever? About as clever as these fuckwits will ever get. It’s a risky business calling your second single Listen Then Leave ( rrr, 28 Apr) but then Midlands metalheads AFD Shift don’t seem like a worrisome bunch. Their glitchy thrash is surprisingly listenable, even for this metal-sceptic’s ears. The same can’t be said for Las Vegans The Higher, whose UK debut single Dare ( r, 14 Apr) sounds like it’s been marinated in The Feeling singer’s melted hair gel. Less gloopy are Blood Red Shoes, who up their game with Say Something, Say Anything ( rrr, 7 Apr). Although the subject matter is a family bereavement, its garage-punk blast is not at all funereal. In these esoteric days of math-rock and Afrobeat, simplicity, it seems, is not a fashionable concept; but The Envy Corps use it to good effect in Story Problem ( rrr, 21 Apr), a rousing terrace-style chant that’s more British Sea Power than Fratellis, thankfully. Make Model sing “we’re here with a mission” on The LSB ( rrr, 21 Apr), and with their major label backing and ear for bright punk-pop, this Glasgow mob could be on the cusp of ubiquity. A rich seam of indie runs through Canada, and even if you don’t like latest exports Tokyo Police Club and their single Tessellate ( rrrr, 21 Apr) – and it’s hard not to – you may at least have learned a new word. This column wasn’t complementary about Lightspeed Champion’s debut single back in January – ‘distinctly hohum’. But Galaxy of the Lost ( rrrr, 14 Apr) is a huge improvement, big enough for single of the month. The lap-guitar tags it as folk-pop, but Dev Hynes’ love-torn lyrics are in pointed contrast to the trad sound.

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

SOUNDS

SINGLE REVIEWS

BROKEN RECORDS

Super Adventure Club

SPONSORED BY

THE WORD ANGULAR MIGHT BE A BADGE OF HONOUR WORN BY TODAY'S SPRIGHTLY YOUNG HIPSTERS BUT AS BILLY HAMILTON FINDS OUT, GLASGOW'S ISOSCELES ARE SHARPER THAN YOUR AVERAGE In the overtly verbose world of modern-day music journalism, there’s an adjective that rears its grubby heid time and time again. It’s a word that - according to the Oxford English Dictionary’s trusty conglomeration of morphemes - has little to do with the creation of melody; but amidst ink-smudged pages it’s an omnipresent indication of a speciﬁc sound. The offending word is 'Angular’. The sound? Turbocharged post-punk pop, or something. Armed with a scattershot of chiselled guitar jerks, drum splutters and a name that hardly suggests horizontal linearity, it was perhaps inevitable that Glasgow quartet Isosceles would be quickly lumped in with the radian contorting ‘It’ crowd since forming at the back end of 2006. So, armed with both a protractor and a dusted down Secondary School physics textbook, The Skinny catches up with keyboardist William Aikman to uncover whether there’s a certain *cough* degree of truth to the media’s eagerbeavered pigeon-holing. “Aye, we get a lot of comments about how our sound is ‘angular’ but it’s not an intentional thing at all,” he says despairingly. "Musically, we don’t want to be lumbered in with anything; but once it’s out there and people are writing about it, it’s not up to us what they say about us anymore. We just want to get on with what we’re

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

doing and hopefully make a bit of a success out of it if we can.” Success is steadily arriving for this ﬂedgling ensemble of university chums who initially converged for a friend’s birthday party in Aberdeenshire, (ominously entitled ‘Muckfest’). Having released their debut A-side Get Your Hands Off/I Go in August last year to high praise, the group were hand picked by sometime Guardian food critic and art-chic chieftain Alex Kapranos to support Franz Ferdinand on an 8-gig Scottish tour.

Glasgow currently ﬁght for the eye of the nation’s salivating A&R men, what is it that makes Isosceles unique? “I’m not sure if any one thing does,” says Aikman. “Maybe we are just another Glasgow band but I think that all the Glasgow bands - certainly the ones that are fairly successful - are completely different from each other. I think that you have to be unique and have your own style: if you don’t, the Glasgow record-buying public aren’t going to be too impressed. In this city you can’t reproduce anyone in order to succeed.”

A radiant blush of Hammond keys and jinking riffs, new single Kitch Bitch doesn’t quite ﬁll a swag-bag with the triumphant sounds of West-Coast dwelling luminaries past, but it certainly tips its head to the likes of Franz and Orange Juice. So how are we category-crazed hacks going to describe the sound of Isosceles in future? Sharply drawing breath for a brief second of comedic timing, Aikman quips knowingly: “I dunno. Angular, maybe?” ISOSCELES SUPPORT THE TEENAGERS AT ORAN MOR, GLASGOW ON 4 APR

After mingling with such indie-pop glitterati, it seems Isosceles have developed a taste for the golden crusted cracknel of stardom themselves: “I think [playing with Franz Ferdinand] was the point where we thought ‘actually, we can do this full-time’,” Aikman states assuredly. “It was obviously a professional operation they were running; it was our ﬁrst introduction to a proper tour where it was really busy and we had professional equipment to use. So in that way we’re doing a little bit better handling the practicalities of touring and things. In the beginning we did it for a bit of fun; now we’re taking it a lot more seriously and writing songs with a lot more of a purpose.” But, as a host of bands sardine-crushed into

WWW.KDY-SIDE.COM

SOUNDS

SOUNDS WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

BEATS EDITORIAL

Spring has sprung like a tardy amputee in Scotland, bringing fresh showers of the wet and sonic variety. Personally, I took advantage of the onset of a new season to visit Amsterdam (and managed to make it back - no mean feat), where it was snowing. Constantly. Luckily, weather - like music - knows no borders (and visitors to Amsterdam barely notice they’re still on the planet).

RZArecting Bobby

by Dave Kerr

IS HE A PRODUCER? IS HE A FILM STAR? THIS MONTH HE’LL BE NEITHER AS ROBERT ‘RZA’ DIGGS ASSUMES THE PERSONA OF BOBBY DIGITAL, FLYING IN TO DROP A FAT STACK OF FUTURISTIC FUNK AND A FLARE FOR KUNG-FU FILM PHILOSOPHY ON SCOTLAND AT THE LAST TRIPTYCH

Meterological chat out the way - we’ve been saying it for months, and the prophecy appears to be self-fulfilling: as of 6 Apr; all staff (including DJs) in clubs and venues are required to wear ear protection. This doesn’t mean less sound, but it does mean that being under the 95db level takes you out of the equation. We hope this is not a tempting offer for cash-strapped clubs and bars. Check in with our legislation update article. And, in Sesame Street stylee, April is also synonymous with the letter T - this time as Triptych 08. Check out our interviews with the RZA, Theo Parrish, Flying Lotus, and Bass Clef! Elsewhere we have electro pop from Dollskabeat, Soma’s school of music, and a Wireblock Records label special. Juicy. Later, Alex. PS. in last month’s issue we wrongly credited our Amon Tobin interview to the wrong person - it was in fact written by Rosie Mclean. Sorry about that Rosie!

5 TOP ALBUMS

1. ACUMEN ACUMEN (BENBECULA)

Benbecula Records continue to please with this debut release from Acumen - the collaborative project between Greg Holley and Oli Lisher; a work full of spectacular production, deep bass, twinkling electronica and fragmented beats. RELEASE DATE: 7 APR

2. V/A NO RAVE (LITTLE ROCK RECORDS) Little Rock’s No Rave sampler is an aural ‘fuck you’ to scensterism, glowstick chic and The Klaxons, expressed in the crudest terms. OUT NOW

3. DJ YELLOW & ASTRID SURYANTO INTERMISSION (PROJECT RECORDINGS) Unlike many female-fronted dance acts, Suryanto’s vocals do more than just skim the surface of DJ Yellow’s deep techno: they intertwine perfectly with the melodic synth and deep bass. OUT NOW

4. V/A BY BOYS NOIZE BUGGED OUT! PRESENTS SUCK MY DECK (NEW STATE MUSIC) Heavy, thumping drums, blippy synth and brilliantly syncopated beats superbly compliment the seamless transitions between the smooth, house sounds and scraping, Justice-style cut ups. RELEASE DATE: 28 APR

5. JAY HAZE LOVE & BEYOND (TUNING SPORK) With differing double-CD and LP versions - the CD geared more for home-listening, the vinyl aimed squarely at the dancefloor - Haze aka Fuckpony presents what’s possibly his most definitive musical statement yet. RELEASE DATE: 28 APR

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

“It’s definitely good to be back in the game,” asserts Wu-Tang Clan’s de facto consiglieri, known to millions simply as ‘RZA’. The New York collective have kept us guessing since they slid off the radar in the aftermath of 2001’s Iron Flag, emerging only for sporadic live dates. Ultimately, only one of those would feature the entire Clan before Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s untimely death in late 2004. The Wu-Tang saga resumed last summer when they reformed – like Voltron - for an extensive tour to precede the release of fifth LP 8 Diagrams. “The tour was real important for hip-hop!” RZA booms, “important for the WuTang legacy, for the group to get on out there and touch the people. In the old days you’d get like three or four guys showing up, but everybody was there for this tour. I think, even if we never do it again, we did good already.” However, the galvanised Wu were soon tested by an encumbrance of sample clearance problems and internal battles over money, the scheduling of the record and criticism of RZA’s production direction on 8 Diagrams – an issue made clear in the album’s disregard for stylistic continuity. Was the maestro shaken off course by the unrest emanating – quite publicly - from within the camp? “Nah, I definitely felt that the record was great, and I think those people who spoke negatively about it spoke prematurely. I think, right now, they’re taking their words back. That’s how music is though - we don’t understand some musicians ‘til they’re dead.” RZA’s multi-faceted approach has long intrigued hip-hop fans and critics alike. Since he started out as a young MC, RZA has regularly adopted a new moniker with which to record and perform: Bobby Digital has long been his alter ego of choice. “At one point I was called Prince Dynamite!” he laughs. “That was just a very egotistic feeling I had about

myself, that I was explosive, anything I did was the best. I learned how to use each name depending on the situation,” he explains. “So when you look at a Gravediggaz album, you had the RZArector, where I was saying ‘I’m here to RZArect the mentally dead.’ But on a Bobby Digital album I’m the one who needs to be RZArected. A psychiatrist would probably call me a schizophrenic, but it’s all artistic expression. I learned to be the Robert De Niro of hip-hop.” RZA recently took his role-playing muscle to the next level when, beyond cameos in Dave Chapelle comedy skits and oddball Jim Jarmusch flicks alongside cousin GZA, he scored a role next to Hollywood heavyweights Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. “I played a cop in my last film [Ridley Scott’s American Gangster]. I actually felt like a cop when I was doing it too. I was actually fucking ready to be a cop!” With all of the above – and scoring the odd soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino - to juggle, RZA’s projects have become varied and many in recent times. Throw fatherhood into that mix and we have a very busy Abbott. “That’s the key to life, to reproduce yourself, have children and school them. That’s how the world becomes better,” he says, as his son imitates his words in the background. Spinning as many plates as this, RZA’s focus is derived from Yamamoto Tsunetomo’s Hagakure – the treatise of samurai philosophy practiced by the protagonist in Ghost Dog (a film he just so happens to be screening at Triptych this month). “I learned martial arts principles as a young man, those principles are part of my daily life. I focus on whatever I’m hired to do. If I was hired to build you a brick house, I’ll make you a nice brick house. I’m not a mason, but if that was what I was hired to do, I would study the way to do it and do it to

the best of my ability. Of course, it’s up to the consumer or the employer to say whether I’ve satisfied them or not, but fortunately I’ve been successful so far.” With talk of upcoming roles alongside Ghost Dog’s Forrest Whittaker, and planned recording collaborations with Cannibal Ox Dr Dre and Shavo from System of a Down on the cards, it seems prudent to ask when we can expect to hear more from Bobby Digital after his upcoming live dates. There’s also the matter of addressing those rumours that RZA could be about to hang up the mic... “I’m doing a Bobby Digital album that comes out in June, my last recording as a lyricist should be called The Cure. I’m going to keep making music, I make music every day, but as far as my words, coming to your ear, from my voice? I think after The Cure I’ll have done my job... It’s been ten years in the working. “My next endeavour is to do film,” he assuredly offers in parting, “because if a picture can say a thousand words, right, and a word provides a thousand pictures - a film has millions of frames. Everything I do is forged from my past, whether it’s writing scores, making albums right now I want to direct a movie - all of these things I admired or loved as a child. That’s why the child you are makes you the man that you become. Therefore, all my creativity and all my art – 90% of it comes from my past, 10% of it comes from my future. That’s the part that y’all got to catch up to, so I’ll see you at the movies.” RZ A AS BOBBY DIGITAL PL AYS THE LIQUID ROOM, EDINBURGH ON 25 APR AND THE ARCHES, GLASGOW ON 26 APR. SUPPORT COMES FROM FLYING LOTUS (SEE INTERVIEW ON PAGE 50) (7PM, £16 ADV.) RZA ALSO PRESENTS A SPECIAL SCREENING OF GHOST DOG AT THE GFT, GLASGOW ON 25 APR (3PM, £6) AND THE FILMHOUSE, EDINBURGH ON 26 APR (5PM, £6) WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RZA

BEATS

Clubbing

Highlights THE BEST CLUBBING IN SCOTLAND THIS APRIL

WORLD ON THE BEAT Welcome to World on the Beat. This column hopes to draw you towards music with the delectable fl avour of another land – it may be fruity and tropical, or sometimes spicy and mystical, but almost always something you can jump, whirl, or generally get down to. Without further ado, Ndaje (The Bongo Club, Edinburgh, 24 April, 10pm-3am, £5/£7) will bounce you all the way to West Africa, where Samba and Diwan will fill you up with some upbeat afrobeat, and Zuba will shift your feet with her bassabeat. Then hop over to Mungo’s HiFi (Glasgow School of Art, Friday 25 April, 10pm-3am, £tbc), where the reggae, dub and dancehall soundsystem will be fresh back from their bass deliveries to Lithuania and Poland. However, should you feel like making some beats for a change, Ian Sandlands is doing a one-off Brazilian percussion workshop in samba, maracatu, and partido alto rhythms (Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, 17 April, 1pm, £3). But what of ‘mystical spicyness’? Balkanarama is set to be a veritable Eastern European storm, with the heart-wrenching singing of Teo Krilic being brought over especially from Bosnia, and Black Cat, a klezmer and Balkan 10-piece ensemble that will likely set the room on fire (Studio 24, Edinburgh, 3 April, 9pm – 3am, £tbc). Beats readers may be particularly interested in Fitkin Wall, an atmospheric, electronica-enhanced harp and synthesiser duo from London, who will be supported by a klezmer-celtica duo, Tzalool, from Israel (Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, 1 April, 7.30pm, £8/£10). [Josh Coppersmith-Heaven]

DRUM AND BASS CURRICULUM

RAIDEN

We begin this month’s clubnights with Xplicit at The Bongo Club on 4 April for a Scottish exclusive. Offkey label boss Raiden will be travelling up to Scotland to perform a live drum and bass set. Support comes from Eno & Paul Reset (10.30pm-3am, £8). On the same night over at The Caves, rising stars Az-Tech will be dishing out their monthly instalment of all things breakbeat. Splank! Records’ boy wonder Strider will be demonstrating why he is one of the most exciting prospects in the electro/breaks scene at the moment (10.30pm3am, £6/£7). As if you weren’t stuck for choice already, Pangea is also on the same night in Glasgow continuing their residency at the Glasgow School of Art. This month they’re hosting one of their infamous versus parties, welcoming the Dilate Crew from Stirling (10.30pm3am, £3). If you like things a bit harder then it’s worth checking out Mutiny at The Bongo Club on Thursday 10 April. This is their last night until after the summer, and to make it one to remember they’ve recruited the talents of Belgium breakcore artist, D-AQ:SED (11pm3am, £4/£5). Last but certainly not least Radio 1 will be up in Scotland as part of the Annie Nightingale Introducing Tour. The Scottish leg of this tour will cover two different cities over two nights showcasing some of the UK’s finest breaks DJs. First up Annie will be playing at The Sub Club in Glasgow on 24 April with the Utah Saints (10.30pm-3am, £TBC), then the following night she’ll be alongside Krafty Kuts and the Drummatic Twins at Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh (10.30pm-3am, £TBC). [Al Majik]

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HIP-HOP HIGHLIGHTS

A Short History LIAM ARNOLD LOOKS EAST TOWARDS DJ KRUSH – ONE OF THE FINEST JAPANESE TURNTABLISTS AND AN INSTRUMENTAL PLAYER IN THE SCRATCHING SCENE He’s released eight records, two DVDs and innumerable singles over a career spanning 14 years; was instrumental in shaping the reputation of Mo’ Wax; and started out as the drummer of a marching band: true believers, we present DJ Krush. Krush (or as we like to think of him “DJ Krush puny humans! The Tremendous Turnablist! The Svengali of Scratching!”) was one of the ﬁrst Japanese artists to make a dent in the global hip-hop scene. With Meiso, Krush and his numerous remixes pioneered a style of elegantly atmospheric, cooler-than-school turntablism that makes DJ Shadow look like an M.O.R. plagiarist.

STATE OF MIND

For those of you out there thinking it’s about time we had a regular, reliable Scottish hip-hop night in Glasgow – wonderful news. For the third month in a row, newly-christened live music night Bars At The Beatclub returns with a mission to support and showcase local, home-grown talent. This month’s gig boasts a cracking line-up; the mighty Project Mayhem will no doubt be on form, promoting their recently-released Creative Destruction EP. There are also sets from Blakhart, Typikal, Edinburgh’s own Evil Residents, and ﬁrst-time performances from Synical, Combu-Stable Elements and Werd & Deeko. The organisers are currently opening the books for MCs, DJs, beatboxers or any other act who wants to either gain exposure or polish their skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Get involved, or show up and support (Beat Club, 6 Apr, 8.30pm – 1am, £5). Meanwhile, in the capital, the Bongo Club hosts the return of Lower, an eclectic display of live music, featuring absolutely none of your usual hip-hop clichés. Headliners A State of Mind, whose album Pre-Emptive Nostalgia recently received a rare 5-Skinny review in this very publication, will be dishing out some of their funky beats and mellow vibes. Contact Play promise us corrosive verbosity and a menacing live show, while Edinburgh collective Penpushers round out the night with a bit of leftﬁeld instrumentalism and tracks from their second album on KFM Records. Not technically an April highlight, but we’d just hate for you to miss it (The Bongo Club, 3 May, 7.00pm-10.00pm). [Robin Black] WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BARSATTHEBEATCLUB 19 APR, 23:00-03:00, £TBC

BEATS

DJ Krush:

His ﬁrst international album, Strictly Turntablized was released on Mo’ Wax, the label that went on to give the world Dr. Octagon, Andrea Parker, and of course, DJ Shadow. While his new DVD, A History of Krush, features appearances from Mos Def, DJ Shadow and Company Flow, Krush is keen to express his rejection of genre. “When I make music, I don’t intend to make it hip-hop,” he says, and is coy about his role in shaping the turntablism genre. “I don’t categorize music like ‘this is hip-hop, this is electronica’ when I listen or create music,” he tells us. Indeed, Hideaki Ishi, the man we know best as Krush, has produced soundtracks, a piece for Nike Presto, and the artwork to his own Zen album. Each project has what he describes as “a different colour”, but for Krush there are no alter egos: “In the core part, you will need to always have something rock solid. But at the same time, you should also have ﬂexibility in your thinking. So I guess I’m using different channels, in a positive way of course, when I DJ or when I create music. But I keep in mind that I will always be Krush after all, from every angle.” Despite this broadthinking attitude, A History of Krush seems rather exploitative of Mo’ Wax’s cult appeal, presenting a large number of performances from the 90s, as well as a new full-length set. The performance of his iconic Kemuri is admittedly stunning, and the widescreen collage of nocturnal

beats, rhythmic shifts and the wailings of a solitary cello are centred around Krush’s achingly cool mastery of the decks. He’s also recently released Stepping Stone, a self-remix album which, along with the DVD, serves to bookend his career so far. The more cynical-minded might suggest this is taking advantage of his dedicated fanbase, but he’s already working to produce material for another album. He’s also coy about giving away too many details, but will be working with more vocalists. His previous collaborations have helped make such talents such as Aco, Angelina Espraza and Esthero, giving a new perspective on established artists such as Mos Def or CL Smooth. His choice of collaborators reflects his ability to incorporate disparate elements under one banner, and he says he mostly cares about individuality; “I’m attracted to artists who are unique and have a firm opinion of their own.” While Krush does not speak English (interviews are done through an interpreter) and incorporates many Japanese percussive elements into his work, his musical style is decidedly universal. The breadth of his collaborations depicts an interest in music as a direct form of communication: “Language is not the only thing that makes a song special. The whole combination with what’s added on top of it makes it outstanding from others.” He’s not worried about appearing Americanised or attached to any particular culture, despite the commercial pressures on foreign rappers to voice their thoughts in English. “I do have to admit that there are many aspects [of Japanese hip-ho] that are influenced by English/American rap. But at the same time, there are also many cool groups that are delivering their thoughts in their own language.” Perhaps struggling to step out of the shadow of his own past, DJ Krush looks set to be a driving musical force for many years to come. And to date, he’s the only man to make Nike sponsorship seem cool. WWW.SUS81.COM/ DJKRUSH

HOUSE OF TECHNO

Digital Harlot is back to wreck the Barfly in Glasgow (19 Apr, 11pm–3am, £tbc) with breakcore mentalist The Fez giving the world an 8-bit headache and a variety of carnivalesque performers breathing fire and making balloon animals. Numbers bring TNT to Glasgow on 4 Apr (Sub Club, 11pm-3am, £10) while 2 May sees them offering up Substance and Vainquer, reinventors of dub-techno, to flood the Subby (11pm-3am, £10). Actress, don of the Werk label, supports in May with a bleepy take on grime that’ll shake from the floor to the ceiling. And don’t miss Kode9 and the Spaceape, the icons of dubstep cool, at Fortifi ed Sessions on 18 April (Art School, 10.30pm-3am, £10/12). In Edinburgh, the summer officially starts with the first Edinburgh Boat Party on 20 Apr (£17.50/£95 six month season ticket). If you fancy a rockier slant on your electro, check out Juno at Limbo (The Voodoo Rooms, 10 Apr, £4/£5), who provide a punchy, poppy take on Ed-Banger’s discopunk style. [Liam Arnold]

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

TRIPPIN’ ON

TRIPTYCH

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN, AS THE GLORIOUS TRIPTYCH MAKES A TRIUMPHANT VICTORY LAP WITH A STELLAR LINE-UP. WE PICK OUT SOME OF THE BEST-LOOKING EVENTS, AND HAVE A WORD WITH SOME OF THE STARS

Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh OPTIMO’S JD TWITCH & JG WILKES 26 APRIL

Despite adopting the slogan ‘kill all DJs’, Glasgow duo JD Twitch and JG Wilkes are best known for playing records out and whooping crowds into a dancin’ frenzy. Hear the best music tied together with synthesised bits of string to form a parcel of electro-rock-disco goodness. [Josh Coppersmith-Heaven] 11PM-3AM, £10

THEO PARRISH, NICK YUILL, ROB MATHIE, GARETH SOMERVILLE AND ALAN GREY 27 APRIL

Theo Parrish will be at home in Cabaret Voltaire, pumping out deep, robotic, minimal techno-electro-house, with a squeeze of clear soul singing out. [Josh Coppersmith-Heaven] 11PM-3AM, £5

Sub Club, Glasgow BURAKA SOM SISTEMA, MR MAFRO, AND KINKDOGG 25 APRIL

Together Mr Mafro and Kinkdogg have set out to mash up tribal beats, fresh rhythms and a stonking rave spirit, and there simply isn’t a better example of a group doing this live right now than Buraka Som Sistema. [Scott Ramage] 11PM-3AM, £10

Theo Parrish

Theo Parrish is one of the most exciting acts coming to this year’s Triptych festival. With inﬂuences ranging from the original house innovators like Frankie Knuckles and Larry Heard, the Detroit-inﬂuenced producer and DJ is one of the few people today still able to produce tracks which are fresh and exciting. This is proven by latest release Sound Sculptures Volume 1, which “carries more music and provides a story to give the music a context. Most of the songs were selected from about forty works put together over the last three years.” Parrish’s philosophy is what separates him from so many other producers. Producing “works” rather than tracks, every single release is accompanied by his Sound Signature statement - a message about the connection between emotion and sound. “The pieces from the label tend to represent whatever is on my mind at that moment they are recorded. What I select for dancing and listening to differs

Flying Lotus

each time I play - they are ever-changing.” After nearly twenty years, Parrish has made a notable impact on the world of dance music. What remains for him to accomplish? Typically philosophical, he answers, “Right now, I would like to achieve as much clarity as possible in my expression... That might be a worthy pursuit. Perhaps ﬂexibility is a better one, who knows what tomorrow may bring, you know?” But for all that Parrish comes across as a deep, serious thinker, he proves that he still has a sense of humour when asked what we can expect from his show. “The crowd can expect anything they like, but what they actually receive will be decided right there. One thing is certain, I won’t be playing on a laptop, and you won’t hear any Barry Manilow remixes!” [Scott Ramage]

Flying Lotus, one of the more recent additions to the Warp stable and the man behind the music for freaked-out cartoon Adult Swim, began making music at 14 and “got serious” around 20. The Skinny puts it to him that he’s accomplished quite a lot in quite a short space of time, especially when you reference his starring role supporting the RZA at Triptych. “I don’t have much to go by, but it all feels really natural, like it’s all going to plan. There’s a lotta folks, man, like a lot of the beatmakers and producers and people who don’t just make hip-hop, but they paint or they draw and they make electro on the side - and that’s what my generation’s all about, you know? Trying different things out, not trying to pigeonhole our sounds in any way. “…I like to make everything... I don’t really feel like I have to do one thing. Unfortunately, there’s a certain amount of pressure that goes with it, but you just have to kind of forget about that and carry on making music.” How does he feel the relationship with (UK label) Warp Records is going thus far? “It’s interesting, because I feel like I’ve been doing most of the work. They can say whatever they wanna say but I feel like I’ve been doing most of the stuff myself. It’s been cool to have Warp’s name attached to my stuff. But they’ve been putting out a lot of pop stuff recently and I think that they need me to pull them back a bit more towards the underground.” His most recent release, the Reset Ep, has been well received, so what can attendees of Lotus’ Triptych show expect? “They can expect their heads to blow up!” [Johnathan Robert Muirhead]

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CHROME HOOF AND JD TWITCH & JG WILKES 27 APRIL

You wouldn’t think that danceﬂoor-friendly electro and death metal would ever be able to work side by side, but these are just two of the styles that are prominent in the music of London group Chrome Hoof. No wonder they’re playing at a special Triptych Optimo. [Scott Ramage] 11PM-3AM, £10

The Art School, Glasgow JAH SHAKA AND MUNGO’S HI-FI 25 APRIL

The mighty Jah Shaka, a committed rastafarian synonymous with roots reggae soundsystems, has inspired artists across the UK since the 1970s. His sets are famously laid back, so come prepared to steep, or check him out in Edinburgh at the Bongo Club. [Alex Burden] 9PM-3AM, £10/£15

The Caves, Edinburgh GILLES PETERSON, JD73, ASTROBOY AND JIMINEZ 26 APRIL

The Departure Lounge boys have got another cracker, bringing in Gilles Peterson and JD73 for nu-jazz funkin’ electronica. JD73 reputedly has a PhD in Jazz and likes to mix it up for his live sets in a traditional jazz freestyle. [Alex Burden] 10PM-3AM, £10

The Ivy, Glasgow BASS CLEF, RUSTIE, HUDSON MOHAWKE AND MWESLEE 25 APRIL

At once typifying the excitement of the dubstep sound and ﬂying in the face of much of its prevailing style, Bass Clef is assuredly one of the luminaries in a fast growing ﬁeld. He’ll be supported by Mweslee of Arkestra fame, another forward thinking producer. [James Blake] 8PM – 1AM, £8

BEATS

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APRIL 08

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Soma Skool:

Beats Lessons

by Emma Kilday

GLASGOW’S BIGGEST LABEL PULLS OUT ANOTHER CRACKER WITH THE RETURN OF THE SOMA SKOOL It can be a little depressing when people describe school days as “the best days of our lives”. Most of us have memories of tedious homework, itchy uniforms and that nasty layer of skin on the school canteen soup. Basically we couldn’t get out of there fast enough. So why all this buzz about going back to school? One answer lies in the unusual curriculum of the Soma Skool; a yearly one-day event run by Soma Records which focuses on deciphering the inner workings of the music production world. It seeks to encourage young people to pursue careers in the creative industries and prides itself on its “positive education.” A million miles from stuffy classrooms and disinterested students, the Skool teaches a captive audience of enthusiasts what goes on behind the scenes of the music business and how to get ahead in the industry through a combination of stalls, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions with those who know it best. Attendance has been growing since it began in 2003 and Soma Skool events have now also taken place in Dundee, Falkirk and Aberdeen, attracting a mixture of people who are passionate about music. You may be great at mixing, composing, singing or strumming but when it comes to the complex industry jargon there’s no shame in confessing you just don’t have a clue. Distribution deals. Packaging deduction. Nonexclusive license. Confused? You’re not alone, but the Soma Skool is here to help. Dave Clarke (a superb name coincidence - ed), co-founder of Soma Records, talks about how his own experiences beginning Soma Records

17 years ago influenced his decision to start the Skool: “When we started Soma we had to learn everything there is to know about the music industry from scratch... we had to learn it all: make contact directly with shops, DJs and clubs, bluff it and learn from our mistakes - sometimes hard ones.” But there’s no doubt that he and Soma cofounders Glenn Gibbons, Jim Moutune, Stuart McMillan and Orde Miekle must have been doing something right. With 17 years in the business, over 260 singles and 60 albums under their belts, they now form the backbone of one of the industry’s most well respected labels and are keen to pass on their experience and expertise. “Nothing can replace first hand experience, but information and knowledge is so important. If we and the people we invite to speak and advise at Soma Skool can pass it on and both inspire and educate then that will arm people as they go into the industry.” The school covers a broad range of topics: from production and video making to artwork and marketing. It’s arranged around following the progress of a recording from demo stage to final product and illuminating the music industry along the way. You can expect not only financial advice and information on careers within the creative industries but also talks and demonstrations from some of the top people in the business. Clarke assures us that this year attendees can expect to hear from a diverse range of guests with the likes of renowned producer and DJ Dave Clarke, The Cinematics, DJ Sneak, Vector Lovers, Black Dog, the manager

of Scottish rock conquerors Biffy Clyro, and Vic Galloway and Stuart Barrie from Radio Station Xfm. The guests will not only impart their knowledge but also pass on their flair, passion and enthusiasm for all things creative. And with such a broad spectrum of skills and information on offer, what is the most valuable thing people should learn from the

Skool? “You have to take care of business to go forward – talent alone in the music industry is not enough. Do it yourself and have no fear of making mistakes.” THE SOMA SKOOL TAKES PL ACE AT THE ARCHES IN GLASGOW ON FRIDAY 25 APRIL FROM 12.30PM TO 4.30PM. TICKETS: £1 FOR SCHOOL KIDS, £2 FOR STUDENTS AND £5 FOR EVERYONE ELSE. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.SOMASKOOL.COM

PREVIEWS GLASGOW BASS FICTION (AKA KODE9 AND SPACEAPE LIVE) ELECTRIC ELIMINATORS, THE ART SCHOOL, GLASGOW, 18 APR

This is not worth missing for one second. Electric Eliminators’ now infamous Fortified Sessions is the night responsible for the last year’s relentless torrent of cutting edge dubstep artists, and it appears they know no bounds. Bass Fiction is the dual project comprised of Kode9 and the poet and MC, Spaceape. If you’ve had the privilege of witnessing this act before, you’ll have an idea of Spaceape’s lyrically cosmic skills as one of the most idiosyncratic MCs on today’s scene. Thrust through varied effects, his poetry becomes an instrument in its own right. Kode9 comes repping the Hyperdub label and we are promised a sneak preview of unreleased Burial dubs amongst other currently unseen future releases, fresh from the magic hat. Mungo’s Hi Fi is bringing a few tons of extra bass weight, so all you have to do is bring your fine self. [Rosie McLean] 11PM-3AM, £10/£12

SILICON SCALLY (LIVE)

MISO, THE IVY, GLASGOW, 12 APR Carl Finlow makes his Miso debut this month under his Silicon Scally guise. Probably best known for his recordings as Random Factor, the Paris-based producer helped launch the 20:20 Vision label with Ralph Lawson in the mid-nineties, the pair working on several muchlauded remixes for artists such as Josh Wink, Blaze and Fatboy Slim. A key figure in today’s global electro scene, Finlow sits easily alongside his Detroit compatriots in terms of innovation, precision, crunchiness and bass devastation. Aside from his Silicon Scally and Random Factor aliases, Finlow also records as Voice Stealer, not to mention numerous other monikers thanks to studio partnerships with Daz Quayle, D’Julz, Huggy and others. Releasing output on a host of la-

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

bels - Warp, Paper-Recordings, Playhouse and Soma to name but a few his Silicon Scally performances are rare in the UK, but thanks to his embracing of Ableton music software and the laptop approach to playing live, gigging has become much easier. Support comes from the Dirty Hospital DJs and Konx-Om-Pax. [Colin Chapman] 8PM–12AM, £5 ADV. W W W.ILOVEMISO.COM, HT TP:// W W W.MYSPACE.COM/ CARLFINLOW

CHRIS LIEBING

REHAB, BYBLOS, GLASGOW, 18 APR Byblos is seen by many as epitomising the funky house market-filled with shirts, shoes, Kilmarnock players and suspect tan jobs. This is possibly a harsh and misplaced perception and one the club is trying to change by putting its Friday nights out to hire to the likes of Rehab, with trainers and t-shirts also being perfectly acceptable. Better known for progressive/trance nights at the Arches, their events elsewhere seem to go for a more techno feel and this is proven with the booking of a four hour set from Chris Liebing, the man behind Spin Club in Ibiza. Liebing is originally from the techno uber-city that is Frankfurt and his tough musical style reflects this. After a number of early residencies he took up a role within Sven Vath’s Cocoon empire before concentrating on his own record label CLR. Support on the night comes from Tomz Project, Thomas Back and Gibbtek. [Sean McNamara] 10PM-4AM, £12

MUSICCARGO, HUNTLEYS AND PALMERS AUDIO CLUB STEREO, GLASGOW, 12 APR

Huntleys and Palmers is showing an incontestable desire to be in it for the long haul with continuing booking triumphs. April sees it return in the fresh setting of

Stereo, where they welcome the ‘Neo Kraut’ sounds of Musiccargo and the genius of Joakim. Musiccargo sum up the sound of Düsseldorf and follow in the footsteps of previous prodigies such as the awesome Kraftwerk. The duo are a combination of DJ Gordon Pohl and guitarist and vocalist Gerhard Michel, and the outcome of the ensuing friction has been quality tunes with techno, electro, rock and plenty of Germanic clout thrown in. Joakim, meanwhile, will be familiar to most for his abundant remix work such as Cut Copy’s Hearts on Fire. He also runs the remarkable Tiger Sushi label which has released for the likes of Poni Hoax, Panico and Ivan Smagghe. This night is growing amazingly - as the rising profile of guests shows - so get to it in its infancy and you’ll be delighted you did. [Sean McNamara] 11PM-3AM, £12 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/HUNTLEYSANDPALMERS

THE BEING

IVORY BLACKS, GLASGOW, 4 APR Glasgow-based musical collective The Being bring us a showcase night of some of the best local hip-hop you’re ever likely to hear. With sets from Gasp, FrancoAmerican import Skribbo, Doonhamer, Supreme Taj and Bluhnt, Marrik Layden Deft and Respek-BA (performing as The Greenbank Formula), Loki and Butterscotch (performing as Detestable Monotony), this promises to be, quite simply, an absolute belter of a night. Going on the evidence of previous gigs, each set is guaranteed to contain at least one line worth the entrance fee in itself. Also featuring DJ sets from Dog Stevens and Glasgow legend Krash Slaughta, this gig offers a ridiculously huge volume of entertainment for the price of a pint. No excuses - just go. [Robin Black] 7PM-11PM, £3 (OVER 18S ONLY) WWW.MYSPACE.COM/OCTOPIGEON

CHRIS LIEBLING

BEATS

Pandora's Box of Law

WANT TO KNOW THE DEEPER ISSUES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY? WHETHER YOU'RE A PUNTER OR A DJ, 2008 HAS THROWN UP SOME INTERESTING LEGALITIES: LIAM ARNOLD REVEALS HOW IT COULD AFFECT YOU A new legislation comes into play on 6 April that could entirely revolutionise the way that we perceive, consume and create music. From this date, the owners and managers of any bar, club or music venue with a music level over 85db will have to provide adequate hearing protection for their staff. To put it in context: most clubs sit at about 95db. This move, inaugurated by the RNID, looks set to alter our clubbing environment: not least because of the obvious difficulties of communicating with a barman who might as well have stuffed his ears with parsley. Then again, Mary-Anne Hobbes says that "we need to push to make ear protection standard," and if you can't trust her, then who? LTJ Bukem has also backed the project and Goldie supports it with his usual flair and elegance: "Get it sorted; you only have one pair of lugholes." As DJs are included as 'employees' in the draft of this legislation, Audio Relief have weighed in with DJ-specific, in-ear monitors, which can set you back somewhere between £10 and £160. I purchased a cheap pair for a bar-serving acquaintance to test this before the legislation comes in and, in lieu of the bar's hip nature, opted for a sleek red pair with a faint sheen. Before I could explain the experiment, he took them from me, washed them down with a double gin and tonic, and disappeared. The next day, he said they'd been "underwhelming." This might need a little more thinking through. As yet, it is unclear to what extent the law can prosecute or fine repeat offenders for non-compliance, or how they plan to police the legislation, but keep reading The Skinny for further updates and a look at clubs après 6 April! However, a slightly more serious change to the music industry looms on the horizon: America inaugurated new laws regarding online hosting fees for music this January, resulting in the immediate closure of Pandora. com. Pandora was responsible for maintaining the Music Genome Project which, through an extensive range of tags and associations, would recommend music. Of course, everyone knows last.fm offers a similar service, but quite frankly, it's lacking and seems to suggest that my love of black metal such as Mayhem and Satyricon might predispose me to the poppy fuzz-rock of Nirvana...

It seems particularly pertinent to electronic music - which by definition has always embraced new technology - and both Glasgow and Edinburgh have a number of artists, collectives and organisations that use the internet to disseminate works and mixes. Mungo's Hi-fi cross old-skool Kingstown vibes with cutting edge digi-dub production. This cross-breeding of tradition and experimentation is shown in their distribution of music: as fatas-fuck vinyl and via Scotch Bonnet's direct download store. Similarly, the Wireblock / Numbers / Seismic crews regularly host a variety of podcasts and free mixes, whilst city favourites like Full Phat, Camouflage and Boom Monk Ben all started out on subcity.org digital radio. Current legislation demands that two fees be paid per track played, one to the PPL (which represents the record labels) and one to the MCPS-PRS Alliance (representing musicians). Pandora's popularity obviously exposed it to greater scrutiny, but even bedroom DJs broadcasting a stream to two mates and their mum will now be bound by the same licensing constraints, and forced to pay fees for every track played, multiplied by the number of listeners. Whilst 0.085p (the much-quoted PPL charge) might seem minor, the MCPSPRS charges have yet to be finalized, and are typically much higher. While this is often derided as listeners wanting a free lunch, the basic fact is that internet radio broadcasters are most likely non-profit: run by students, struggling artists or independent labels. 'Net radio seemed to offer the promise of entirely independent music sharing which could increase knowledge and taste, unconfined by financial pressures. However, the current changes have allowed this distribution to be restructured according to financial control (last.fm is notably now controlled by the conglomerate CBS), and the direction of net radio will be decided in the very near future. Although Beatport.com celebrated it's 4th birthday recently, few music-related sites have really exploited the internet's full financial capabilities and it's naive to believe this legislation isn't a step towards financial monopolies. In effect, these latest changes may potentially alter the shape of music drastically; or they may just be ignored. The fallout from the the licensing changes is still being felt, and the sheer number of podcasters and internet DJs means that it would be possible to slip under the regulatory radar and continue to stream music without paying any fees. Whatever the government's decisions on implementing these changes is, the large and popular targets such as Pandora will be worst affected.

LOUISE LOCKHART

Pandora not only made logical connections that were more successful than not, but also offered new, exciting artists I'd never heard of - even as a scribe for chronicler of modern youth culture, The Skinny. Pandora has now ceased to broadcast outside of the US, though the Digital Millenium Copyright Act has made it possible to continue to broadcast within the states. UK legislation is at best ill-defined regarding online hosting of tracks. However, the shift in American laws and the regulation of Pandora sets a precedent for a new consideration of how

music hosted online should be controlled. This includes internet radio, which is fast becoming one of the most powerful tools for disseminating music, with practically zero costs and minimal technical equipment required.

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APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

Dollskabeat:

Star Rising SCOTLAND IS CRYING OUT FOR A FEMALE STAR TO STRIKE OUT IN THE WORLD OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC. EDINBURGH’S DOLLSKABEAT, TELLS SCOTT RAMAGE EXACTLY WHY SHE IS UP TO THE JOB We’re taken aback when we first start chatting to Dollskabeat. Far from being the sultry, dark ice electro-queen from her demo, she’s astonishingly chatty and almost succeeds in distracting us from our mission of finding out just who she is. Dollskabeat is the alter-ego of BelarusianScottish producer Lucy Ross, whose tracks combine the dark tension of The Knife, the pop hooks of Goldfrapp and the off-beat warmth of Junior Boys. She describes her style as electronic pop, with influences of hip-hop and rnb. “A lot of people don’t take the genre seriously, but the production is often really good from producers like Timbaland. I also draw on a lot of 80s influences, such as the Pet Shop Boys. I’ve been working on a new track with JME, a grime producer who works with Wiley, and recently I’ve been listening to a lot of dubstep too, so I’m trying to incorporate all of that into my material as well. There‘s no-one else, especially in Scotland, doing what I’m doing.” So where did the name come from? “I was always being called ‘Doll’, in that typically Scottish way. I had a boyfriend who called me ‘Dollska’, because of my Belarusian side, and when I started making music I added the ‘Beat’ on to the end of it.” But it isn’t just beats that make Dollskabeat an intriguing artist. Her live show is highly visual, and she draws attention with her animated dancing. “I love to dance! I also work with a filmmaker called Max Hattler who’s made me a DVD to project during my show. I want my performances to be interesting and get people noticing me.” Dollskabeat draws on a wide range of influences, both musical and personal. She’s lived in Edinburgh, travelled in Japan and worked in

London as part of the music industry. “I learned a lot from being down there. I saw inside the industry and it’s made me very aware of how things work. I want to get signed - for all that they say you can make it on your own, it’s so much easier with a label’s backing. But I wouldn’t sign a deal where they said ‘OK, but you have to change this or do that for this to work.’ I want to remain in control of my ideas.” Dollskabeat soon realised that the life of a music producer was at odds with the life of an industry worker, and headed back up to Edinburgh to focus on crafting her material. “I was beginning to get noticed. So far, I’ve been really lucky with the attention,” she says. The most notable attention has come from Radio One. Touted as one of their Scottish Acts to Watch for 2008, she recorded a Live Session in January with Vic Galloway, and has just taken part in the Maida Vale Weekender. “It was great... I was in the studio with Vic. He made fun of me and I made fun of him back. I had such a laugh. I was really nervous about it, but it was a fantastic experience, especially so early on in my career.”

“I WANT TO GET SIGNED FOR ALL THAT THEY SAY YOU CAN MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN, IT’S SO MUCH EASIER WITH A LABEL’S BACKING”

What about Dollskabeat’s future? “I’m supporting the Midnight Juggernauts at their show at Cabaret Voltaire on 4 April, and I’ve been confirmed to play at Bestival in the summer. I’ve also got a few remixes of my tracks coming out - one from the Lucky Me Collective and one from Dipswitch. I would really like to do some shows in Glasgow, as well as tour the rest of the country. Ultimately, I want to sell records.” Her honesty is refreshing, but she doesn’t appear arrogant or over-confident. It’s an admirable goal, and based on what we’ve seen so far of her, success won’t be too far out of reach for Dollskabeat. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DOLLSKABEAT

JACK WADDINGTON

PREVIEWS EDINBURGH & DUNDEE VOLUME

EGO, EDINBURGH, 19 APR If you say you don’t like free stuff you’re lying. If you don’t like free grime, dubstep, bmore, baille funk and jungle, you’re missing out. If you’re a sensible human being you’ll get your ass down to Ego for Volume’s first birthday to be spoiled rotten in both respects. Free booze, complementary CDs, party bags (when did you last have one of them?) and the chance to become a member are all part of the deal here. And indeed, the Volume crew have a lot to be celebrating. It’s only taken them one year to at least treble the amount of dubstep heads in Edinburgh and surrounding areas; they’ve brought us colossal gigs (Skream), intimate bangers (Benga) and the cream of local talent (Termite, Profisee, the Luckyme posse). If Volume’s career carries on snowballing at this rate, by next year we’ll have a Scottish DMZ on our hands. Be there, so when your grandchildren ask you can tell them you were having it at the front. And above all don’t forget to ‘dress to express’. [Rosie McLean]

to produce the Water & Dust album as Enterplay. Much of the following two years were spent promoting and touring the album, though Yanneck did find time for several collaborations including a Get Physical 12” with Snax. Last year, he produced the ocean-deep, Karasu as Quarion, which gained play from Âme and Dixon, amongst others. Now based in Berlin, he’s currently working on his Quarion debut album as well as numerous remixes. [Colin Chapman] 11PM-3AM, £6/£7 WWW.GETINTOTROUBLE.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/QUARION

ROBERT HOOD

KONTROL V JACKHAMMER, STUDIO 24, EDINBURGH, 4 APR Edinburgh’s Kontrol and Jackhammer join forces to welcome Detroit techno lynchpin Robert Hood this month. Coining the ‘minimalist’ phrase to describe his output long before today’s so-called ‘minimal’ sound was born,

11PM-3AM, FREE B4 11.30PM / £5

QUARION (LIVE)

TROUBLE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH, 4 APR This month Trouble gives producer Yanneck Salvo his Quarion live UK debut. A saxophone-playing teenager, he later turned to DJing, before moving into production under the Ianeq moniker. Creating beats for local hip-hop acts and his own instrumentals he also joined forces with fellow producer Rosario, the pair recording and playing live as Square Meal. The following year, he released Detroit techno-influenced track, The Light on Mental Groove and also broken-beat single, Reset. In 2004, Square Meal joined forces with Japan’s DJ Kent

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

QUARION

Hood was responsible for the ground-breaking Minimal Nation EP that set out a new, stripped-back template for techno. A founding member of Detroit’s Underground Resistance collective of producers, artists and DJs, he later broke away to work on his first solo productions; Vision EP, The Riot EP, and under the X-101 pseudonym. In the mid-nineties, Hood founded his own M-Plant imprint, continuing his less-is-more approach on singles such as Internal Empire and Moveable Parts. More recently he’s had productions on Tresor, Peacefrog and Music Man, and recently contributed the 39th outing in the Fabric mix series. [Colin Chapman] 11PM–3AM, £TBA WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CLUBKONTROL

DARK D

PANGEA THE READING ROOMS, DUNDEE, 18 APR Pangea have an excellent double-header this April, with Dark D in Dundee and Dilate in Glasgow. Unlike the supercontinent from which they take their names, these two clubnights will feature nothing but the most up to date drum and bass beats to get you moving. The first night in the GSA plays host to the crew of Stirling’s Dilate DnB night in its entirety: DJs Laconic & Gorbo and MC AC battling Pangea residents Special Ed, Professa Fresh & MC Troubla will definitely be a sight to behold. Two weeks later, the residents will be making their way to Dundee, teaming up with the recently arrived Dark D to assist in his continued assault of drum and bass nights across Scotland. Whichever night you go to, expect heavy beats, thumping synth and fastpaced dancing. [Michael Slevin]

JASON HODGES

TELEFUNKEN, CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH, 11 APR With their roots firmly set in the sounds of Chicago, Detroit and New York, Telefunken continue to bring in guests who are actively pushing the sound of underground house music forward. Top Canadian house DJ and producer Jason Hodges (Oomph, Om Records, Amenti) joins the underground house party this month for yet another Edinburgh exclusive. Having teamed up on production duties with such luminaries as DJ Sneak, Mark Farina, DJ Heather and Derrick Carter, Hodges has been proving himself a bit of a new school hero. With his trademark hard hitting beats and deep grooves he certainly knows how to work a crowd. Supporting Jason on the night will be Telefunken head honcho Alan Gray and Mr Wilson, while in the back room Colin Cook and Lel P will be mixing up a heady brew of funk, soul and disco digestives. [Caroline Baird] 11PM-3AM, £5 B4 12AM / £7

EDINBURGH BOAT PARTY

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY PIER, 20 APR

DUNDEE: 10PM-3AM, £6

The Edinburgh Boat Parties are back! Setting sail from South Queensferry on the third Sunday of each month, the boat takes you a house-guided tour of the coast, courtesy of residents Harry Bennett and Leon Easter (3345). Joining them for the first dance voyage will be Nick Yuill and Rob Mathie of Solescience fame for deep and soulful house grooves. Being a pirate has never been so chic, and there’s many more guest DJs to come! Tickets for this event are available now, as are the new season tickets, guaranteeing you entry to all the coolest sea parties. [Struan Otter]

PANGEA VS. DILATE, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, 4 APR, 11PM-3AM, £3

SETS SAIL AT 6.30PM, £17.50 WITH FREE BUS (SEASON TICKETS ARE £95 FOR 6 EVENTS) WWW.EDINBURGHBOATPARTY.COM

BEATS

A Wireblock Records label special:

Get Wired In

COLIN CHAPMAN TALKS WITH NEIL MORTON ABOUT WHY COLLABORATION CAN OFTEN PRODUCE THE BEST OUTCOME...

Glasgow label Wireblock is the brainchild of brothers Neil and Calum Morton along with Jack Revill, and released its first single last year. A joint project with sister label, Point. One Recordings, the P-funk electro of Dutch duo Bumper’s Everybody Fonki marked the realisation of a long-held ambition shared by the trio, which had grown from their early teen passion for music and DJing. “I guess we wanted to be involved in the creation of records as well as playing them,” explains Calum. “It seemed like a natural progression from working in record shops and listening to music all the time.” However, getting the label off the ground took time, as he admits: “The process began about four years ago, when we actually got down to thinking of artists and music we could release.” All three are involved in the A&R process, so each has a say in its musical output and they also have equal input on its ‘look’; Neil utilising his graphic design studio Remote Location and business partner Adam Rodgers’ skills to help create Wireblock’s artwork. Jack’s job for Rub-A-Dub’s distribution arm, Black Hole, has meant he’s best-placed to deal with sales, while Calum works on the online aspect of the label; website updating and promotion as well as organising its digital

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catalogue, thanks to his experience as Warp Records’ Digital Manager. Neil’s involved in the print and press promotion, release contracts and studio mastering. However, despite much work being split due to their individual skills, as long-standing friends they all work closely together on the label’s development, as Neil confirms: “We all like to chip in ideas until the best one presents itself… we all know each other pretty well so there’s a decent amount of trust and respect between us.” Two singles old, earlier this year they released a split 7”, one side featuring Italian rave legend Lory D, the other German producer, Alex Cortex, which gained single of the week status from the Warpmart, Boomkat and Rub-A-Dub online shops. Aside from having their releases stocked by regular outlets, they form part of North South Divide (NSD), a collective of labels from Glasgow and London whose records are available via their own, independent website. “The core members are us, Dress 2 Sweat, LuckyMe, Point.One, Stuffrecords and Werk Discs but Mighty Robot, MNX, Rottenrow and Subplate are involved too,” says Neil. “NSD functions primarily as an online shop… by selling direct to the people, the artists and labels get more of the money from sales. We're all mates so the basic idea is to pool resources

HUDSON MOHAWKE

and help each other… we’ll be re-launching the site with an MP3 shop, t-shirt range and an enhanced booking agency element, later this year.” Their next release, Hudson Mohawke’s Ooops EP, sees them join forces with LuckyMe, “a collective of like-minded musicians, DJs, artists and designers with a burgeoning label department,” as Neil describes it. LuckyMe counts producer Rustie as a member and he’s also due to release on Wireblock, highlighting the close relationship its members have with one another. “We first hooked up with him when we put on an electronic showcase at the Art School… we've been friends and worked with him ever since then… he’s also had singles on Point.One and Stuffrecords… there's a lot of positive energy coming from the cross-pollination between Glasgow-based labels and now LuckyMe’s a part of that.”

Another aspect of Wireblock is their involvement in various club nights which helps them to showcase their artists’ music. “We copromote Numbers and Seismic: Numbers with Stuffrecords, Marcia Blaine, Dress 2 Sweat and two other mates, Rob and Nok; Seismic with Neil from Point.One Recordings,” Neil explains. The rest of 2008 will be very busy with a release schedule “fit to burst” as Jack sums up: “We’ve got records by DJ Pierre, Tyree Cooper, Music at Nite, Ghosts On Tape and loads more… essentially our passion is to showcase new and undiscovered music but we’ll also be releasing older, and in some cases overlooked tracks, updated with remixes by our favourite current producers.” HUDSON MOHAWKE - OOOPS! IS OUT 7 APRIL AND LORY D GHILL IS OUT MID-APRIL WWW.WIREBLOCK.COM WWW.NORTHSOUTHDIVIDE.COM

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

ALBUM REVIEWS MOBY

LAST NIGHT (MUTE)

rrr Moby has become more famous in recent years for his reputation as a tee-total vegan Christian than as a producer. Which is a shame, because his catalogue of work actually contains some real treasures. Last Night is a return to the style of his breakthrough album Play, with Moby foregoing his own vocals to rely on guests and samples. It’s a move which pays off on most tracks, particularly the hazy title track and the furious Disco Lies, while album highlight Live For Tomorrow’s yearning sadness and rich strings make it seem like a straightforward progression of his classic hit Natural Blues. The ﬁnal few songs make for a blissful suite of chilled-out atmospherics and, although there are a few misﬁres such as the crude rave of The Stars and overly nostalgic Everyday It’s Like 1989, it’s mostly a welcome return to form. [Scott Ramage] RELEASE DATE: 31 MAR

V/A

NO RAVE

(LITTLE ROCK RECORDS)

rrrr Little Rock’s No Rave sampler is an aural fuck-you to scensterism, glowstick chic and The Klaxons, expressed in the crudest terms. Tayside Mental Health begin the record with Woman is a Danger Cat, which converts a thrashing disco-punk riff into migraine-inducing squeals of white noise. Gay Against You weigh in with a live version of Sour Dudes, which struggles between squalling electronics, grindcore growling and a painfully out of tune falsetto, before bursting into a bizarre hybrid of techno and power ballad. It’s nonsensical, tasteless and occasionally disquieting; the most painfully satisfying experience possible without at least three leather-clad dominatrices. It’s not all noise though, and there’s a variety of experimental works on here, such as Blood Moon’s brooding Untitled Synth and Drum Jam

and Hudson Mohawke’s awesome 4/3 Hurt. There’s a disparate mix of styles and attitudes on NO RAVE, and this diversity keeps you coming back again and again. Pump up the vehemence. [Liam Arnold] OUT NOW

V/A BY BOYS NOIZE BUGGED OUT! PRESENTS SUCK MY DECK (NEW STATE MUSIC)

rrrr While the latest mum-offendinglytitled offering from Bugged Out! certainly performs well in the pun stakes, the fun doesn’t end there. Mixed by Berlin’s own Alex Ridha, aka Boys Noize, the relentless cuts and skillful mixes ensure this album never loses pace. Heavy, thumping drums, blippy synth and brilliantly syncopated beats superbly compliment the seamless transitions between the smooth, house sounds and scraping, Justice-style cut ups. Indeed, Justice do make an appearance on this mix, along with Daft Punk’s own Thomas Bangalter, Modeselektor, and Boys Noize himself. With a refreshing lack of US or UK-based artists, this mix showcases the cream of European electronic talent, along with Ridha’s skill as a DJ. Ignore the disappointingly downbeat ending, it’s slowness contrasting ineffectively with the rest of the tracklist, and you have an album that starts well, and only gets better. [Michael Slevin] RELEASE DATE: 28 APR WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BOYSNOIZE

DJ YELLOW & ASTRID SURYANTO INTERMISSION

(PROJECT RECORDINGS)

rrrrr It would seem like a distinctly odd couple: French producer famed for deep house and hypnotic techno meets the sweetest female vocalist New York has to offer. The result, however, is melodic, fathomless and unforgettable. The relationship be-

SINGLE REVIEWS tween producer DJ Yellow and vocalist Astrid Suryanto is nothing like the tragic tale of parting lovers that forms the album’s concept, but the perfect example of creative compatibility; Claude Von Stroke meets Karen Carpenter. Unlike many female-fronted dance acts, Suryanto’s vocals do more than just skim the surface of DJ Yellow’s deep techno; they intertwine perfectly with the melodic synth and deep bass. Tracks like You Are and Light on Me are expansive and mysterious, while Tall and To the Top are more upbeat. The resulting narrative is so sincere, it creates the album equivalent of a page-turner, a captivating experience that is both sorrowful and uplifting. Every song is nothing short of beautiful, combining to form an album which spans the realms of house, trance, progressive and everything good in between. [Emma Kilday] OUT NOW

JAY DENHAM THE TRUTH (DISKO B)

rr It’s been nine years since Jay Denham released an artist album, but this sounds worryingly like it could have easily come from an earlier time. A lot of the tracks here are based on good ideas, and there are flashes of inspiration such as the energetic title track, and the frantic tribal rhythms juxtaposed with the soft tones on Germs. But there are also moments where nothing seems to happen. The Long Way works as a piece of ambient techno which gives the album a sense of structure, but alone it feels like empty space for its duration. The soulful vocals aren’t that soulful either - the come-ons of Come On are clunky and awkward, and altogether it’s a competent, if standard, funky techno album rooted in the past. It’s not terrible, but it begs the question: do we still have a need for this? [Scott Ramage] RELEASE DATE: LATE APR

ACUMEN (BENBECULA)

rrrrr A WORK FULL OF SPECTACULAR PRODUCTION, DEEP BASS, TWINKLING ELECTRONICA AND FRAGMENTED BEATS.

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

(ATLANTIC RECORDS)

rrrr St ate s i de fe l las around the world will welcome the new found attention created by the ladies anthem a nd new single from Este lle, American Boy. After raising herself out of the turmoil of label gripes at Virgin and ﬁnding a new abode at Homeschool/Atlantic Records, Estelle is back with the second single from her album, Shine. American Boy - produced by Wil.I.am and featuring KanYe West - ticks all the right boxes for a stylish, fresh and unique conceptual record. Rarely does out of key singing come across so well and sit so perfectly on top of an electric driven synth amongst a tight drum pattern and smooth bass line. To date this is the best effort from Estelle; her passion and creativity will resonate with fans of good music. [Omar Jenning] OUT NOW

production, deep bass, twinkling electronica and fragmented beats. Blind x 100 displays the more jazzy edge of Acumen in all its trip-hop wonder, while Vermiculite is deep and powerful, swelling constantly towards its climax before Vega prowls up in a post-rock influenced crescendo. The album twists and winds, building impressively and creaking almost to a halt, like the most calming rollercoaster you’ve ever experienced. Its variations upon an underlying theme make for a work that flows perfectly from beginning to end, difficult to segment into tracks and impossible to put down. Acumen must be recommended, especially for the upcoming lazy summer days and late night fables. [Don McVinnie] RELEASE DATE: 7 APR

back rapping over the top. However, the overall effect is a little dozy, especially when contrasted with the cheery ﬂutes of the slightly cheesy, soul-disco B-side, How Good It Is. [Josh Coppersmith-Heaven] OUT NOW

METRONOMY

MY HEART RATE RAPID (BECAUSE)

rrr This lead single from the upcoming follow-up to 2006’s debut album suggests a slightly new direction for the melancholy electro-popsters. For a start, Metronomy are now a proper band, rather than a solo act, and it shows on this slice of mutant disco which sounds far fuller than previous work. It also features vocals, which is a ﬁrst - even if they are a barely discernible falsetto. The synth melodies are sweet, but the squeaky choruses are worryingly close to irritating. B-Side Matthias Gathering makes for a track that’s much more interesting with its wild, samba-like rhythms, but the Matron Retromx is functional electro that misses the point of the original’s shy optimism. [Scott Ramage] RELEASE DATE: 31 MAR

HUNDRED STRONG GRAVESTONES / HOW GOOD IT IS

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO CLOCK

(WICHITA RECORDINGS)

rrr Simian Mobile Disco are back with Clocks, the new EP featuring four fresh tracks. The first three are aptly named: Clock does sound slightly clockish, with playful synth dancing all over its ﬁgurative face; and Simple is just that - simple. A few beats here, a smattering of synth there, all becoming frenetically agitated before dying down again. 3 Pin Din is a computery mess of a song, and ﬁnisher State of Things is the most built up. Each song starts nicely, but soon becomes a drone, as each is too long with no variety throughout to liven things up. SMD fans will like this, but other listeners may feel bored by the repetition. [Michael Slevin] OUT NOW WWW.SIMIANMOBILEDISCO.CO.UK

TETINE

I GO TO THE DOCTOR (SOUL JAZZ RECORDS)

PLIES FEAT. AKON HYPNOTIZED

rrr

(HIGH NOON)

(SLIP-N-RECORDS)

rrr

There is a sample at the beginning of Gravestones: a warm, sweet melody that pans entirely from left to right – and then the song begins, which at ﬁrst listen, seems to have nothing to do with the opening sample. After the fourth or ﬁfth listen, or even the sixth, the intro still has nothing to do with the rest of the song. Aside from this strange false start, the rest of the track holds together well. It’s got a rhythmic bluesy piano underneath some loose trip-hop beats, with some laid-

Plies. Odd name for a rapper, suggesting as it does an unfortunate amalgamation of piles and pliers. This second single from 2007 album The Real Testament features rnb artist Akon who, with his trademark ‘jail door clang’ sound effect, is long overdue a re-arrest for crimes involving the ﬂogging of dead horses. From the ludicrous opening drawl of “Waaaas haaa’nin homie?” to the same antique themes of shaking asses, bouncing booties and “spending that cash”, Plies has succeeded in bringing absolutely nothing new to the hip-hop table. Dire. [Robin Black]

This is ver y much a club groove and fills out its purpose admirably. It gets the feet moving and heart going as soon as the play button is hit, with its pounding, insistent rhythm. This is aural candy ﬂoss, but what so many people forget – artists and punters alike – is sometimes, candy ﬂoss is exactly what’s needed. It’s meant to make you dance and feel like dancing with every beat. It does come across as slightly old-fashioned, but this new wave Brasilia is the sort of record where further depths are revealed on further listens. [Jonathan Robert Muirhead]

OUT NOW

DJ FLY-T TOP TEN (CAPITOL 1212)

ACUMEN

AMERICAN BOY

DJ CHART

FEATURED ALBUM

Benbecula Records continue to please with this debut release from Acumen, the collaborative project between Greg Holley and Oli Lisher. The pair formed the partnership as a means to practice new ideas and experiment with new forms of composition, with the resulting output creating an impeccable album of striking folktronica. Jumping on the new work, Benbecula successfully continue to push their own musical boundaries with another limited release on their applauded Minerals Series. Acumen’s list of influences include Bjork, DJ Shadow and Matmos and the album should most deﬁnitely appeal to fans of these artists’ more laidback, jazzier numbers. It opens with the magniﬁcent Intro, paving the way for a work full of spectacular

ESTELLE FEAT. KANYE WEST

DJ FLY-T AND PROFESSA FRESH MAKE UP EDINBURGH HIP-HOP OUTFIT, CAPITOL 1212. THEIR RAW AND DISORDER EP IS OUT ON KOOL KAT RECORDS NEXT MONTH. BELOW ARE THE TOP TEN TRACKS THAT DJ FLY-T IS LISTENING TO AND PLAYING OUT THIS MONTH!

1. ALBOROSIE - GHETTO (FORWARD RECORDS) My favourite new reggae artist at the moment, who is conquering the music scene in Jamaica. He has had so many great 45s but this one really stands out.

6. L G RAP & CNN - MY LIFE (KOCH) I never understood why this track doesn’t get played in clubs more - hardcore hip-hop that sounds great over big systems: what more do you want?

2. CLUB NOUVEAU - WHY YOU TREAT ME SO BAD (TOMMY BOY RECORDS) Dope 80s funk track, one for the Summer BBQs; this was the track that the Luniz sampled for “I got 5 on it.”

7. MILLION DAN - SCREAM OUT [JAY LARGE REMIX] (MILLION DAPPA RECORDS) Scotland’s own Jay Large remix on the new Million Dan EP is BIG! The whole EP is great as well - no ﬁller. Million Dan has now returned to be the most exciting MC in the UK right now.

3. GROOVE B CHILL - TOP THE HILL (A&M RECORDS) Wicked hip-hop party track produced by Prince Paul from back in the day. You might remember one member, Chill, from his acting, notably the classic line aimed at him in House Party: “Chill, stop bumping the decks.”

8. PROFISEE - FOOLZ THINKIN’ (WHITE LABEL) Dope, dope track; sampling the classic Stone Roses track, this rocks. We’re just ﬁnishing putting a mixtape together of Proﬁsee tracks and this is on it.

4. TURBLANCE - TELL MY PEOPLE LIVE ON (DIGITAL B) Another amazing reggae track that I can listen to over and over without getting bored.

9. GALLOWS FEATURING LETHAL BIZZLE - STARING AT THE RUDE BOYS (WHITE LABEL) One of my favourite songs of all time by the Ruts gets a punk/hip-hop makeover.

5. JAY-Z - KINGDOM COME (ROC A FELLA) Absolute banger from the LP of the same name. Just Blaze lays down a crackin’ beat; I overlooked this track to start with but now I feel it’s Hova at his best.

10. WRECKS N EFFECT - SOUL MAN (MOTOWN)

I was always a fan of new jack swing and Teddy Riley but I never copped this LP from 1989 until recently. This is one of the best songs on the self-titled LP.

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MULTI-TALENTED TYPE SOUGHT FOR AMORPHOUS POST

BEATS

THE SKINNY

Walk the Glasgow Walk

DESIGNER ILLUSTRATOR FILM-MAKER PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER / EDITOR MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT HOW MANY CAN YOU TICK?

In its third year, the Walk for Skin 2008, proudly supported by Sanex, is a series of nine sponsored walks organised by the British Skin Foundation (BSF), taking place throughout the country, including Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park on May 11th. All the locations have been chosen for their scenic appeal and accessibility to all, to help raise vital funds for research into skin disease. The 2008 Walk promises to be even bigger and better than last year (which raised over £170k for skin disease research) with support from TV presenter Tania Bryer and a Walk for Skin ‘village’ at each event, including live music, entertainment, fun activities and catering – it’s a fun day out for the whole family. Here’s why Tania is supporting the Walk for Skin this year: “Skin disease affects around 8 million people in the UK, but is an area that is perhaps less known or understood. So, I’m getting involved to help raise awareness of the Walk for Skin and the need for vital funds for such a good cause!”

Leigh, our Production Editor, is leaving to go freelance as an illustrator. We don’t want or expect a carbon-copy replacement, but we do want another rising star who’ll do amazing things with a high-proﬁle opportunity. Role-speciﬁc responsibilities will be provided on application, but the chance to do and develop what you love in a fun environment is a rare one - and The Skinny is going from strength to strength. Cover letters, CVs, and other supporting bumph should be sent to getinvolved@skinnymag.co.uk. More information on www.skinnymag.co.uk

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

International skin health experts, Sanex, understands your skin and how it works and has been working closely with research charity, the BSF, since 2005 to help promote the importance of healthy skin. Join Sanex and the BSF in their mission to achieve healthy skin for all. Indy Rihal of the BSF said: “We are very excited about the introduction of new aspects to the Walk for Skin events, because it means that people can really enjoy themselves whilst raising money for a cause that will help millions of skin disease sufferers.” All walkers will also receive a walker’s pack including a Walk for Skin bag, Sanex Dermo Skin Energy shower gel, their newest product, with vitamin C to help revitalise your skin and stimulate its natural processes leaving you feeling energized, Sanex Dermo Intensive Deodorant and Sanex For Men Dermo shave gel. Kids will receive their own goody bags with Sanex Dermo Kids head to toe wash and other fun stuff.

Visit www.walkforskin.org.uk for more information on the walks and to register for free

APRIL 08

Registered Charity No. 313865

THE SKINNY

LISTINGS THEATRE

COMEDY

GLASGOW ARCHES BOB DRUMMOND, SIXTEEN, Arches Award for Directors Tue 08 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:20–20:20, £ 10.00

DALJINDER SINGH, THE SEVERED HEAD OF COMRADE BUKHARI, Arches Award for Directors Tue 08 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 20:40–21:50, £ 10.00

TIM CROUCH, AN OAK TREE, Part

of Arches Theatre Festival Thu 10 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 22:00–23:00, £ 10.00

DAVID LEDDY, PATER NOSTER,

Part of Arches Theatre Festival Thu 10 Apr–Sat 19 Apr, various, £ 3.00

TEATR NOVOGO FRONTA, DIAS DE LAS NOCHES, Russian Physical

Theatre - the dream first date, really Thu 10 Apr–Fri 11 Apr, 19:10–20:20, £ 10.00

NEW ART CLUB, THIS IS MODERN, History of modern dance in an hour, of

course. Sat 12 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:10–20:20, £ 7.00 PHIL SPENCER, BLUEY, Part of Arches Theatre Festival Tue 15 Apr–Wed 16 Apr, 22:00– 23:00, £ 7.00 WILL ST LEGER, ART RAID, Part of Arches Theatre Festival Tue 15 Apr–Wed 16 Apr, 20:40–21:40, £ 7.00 POPSICLE’S DEPARTURE, Grungebased solo show Tue 15 Apr–Wed 16 Apr, 19:10–20:20, £ 10.00

MAREN STRACK, MUDCLUBSOLO, Live at the club, in the mud Tue 15 Apr–Wed 16 Apr, 19:30–20:00, £ 7.00

AL SEED, THE FOOLIGAN, Deadly

clown time Fri 18 Apr–Sat 19 Apr, 19:35–20:25, £ 7.00

ANN LIV YOUNG, SNOW WHITE, Feminist dance assault Fri 18 Apr–Sat 19 Apr, 21:00–22:10, £ 10.00

BEN FAULKS, TRAMPOLINE ORCHESTRA, Part of Arches Theatre Festival Fri 18 Apr–Sat 19 Apr, 19:30–20:30, £ 7.00

CCA MOLLY AND ME, IT’S NOT ABOUT US, Comedic contemporary dance double-act Fri 04 Apr–Fri 04 Apr, 20:00, £ 6.00 IAN LOW, RED DIESEL, Reading of new play Sat 05 Apr–Sat 05 Apr, 19:00, Contact venue for prices

CITIZENS KATIE MORAG, Musical show for all the family Tue 15 Apr–Sat 19 Apr, 14:30, £ 6.00

CITIZENS THEATRE CITIZENS COMMUNITY COMPANY, THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON’T THEY?, A dance marathon Wed 09 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30, £ 10.00

EASTWOOD PARK THEATRE BORDERLINE, THE WALL, Teenage angst and laughter Wed 02 Apr–Wed 02 Apr, 19:30, contact venue for prices

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

PENILEE COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE

BRUNTON THEATRE

TUE 01 APR

TUE 15 APR

WED 02 APR

MUSSELBURGH AMA, OLIVER!,

MOUSETALE PUPPET, OSCAR AND THE QUEST, Puppetry Fri 04 Apr–Fri

musical classic Mon 31 Mar–Sat 05 Apr, various, £ 9.00

STEVEN DICK; TEDDY, RED RAW,

MARK BRATCHPIECE, RED RAW,

BILL DEWAR; MORE TBA, BENEFIT IN AID OF THE SCOTTISH PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN, THE

04 Apr, 14:00, Various prices

PLATFORM SOKOBAUNO, IQBAL THE CHILD WEAVER, eight and up- serious political puppetry Wed 02 Apr–Wed 02 Apr, 11:00, Contact venue for prices

LUNG HA, CAN WE LIVE WITH YOU?, The Land of Delightful Things beckons Thu 10 Apr–Fri 11 Apr, 11:00, Contact venue for prices

CATHERINE WHEEL, MARTHA, four

and up Tue 01 Apr–Tue 01 Apr, 11:00, contact venue for prices CALL OF THE LON BIRD, Wed 02 Apr– Wed 02 Apr, 19:30, contact venue for prices

SHONA REPPE PUPPETS, OLGA VOLT, The Electric Fairy Fri 04 Apr–Fri 04 Apr, 11:00, contact venue for prices

PRECARIOUS, DRUTHERS, state of

the performance art Sat 12 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30, contact venue for prices

THE PUPPET LAB, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ages 5 and up Tue 15 Apr–Tue

11 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30, Various prices

CATHERINE WHEEL, MARTHA, four

Apr–Sat 19 Apr, 19:30, Various prices

SHONA REPPE PUPPETS, OLGA VOLT, The Electric Fairy Mon 21 Apr–Mon 21

Bach through Chinese opera and modern ballet Fri 25 Apr–Fri 25 Apr, 19:30, various prices ELEPHANT, for all ages Tue 29 Apr–Sat 03 May, 19:30, various prices

15 Apr, 11:00, Contact venue for prices

GARY WILMOT, HALF A SIXPENCE, Chirpy cockerney musical Mon 14

and up Sat 19 Apr–Sat 19 Apr, various, Contact venue for prices

CLOUD GATE DANCE THEATRE, MOON WATER, From Taiwan, a study of

ROYAL CONCERT HALL

GARY WILMOT, HALF A SIXPENCE, Chirpy cockerney musical Mon 31 Mar–Sat 05 Apr, 19:30, various prices

BALLET RAKATAN, HAVANA RAKATAN, Cuban jazz and ballet Tue 08 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30, various prices

20:30, £7/£5/£3

FRI 04 APR

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, DELIRIUM,

Tasteless circus stunts Wed 09 Apr–Thu 10 Apr, 20:00, various prices NTS, BLACK WATCH, The international hit Fri 11 Apr–Fri 18 Apr, various, various prices

THEATRE ROYAL RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY, FINGERPRINT, Another important choreographer Tue 22 Apr–Tue 22 Apr, 19:30, various prices

WEE STORIES THEATRE COMPANY, THE EMPEROR’S NEW KILT, Thu 24 Apr–Sat 26 Apr, various, various prices

TRON STELLA QUINES, THE UNCONQUERED, Revolution and resistance Tue 08 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30, £ 12.00

DUNDEE DUNDEE REP STELLA QUINES, THE UNCONQUERED, Revolution and resistance Thu 03 Apr–Sat 05 Apr, 19:45, £ 12.00

STELLA QUINES, THE UNCONQUERED, Revolution and resistance Thu 03

10th Anniversary celebrations Mon 28 Apr–Mon 28 Apr, various, various prices

PLAYHOUSE

COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 12.00

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Tue 15 Apr– Sat 19 Apr, 19:30, various prices

THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS, INDIANA CHUCKLE AND THE KINGDOM OF THE MYTHICAL SILK, God like comedy geniuses Sun 20 Apr– Sun 20 Apr, 19:30, various prices

KID CREOLE, OH! WHAT A NIGHT, 70s hit musical Thu 24 Apr–Sat 26 Apr, various, various prices

BRENDAN O’CARROLL, MRS BROWN’S LAST WEDDING, Popular

WHITEHALL THEATRE MONFIETH AMATEUR DRAMATIC, ALLO ALLO, War hi-jinks Fri 25 Apr–Sat 26 Apr, , contact venue for prices

LIVING FOR TODAY, THE RACKET, one man play Sat 12 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30, Contact venue for prices

RAINBOW LIVE, ZIPPY SUPERSTAR DJ, children’s classic Thu 17 Apr–Thu 17 Apr, various, contact venue for prices

EAST KILBRIDE ARTS CENTRE BOWLING BUDDIES, Sun 06 Apr–Sun 06 Apr, 19:30, Contact venue for prices

STEWART LEE, STEWART LEE41ST BEST EVER STAND UP EVER, THE STAND, As before 22:00, £10/£8 TUE 08 APR

TONY COWNIE DIRECTS, VANITY FAIR, see review for details Fri 14 Mar–Sat 12

SKETCH TROUPE, ROUGH CUTS,

TONY COWNIE DIRECTS, TRUMPETS AND RASPBERRIES, Dario Fo

THU 10 APR

THE GIFT, under threes until Sat 05 Apr,

angst and laughter Thu 10 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:45, £ 12.00

various, various prices

THE GAFF WILLIE AND THE WICKED WOLF, four and above Thu 10 Apr–Thu 10 Apr, 14:00, various prices

TRAVERSE BOB DRUMMOND, SIXTEEN,

Arches Award for Directors Fri 08 Jan–Sat 19 Apr, 20:30, various prices

LUNG HA, CAN WE LIVE WITH YOU?, The Land of Delightful Things beckons Thu 03 Apr–Sat 05 Apr, 22:30, various prices

LICKETY SPIT, HEELIE-GO-LEERIE, three and above Fri 11 Apr–Sun 13 Apr, various, various prices

DALJINDER SINGH, THE SEVERED HEAD OF COMRADE BUKHARI, Arches Award for Directors Wed 16 Apr–Sat 19 Apr, 21:30, various prices

JOHN BYRNE, NOVA SCOTIA, The

Slab Boys become Slab Men Tue 29 Apr–Sat 24 May, various, various prices

New acts. New jokes. Dead cheap. 20:30, £2/£1

THE STAND, Showcase for new writers for the Comedy Unit, 20:30, £ 5.00

COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 8.00

FRI 11 APR

£5/£4/£1

MON 21 APR RAYMOND MEARNS; PAUL PIRIE; ALLEN CHALMERS, DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE, THE STAND, Improv and sketches on the spot, 20:30, £ 4.00

WED 23 APR JOHN BISHOP, JOHN BISHOP, THE STAND, Observational comic from Liverpool, 20:30, £10/£8

THU 24 APR SEAN PERCIVAL; STEVE DAY; BARRY MACDONALD, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Calman, 20:30, £7/£6/£3

PIERRE HOLLINS, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 8.00

FRI 25 APR JUNIOR SIMPSON; PIERRE HOLLINS, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS SEAN PERCIVAL; STEVE DAY; BARRY MACDONALD, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan MorSAT 26 APR JUNIOR SIMPSON; PIERRE HOLLINS, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

NICK WILTY; CHRIS LYNAM; SCOTT AGNEW, THE STAND, THE

COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 15.00

MARTIN BIGPIG; STEVE HARRIS; MARC THEOBALD; JONNY CANDON, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

rison, 21:00, £ 12.00

STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 20:30, £9/£8/£5

COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 12.00

SAT 12 APR MARTIN BIGPIG; STEVE HARRIS; MARC THEOBALD; JONNY CANDON, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 15.00

NICK WILTY; CHRIS LYNAM; SCOTT AGNEW, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £ 12.00

SUN 13 APR

MON 14 APR

THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, Muriel Spark’s classic Wed 09 Apr–Sat 12

FOLDING PUPPET CO, TWO CAN TOUCAN, three to seven Thu 03 Apr–Thu 03

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

Devlin, 21:00, £ 12.00

rison, 20:30, £9/£8/£5

MOUSETALE PUPPET, OSCAR AND THE QUEST, Puppetry Wed 02 Apr–

Apr, 14:00, contact venue for prices

KEVIN BRIDGES; JILL BAXTER, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce

MARTIN BIGPIG; STEVE HARRIS; MARC THEOBALD; JONNY CANDON, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

Mearns, 20:30, £7/£5/£3

VILLAGE THEATRE

Apr, 19:30, contact venue for prices

SAT 19 APR

NICK WILTY; CHRIS LYNAM; SCOTT AGNEW, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond

WHALE LEARNING CENTRE Wed 02 Apr, 14:00, Contact venue for prices

JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 12.00

COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 12.00

CHRIS LYNAM , MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE

Thu 10 Apr, 11:00, contact venue for prices

Devlin, 20:30, £9/£8/£5

KEVIN BRIDGES; NEIL SHACKLETON, MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND, 20:30,

WED 09 APR

BORDERLINE, THE WALL, Teenage

FRI 18 APR

COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 15.00

ROYAL LYCEUM

SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE

JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 8.00

SUN 20 APR

GARY LITTLE, RED RAW, THE STAND,

Fri 18 Apr–Sat 10 May, 19:30, various prices

TANYALEE DAVIS; BRENDAN BURKE; REX BOYD, JONGLEURS,

CHRISTIAN REILLY; CHRIS CAIRNS; ANDY WHITE; CURTIS WALKER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

comedy Mon 28 Apr–Thu 03 Apr, 19:30, various prices

Apr, 19:30, various prices

, 21:00, £ 3.00

by Bruce Devlin, 20:30, £7/£5/£3

JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 15.00

this performance is being filmed for DVD release, 20:00, £10/£8

STAND, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

RAYMOND MEARNS; PAUL PIRIE; ALLEN CHALMERS, DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE, THE STAND, Improv and sketches on the spot, 20:30, £ 4.00

STEVE HUGHES; CHRIS LYNAM; MARK NELSON; ISMA ALMAS, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND,

KEVIN BRIDGES; VIV GEE, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted

STAND, Hosted by Sandy Nelson, 21:00, £ 12.00

STEWART LEE, STEWART LEE41ST BEST EVER STAND UP EVER, THE STAND, Quick! Get your tickets,

THU 03 APR

Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

TANYALEE DAVIS; BRENDAN BURKE; REX BOYD, JONGLEURS,

JOE HEENAN; JIM PARK; EILIDH MACCASKILL; MIKEY ADAMS, MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND, 20:30, £5/£4/£1 MON 07 APR

STAND, Supporting the right of the Palestinian people, 20:30, TBC

THU 17 APR

SIMON BLIGH; MARIAN PASHLEY; RAB BROWN, THE STAND, THE

ELLEN KENT, MADAM BUTTERFLY, Opera Fri 11 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30,

LICKETY SPIT, HEELIE-GO-LEERIE, three and above Sun 06 Apr–Mon 07 Apr, various, £ 6.00

THE STATE BAR, Every Saturday, 21:00, £ 5.00

SUN 06 APR

various prices

to support child welfare, 20:30, £7/£5.

TANYALEE DAVIS; BRENDAN BURKE; REX BOYD, JONGLEURS,

ELLEN KENT, LA TRAVIATA, Verdi

Thu 10 Apr–Thu 10 Apr, 19:30, various prices

TBA, BENEFIT IN AID OF STUDENTS FOR KIDS INTERNATIONAL PROJECT, THE STAND, Working

CHRISTIAN REILLY; CHRIS CAIRNS; ANDY WHITE; CURTIS WALKER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

STAND, Hosted by Sandy Nelson, 20:30, £9/£8/£5

SECC

various prices

WED 16 APR

KEVIN BRIDGES; JILL BAXTER, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce

LOTHIAN YOUTH ARTS, A DECADE OF DAZZLING DELIGHTS,

various prices

THE STAND, New acts. New jokes. Dead Cheap., 20:30, £2/£1

SIMON BLIGH; MARIAN PASHLEY; RAB BROWN, THE STAND, THE

ELLEN KENT, MADAM BUTTERFLY, Opera Tue 08 Apr–Wed 09 Apr, 19:30,

A PLAY, A PIE AND A PINT, GOD’S HAIRDRESSER, New play Mon 31 Mar–

Mon 07 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30, various prices

SIMON BLIGH; MARIAN PASHLEY; RAB BROWN, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Sandy Nelson,

DIFFERENT LINE UP EVERY WEEK, COMEDY @ THE STATE,

ORAN MOR

A PLAY, A PIE AND A PINT, AN ADVERT FOR THE ARMY, New play

COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 8.00

SAT 05 APR

CLYDEBUILT PUPPET, FINDERS KEEPERS, table top puppets Thu 10 Apr–

Sat 05 Apr, 19:30, various prices

THU 03 APR

WEE STORIES THEATRE COMPANY, THE EMPEROR’S NEW KILT , Sat 12 Apr–Mon 14 Apr, various,

Mon 07 Apr–Mon 07 Apr, 19:30, various prices

ARTS CENTRE

KINGS THEATRE

20:30, £7/£5/£3

KINGS THEATRE

ELLEN KENT, LA TRAVIATA, Verdi

KILMARDINNY ARTS CENTRE and up Mon 07 Apr–Mon 07 Apr, 11:00, contact venue for prices

CHRISTIAN REILLY; CHRIS CAIRNS; ANDY WHITE; CURTIS WALKER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

Sat 12 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 20:00, Contact venue for prices

EAST KILBRIDE

CATHERINE WHEEL, MARTHA, four

Dance Fri 18 Apr–Sat 19 Apr, 19:30, Contact venue for prices

CURVE, THE FOUR SEASONS,

NEDERLANDS DANCE THEATRE, TRIPLE BILL, Amazing modern dance Fri

MOUSETALE PUPPET, OSCAR AND THE QUEST, Puppetry Sat 19 Apr– Sat 19 Apr, 14:00, contact venue for prices

MARIAN PASHLEY; ISMA ALMAS; AL KENNEDY, WICKED WENCHES, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Calman,

FESTIVAL THEATRE

Apr, 13:00, Contact venue for prices

WED 02 APR

Apr–Tue 01 Apr, 18:00, Free THE TIN SOLDIER, Fairy story Mon 07 Apr–Mon 07 Apr, various, £ 3.00 THE LAST SOUTH, Artic Exploration Sat 12 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 19:30, £ 10.50

GILMORE DANCE COMPANY, THE BLANK ALBUM, Witty pop dance

Apr–Fri 04 Apr, 19:30, £ 12.00

G12

CURVE FOUNDATION, MEET THE…, Exercepts from the repetoire Tue 01

THE STAND, New acts. New jokes. Dead Cheap., 20:30, £2/£1

EDINBURGH

SEAN PERCIVAL; STEVE DAY; BARRY MACDONALD, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan MorSUN 27 APR GRAEME THOMAS, MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

MON 28 APR RAYMOND MEARNS; PAUL PIRIE; ALLEN CHALMERS, DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE, THE STAND, Improv and sketches on the spot, 20:30, £ 4.00

TUE 29 APR KEITH FARNAN , RED RAW, THE STAND, New acts. New jokes. Dead Cheap., 20:30, £2/£1

RICK MOLLAND; PLUS MORE, HERESY , JEKYLL AND HYDE , Every Thursday FRI 04 APR STEVE HUGHES; CHRIS LYNAM; MARK NELSON; ISMA ALMAS, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce

Devlin, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

MILES CRAWFORD; BRENDAN DEMPSEY; PHIL BUTLER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 11.00

SAT 05 APR STEVE HUGHES; CHRIS LYNAM; MARK NELSON; ISMA ALMAS, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £ 12.00

MILES CRAWFORD; BRENDAN DEMPSEY; PHIL BUTLER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 14.00

SUN 06 APR STUART MURPHY; GARRY DOBSON, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Improvised comedy from the quick witted duo, 12:30, Free

CHRIS LYNAM; MARK NELSON; JOHN WHALE; BARRY MCDONALD, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Kevin Bridges, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

MON 07 APR KEIR MCALLISTER; LAZYHAND, RED RAW, THE STAND, New acts. New jokes. Dead Cheap., 20:30, £ 2.00

WED 09 APR SKETCH TROUPE, MELTING POT,

THE STAND, Sketches from new writers, performed by actors, judged by you., 20:30, £5/£4/£2.50

THU 10 APR SCOTT CAPURRO; NEIL MCFARLANE; JULIET MEYERS; JIM PARK, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Vladimir McTavish, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

FRI 11 APR SCOTT CAPURRO; NEIL MCFARLANE; JULIET MEYERS; JIM PARK, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Vladimir McTavish, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

STEFANO PAOLINI; KEVIN GILDEA; RICHARD MORTON; SIMON CLAYTON, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 11.00

SAT 12 APR TBA DIFFERENT LINE UP EVERY WEEK, LEMONCUSTARD COMEDY CLUB, HARLEQUIN CAFE, Brought to you by comedy sweeties Sian Bevan and Dee Custance, 19:00, Free

STEFANO PAOLINI; KEVIN GILDEA; RICHARD MORTON; SIMON CLAYTON, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 14.00

SCOTT CAPURRO; NEIL MCFARLANE; JULIET MEYERS; JIM PARK, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Vladimir McTavish, 21:00, £ 12.00

SUN 13 APR JOHN GILLICK; JULIET MEYERS; JILL BAXTER; ROSS BAILLIE, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Scott Agnew, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

STUART MURPHY; GARRY DOBSON, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, See the 6th, 12:30, Free MON 14 APR

KEVIN BRIDGES; SCOTT AGNEW, RED RAW, THE STAND, New acts. New jokes. Dead Cheap., 20:30, £ 2.00

WED 30 APR

TUE 15 APR

KEITH FARNAN; KEVIN HAYES; DERMOT WHELAN, BEST OF IRISH COMEDY, THE STAND, Hosted by

CRAIG HILL; JILL PEACOCK; MANDY KNIGHT; SUSAN CALMAN, OOT II- THE SECOND COMING, THE

Michael Redmond, 20:30, £7/£6/£4

STAND, Gay and gay friendly comedy. All welcome., 20:30, £8/£6

LISTINGS

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

WED 16 APR

CCA

PROJECT ROOM

TBA, BENEFIT IN AID OF DREAMFLIGHT, THE STAND, Help seriously ill and

CATHERINE YASS, HIGH WIRE,

KAREN CUNNINGHAM, LUCA FREI, BABAK GHAZI, Fri 11 Apr–Sun 27

THU 17 APR

HARALD TUREK, HINTERLAND,

disabled children take the holiday of a lifetime, 20:30, £ 10.00

DAVE FULTON; DAN EVANS; JAY LAFFERTY, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, He looks like that chef from Ready, Steady, Cook, but Dave Fulton is actually a rather good political satirist., 21:00, £7/£6/£3

FRI 18 APR PHIL WALKER; ROB HEENEY; TOM STADE, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, Featuring favourite adopted Canadian comic Tom Stade, 19:00, £ 11.00

DAVE FULTON; DAN EVANS; CHRIS NEILL, THE STAND, THE

Film premiers of high wire based performance at Glasgow’s Red Road flats Fri 11 Apr–Thu 24 Apr, 11:00–18:00, Tues-Sun, Free Harald Turek is a German artist living and working in Glasgow within the mediums of photography, performance, video and installation. Fri 11 Apr–Sun 27 Apr, 11:00–18:00, Tues-Sun, Free

COLLINS GALLERY ALEX FROST, RUN, RUN, Fri 11 Apr– Sat 03 May, 12:00–17:00, Mon-Sat, Free

GLASGOW GALLERY OF MODERN ART JIM LAMBIE, Fri 11 Apr–Mon 29 Sep,

STAND, Hosted by Susan Morrison, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

10:00(mon-thu)/11:00(fri-sun)–17:00(friwed)/20:00(thur), Mon-Sun, Free

SAT 19 APR

LOWSALT

DAVE FULTON; DAN EVANS; CHRIS NEILL, THE STAND, THE

UVP: WORLDWIDE, Fri 11 Apr–Sun 27

STAND, Hosted by Susan Morrison, 21:00, £ 12.00

PHIL WALKER; ROB HEENEY; TOM STADE, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 14.00

SUN 20 APR STUART MURPHY; GARRY DOBSON, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Improvised comedy from the quick witted duo, 12:30, Free

DAN EVANS; LAZYHAND; ANDREW LEARMONTH, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Jill Peacock, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

MON 21 APR STEVEN DICK, RED RAW, THE STAND, New acts. New jokes. Dead Cheap., 20:30, £ 2.00

TUE 22 APR JOHN BISHOP, JOHN BISHOP, THE

STAND, Observational comic from Liverpool, 20:30, £10/£8

THU 24 APR GORDON ALEXANDER, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

FRI 25 APR KEITH FARNAN; GORDON ALEXANDER, THE STAND, THE STAND,

Featuring up and coming Irish One-to-watch, Keith Farnan, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

MARK OLVER; HARVEY OLIVER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 11.00

SAT 26 APR TBA DIFFERENT LINE UP EVERY WEEK, LEMONCUSTARD COMEDY CLUB, HARLEQUIN CAFE, Brought to you by comedy sweeties Sian Bevan and Dee Custance, 19:00, Free

MARK OLVER; HARVEY OLIVER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, 19:00, £ 14.00

KEITH FARNAN; GORDON ALEXANDER, THE STAND, THE STAND, See the 25th, 21:00, £ 12.00

SUN 27 APR STUART MURPHY; GARRY DOBSON, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, See the 6th, 12:30, Free STEVE DAY; KEITH FARNAN; TIFFANY STEVENSON; MICHAEL ADAMS, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Billy

Apr, 12:00–18:00, Daily, Free

DOWER + BRUCKE, THE SECRET AGENT, Fri 11 Apr–Sun 27 Apr, 12:00–18:00, Daily, Free

MARKET GALLERY ANTI-COOL, CATHY AOKI, HIDEKO INOUE, Market brings together three artists of Japanese origin working to examine themes of community, belonging, diversity and stereotypes. Fri 11 Apr–Sun 27 Apr, 12:00–18:00, Tue- Sat, Free

MARY MARY ERNST CARAMELLE, Caramelle will produce a series of wall paintings in the gallery alongside new drawings which include a selection of sun on paper pieces, video works and a limited edition poster work. Sat 08 Mar–Sat 17 May, 12:00–17:00, Thurs-Sat, Free

MODERN INSTITUTE RECORDS PLAYED BACKWARDS, Fri 11 Apr–Sat 10 May, 10:00 (12:00)–18:00 (17:00), Mon-Fri (Sat/Sun), Free

Apr, 12:00–17:00, Daily, Free

RECOAT GALLERY ELPH, SPIRITS AND BITCHUMEN, Edinburgh-based graffiti and graphic artist Sat 22 Mar–Mon 28 Apr, 12:00–20:00, Tue-Sun, Free

SORCHA DALLAS ALASDAIR GRAY, GRANDES ET PETITES MACHINES, . Fri 11 Apr–Sat 17 May, 11:00–17:00, Tue-Sat, Free

STREET LEVEL PHOTOWORKS EL MAJOR, TRY TO DO THINGS WE CAN ALL UNDERSTAND, Sat 29 Mar–Sat 10 May, .

SWG3 PATRICIA FLEMING & CAROLINE STEVENSON, THE LOCAL, ThFri 11 Apr–Sun 27 Apr, 12:00–21:00, Tues-Sun.

TEN TO TEN ROCCA GUTTERIDGE KEVIN HARMAN FRANCESCA NOBILLUCI, READING PUBLIC, Fri 25 Apr–Fri 02 May, 12:00–19:00, Free

THE COMMON GUILD-21 WOODLANDS TERRACE ADEL ABDESSEMED, Fri 11 Apr–Tue 03 Jun, 12:00–19:00, Thurs-Sat, Free

TRAMWAY SOMETHING NO LESS IMPORTANT THAN NOTHING NOTHING NO LESS IMPORTANT THAN SOMETHING, Fri 11 Apr–Thu 08 May, 12:00–18:00, Wed-Sun, Free

BENEATH AND BEYOND, Fri 11 Apr– Sun 20 Apr, 12:00–18:00, Wed-Sun, Free

BETUAL PENDULA SILVER BIRCH, Fri 11 Apr–Sun 18 May, 12:00–18:00, Wed-Sun, Free

TRANSMISSION MELANIE GILLIGAN, Fri 11 Apr–Sat 10 May, 11:00–17:00, Tues-Sun, Free

EDINBURGH BONGO CLUB CAFE

INVERLEITH HOUSE

RABIYAH CHOUDHRY, SKINNY SHOWCASE, Skinny Showcase goes live!

NICK EVANS, PRIMARY SCHOOL,

Fri 14 Mar–Thu 10 Apr, 12:00–19:00, Mon-Fri, Free

Sat 16 Feb–Sun 20 Apr, 10:00–17:30 (15:30 in February), Tue-Sun, Free

CITY ART CENTRE

TONY SWAIN, IMPURE PASSPORTS, Sat 16 Feb–Sun 20 Apr, 10:00–17:30

ANSEL ADAMS, CELEBRATION OF GENIUS, Tue 02 Sep–Sat 19 Apr,

NEVILLE RAE, A TOWN FOR TOMMORROW, Sat 16 Feb–Sun 20 Apr,

10:00–17:00, Mon-Sat, £ 4.00

LINDSAY ROBERTSON, THE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY OF LINDSAY ROBERTSON, Tue 02 Sep–Sat 19 Apr, 10:00–17:00, Mon-Sat, £ 4.00

COLLECTIVE GALLERY VARIOUS, SCOTTISH/ POLISH CULTURAL STIMULATION,

(15:30 in February), Tue-Sun, Free

10:00–17:30 (15:30 in February), Tue-Sun, Free

MODERN ART GALLERIES THE SCIENTIFIC ASPECT OF SURREALISM, GROUP SHOW, The work of Grace Pailthorpe and Reuben Mednikoff Mon 01 Dec–Sun 20 Apr, 10:00–17:00, MonSun, Free

18:00–20:00, Every Thurs, Free VARIOUS, FREEE, Works made in response to the influx of Polish immigrants Thu 03 Apr–Thu 17 Apr, 12:00–18:00, Tues-Sat, Free

NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND

DOGGERFISHER

Thu 31 Jan–Wed 04 Jun, 10:00–17:00.

GROUP SHOW, with Claire Barclay, Sara Barker, Neil Clements, Sally Osborn, Jonathan Owen and Albrecht Schäfer Fri 15 Feb–Sat 26 Apr, 10:00–18:00, Tue-Fri, Free

RUBENS- RIBERA, REUNITED, PATRIOTHALL GALLERY ONE FOR SORROW, TWO FOR JOY, THREE FOR A GIRL, Sat 19 Apr– Wed 30 Apr, 12:00–18:00, Daily, Free

Kirkwood, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS

DUNDEE

GIL TYSON/ALASTAIR CLARK, ARCTIC CIRCUS/ SKYLIGHTS, Tue

TUE 01 APR

EMBASSY

SIMON MUNNERY; MILES JUPP, JOHNSON AND BOSWELL; LATE BUT LIVE, DUNDEE REP, Devised by Stewart

LUKE COLLINS, STREAK OF FAT/ STREAK OF LEAN, Fri 18 Apr–Sun 11

JOANNA KANE, THE SOMNAMBULISTS, he Somnambulists is a haunting

GRV

QUEEN’S GALLERY

GROUP SHOW, METAMORPHOSIS,Mon 24 Mar–Mon

BRUEGEL TO RUBENS: MASTERS OF FLEMISH PAINTING, The

SEAN BRANAGAN, PAINTING WITH PEOPLE II, until Sat 26 Apr,

first exhibition ever mounted of Flemish paintings in the Royal Collection Sat 19 Jan–Wed 04 Jun, 09:30–18:00, Mon-Sun, £5 (£4.50)

Lee, see review in comedy section, 19:45, £11/£9

WED 02 APR SIMON MUNNERY; MILES JUPP, JOHNSON AND BOSWELL; LATE BUT LIVE, DUNDEE REP, Devised by Stewart Lee, see review in comedy section, 19:45, £11/£9

FRI 04 APR CRAIG HILL, CRAIG HILL; MAKING A BIG SONG AND DANCE, DUNDEE REP, Musical adventure with the camp comedian, 22:30, £12.50/£10

SAT 05 APR SHAZIA MIRZA; JOHN GILLICK; CHRIS FORBES, JUST LAUGH COMEDY CLUB, FAT SAM’S, Featuring top female headliner Shazia Mirza, 20:00, £ 9.00

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

LISTINGS

COMEDY ART

22 Apr–Sat 10 May, 10:00–18:00, Tues-Sat, Free

May, 11:00–17:00, Thurs-Sun, Free AUCTION, A chance to purchase work by some of Britain’s finest artists from Sat 05 Apr, 18:00–20:00.

07 Apr, 12:00–19:00, Daily, Free

12:00–19:00, Daily, Free

INGLEBY GALLERY ANDREW GRASSIE & DANIEL BUREN, Part of the 10th birthday celebrations Sat 05 Apr–Sat 12 Apr, 10:00–17:00, Free

IAN DAVENPORT & THE SIMPSONS, Part of the 10th birthday celebrations Sat 19 Apr–Sat 26 Apr, 10:00–17:00, Free

PORTRAIT GALLERY BP PORTRAIT AWARD 2007, Presenting some of the very best examples of contemporary portrait painting. Tue 22 Jan–Sun 27 Apr, 10:00–17:00, Mon-Sun, £4(£3)

series of photographic portraits taken from a famous collection of phrenological heads now on loan to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Fri 28 Sep–Wed 04 Jun, 10:00–17:00, Mon-Sun, Free

STILLS PETER HUJAR, Sat 16 Feb–Sun 27 Apr, 11:00–18:00, Mon-Sun, Free

TALBOT RICE ENRICO DAVID, ULTRA PASTE, Sat 22 Mar–Sat 10 May, 10:00–17:00, Tue-Sat, Free

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

GLASGOW :: CLUBS WED 02 APR GERRY LYONS, AFTER HOURS, THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00–03:00, 3

DJ DEC & COLIN, DELIVERANCE,

THE CATHOUSE, Metal, emo & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA,

LIPTONS, Salsa classes from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00–00:00, Free NEW FLESH, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00–03:00, £4, £2 from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm OCTOPUSSY, THE ARCHES, Student night, 23:00–03:00, 5

DAVE MULHOLLAND, POP ROCKIT, CATWALK, Mixed Bag, 19:00–03:00, Free NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, SQUARE GO!, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, 3

TONGUE IN CHEEK, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£5), free b4 11pm/12am with matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

THU 03 APR ALEX & JOHN, 45 KICKS, THE BUFF

CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats, 23:00–03:00, 3

BARRY & HARVEY KARTEL, ALTERNATIVE NATION, BAMBOO,

Rock, industrial, metal, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm CHIX ON DEX, CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00–01:00, Free DUB & GRUB, THE 78, Dub, 19:00–00:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF

ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Playerz in the bar, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3) JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY & BOOM MONK BEN, THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, soul & motown, 20:00–03:00, Free

DJ FRAMIE, MIX GENERATOR,

CATWALK, Classic rock, maetal & alternative, 19:00–03:00, Free FLOYD, OUTPUT, THE 13TH NOTE, Electronic, hip hop, rock, 21:00–00:00, Free PSYKLOPZ, STEREO, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, 2

RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00–03:00, Free

HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RECORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC BAR, Disco electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

RUBBERMENSCH, ABC2, A night for

indie lovers, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP

DJ TOAST, UP THE RACKET,

YOUSEF, CROSSOVER, BYBLOS, Dance, 23:00–04:00, 10

ANDY WILSON, DOMINO, VALDOR,

ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP,

23:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, HOMEGROWN, BAMBOO, House and

THE BEEP SEALS, EYES WIDE OPEN, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Eclectic,

JIM DA BEST, FLIRTINI FRIDAYS, BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, 6 LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00–03:00, 5 FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh

hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4) RYAN & THIERRY, HELL, THE CLASSIC GRAND, House & techno, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00–03:00, 5

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW,

FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS, THE FLYING DUCK, Launch night of queer alternative magazine, 20:00–23:00, Free NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

JAMES T COTTON, TODD OSBORN, NUMBERS, THE SUB CLUB, Techno, 23:00–03:00, 10

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, 6

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S, CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12am students

TROUBLESHOOTER, DARKMODE, ROB PARK, THE CHELSEA GIRLS, TRONIC, BLACKFRIARS, Electronic, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£5)

DJ MINGO-GO & DJ CASIO, VIBRATIONS, CLASSIC GRAND, Electro, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE

GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free HINT, THE IVY, Tru Thoughts, 20:00–00:00, Free

THE LOST GENERATION, THE TENANTS, SENEKA, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3) SUGAR SUGAR DJ, MAGGIE MAYS UPSTAIRS, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, Free DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free MOTHER & THE ADDICTS, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Garage & alternative, 21:00–01:00, Free

SAT 05 APR

BOHO, Funk, electro & house, 21:30–03:00, 3 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00–03:00, Free

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, ABC2,

THE DECENT SOULS, THE SCARLET, EYE CONTACT LEADS TOO,

MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3) KEVIN STEVENS, METROPOLITAN, Funk & soul 45s, 21:00–00:00, Free

FRI 04 APR EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS,

ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GAVIN DUNBAR, BACK TAE MINE, THE FLYING DUCK, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 12am

GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS, ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance, 23:00– 03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

Electro, house & pop, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric. ALL TORE UP, BLACKFRIARS, 1950s record hop, 22:00–03:00, 5

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW

SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am

DJ LOVELESS, MADAME S, CLUB NOIR, THE WINCHESTER CLUB, Vintage, retro & modern sounds, 22:00–03:00, 10

DARREN EMERSON, DEADMUS, JON MANCINI, GIOVANNI FERRI, ANDY KING, COLOURS, THE ARCHES, Dance, 22:00–03:00, 16

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER,

GUESTS, DECODANCE, CLASSIC

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk, ska

THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

GRAND, Glamorous house, 23:00–03:00, 8

BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm DJ MISHKA, BURLY, THE ARCHES, Gay and bi men aged 25+, 22:30–03:00, 10 CHILDREN OF THE 80S, CLASSIC GRAND, DJs & live performances, 80s tunes, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3) COMPUTELOVE, THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00–03:00, Free

& mod tunes, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

FIREWATER, Indie, rock & britpop, 12:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

Indie, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm NIC, WOOHOO!, VALDOR, Pop, rock, indie, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

DJ NORMSKI, ZERO THURSDAYS,

CRAIG WILSON, HANOI ROCKS,

DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, MAGGIE

MAYS, Indie, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00–03:00, 5 LIL RICH, GLAMORAMA, BOHO, 90s house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30–03:00, 8 GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

LOU HICKEY, HALT BAR HIJACK!, THE HALT, Live bands, 19:30–00:00, Free

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00–01:00, Free HOME COOKIN’, BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00–03:00, £7, free b4 11pm

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 22:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students HOOLIGAN, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Punk, ska, reggae, 22:00–03:00, 5

KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON SATURDAYS, KARBON, House & hip hop classics, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

SIMON CORDINER, ANDREW PIRIE, MELTING POT, THE ADMIRAL,

Disco, house, deep techno, 23:00–03:00, 10 NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics downstairs, 22:30–03:00, 6

DROIDO, JOHN VIRTUE, FULL PHAT, OFF THE RECORD, SOUND-

HAUS, Techno, minimal, 23:00–04:00, £10 (£8), £6 b4 12am GATEKEEPER, OSCILLATE, THE IVY, Dubstep, electronic, grime, 20:30–00:00, 4

CIARAN O’TOOLE, ROUTE 666,

CATWALK, Classic & cult rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

KEVIN SAUNDERSON, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the ever-evolving house blueprint, 23:00–03:00, £12, £10 b4 12am

CRIS BIGUZZI, MATTHEW CRAIG, VALDOR, VALDOR, House, electro, RnB,

23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 12am VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with metal, emo & punk, 17:00–21:30, £6 (£3) DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, Eclectic, 21:00–03:00, Free BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm with PIYP PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free HUDSON MOHAWKE, THE IVY, Warp, 20:00–00:00, Free MACSORLEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00–03:00, Free ALTERNATIVE DJS, MAGGIE MAYS, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £8, £6 b4 12am DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT DJS, MAGGIE MAYS UPSTAIRS, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, Free SCOTT STRACHAN, METROPOLITAN, House & funk, 21:00–03:00, Free

SUN 06 APR DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00–03:00, Free

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other boogie next door, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 11pm/12pm with matric

DJ TANTRUM, DISCOTHEQUE,

VALDOR, House, RnB, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, THE FLYING DUCK, Bass, percussion & scratching, 21:00–03:00, Free b4 11pm MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00–03:00, £3, free with matric

JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

PAUL CRAWFORD, SOUL SUNDAYS, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock,

16:00–03:00, Free SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, TRICKY DISCO, KARBON, House, 23:00–03:00, 5

TUE 08 APR ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 11pm/12am with matric FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk musician session, 20:00–01:00, Free KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school rock & roll, soul, funk, from the 1960’s1980’s, 22:00–03:00, £3, free with matric. After 12am KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, New wave, indie, electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

22:30–03:00, £5 (£4)

WED 09 APR GERRY LYONS, AFTER HOURS, THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00–03:00, 3

A BAND CALLED QUINN, CLUB TROMOLO, CLASSIC GRAND, Wonky cabaret, music & dancing, 21:00–02:00, 5

DJ DEC & COLIN, DELIVERANCE,

THE CATHOUSE, Metal, emo & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA,

DAVE MULHOLLAND, POP ROCKIT, CATWALK, Mixed Bag, 19:00–03:00, Free NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, SQUARE GO!, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, 3

TONGUE IN CHEEK, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£5), free b4 11pm/12am with matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

THU 10 APR ALEX & JOHN, 45 KICKS, THE BUFF

CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats, 23:00–03:00, 3

BARRY & HARVEY KARTEL, ALTERNATIVE NATION, BAMBOO,

Rock, industrial, metal, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

THE ALIENS, GUITAR SHORTY, FOUND, RADIO MAGNETIC DJS, FENCE DJS, BULLIET SESSIONS,

MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, 5 CHIX ON DEX, CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00–01:00, Free

CROC-MADAME VS. CROCMONSIEUR, THE FLYING DUCK, Art, bands, DJs, 22:00–03:00, 3

DUB & GRUB, THE 78, Dub, 19:00–00:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF

ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Playerz in the bar, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3) JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY & BOOM MONK BEN, THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, soul & motown, 20:00–03:00, Free

DJ MEHDI, BOOM MONK BEN, HOW’S YOUR PARTY, THE SUB CLUB, Dance, 23:00–03:00, 5

DJ FRAMIE, MIX GENERATOR,

CATWALK, Classic rock, maetal & alternative, 19:00–03:00, Free FLOYD, OUTPUT, THE 13TH NOTE, Electronic, hip hop, rock, 21:00–00:00, Free PSYKLOPZ, STEREO, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, 2

NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New &

HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RECORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC BAR, Disco

grooves, 20:00–03:00, Free

old rock & electronica, 21:00–03:00, Free AARON PETRIE, METROPOLITAN, Chill & breakbeat house, 21:00–00:00, Free

electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

DJ ANDY & DJ DEC, POPTIMISM/ ROCKTIMISM, THE GARAGE, Pop & rock,

23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP

SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am GUESTS, DECODANCE, CLASSIC GRAND, Glamorous house, 23:00–03:00, 8

FRI 11 APR

LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARBON, Dance,

21:30–03:00, 3

CLUB, Glasgow institition playing underground classics, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers FRESH, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue with house & indie, 23:00–03:00, 5

BOHO, Funk, electro & house, 21:30–03:00, 3 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00–03:00, Free KEVIN STEVENS, METROPOLITAN, Funk & soul 45s, 21:00–00:00, Free

DJ NORMSKI, ZERO THURSDAYS,

EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS,

RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin

NORMSKI & ZEUS, BURN, THE BUFF

Electro, house & pop, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

RESIDENTS OF ALL CLUBS, 10TH BIRTHDAY BASH, SOUNDHAUS, Techno,

members

RUBBERMENSCH, ABC2, A night for

indie lovers, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP

DJ TOAST, UP THE RACKET,

FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, ABC2,

D.I.Y., 22:00–03:00, Free NIC, WOOHOO!, VALDOR, Pop, rock, indie, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk, 22:00–02:15, £2, £1

JIM DA BEST, WE LOVE SUNDAYS, BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers,

MON 07 APR

WICKED GAME, THE TWISTED WHEEL,

house, electro, 21:30–04:30, £10 for 2 nights

ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GAVIN DUNBAR, BACK TAE MINE, THE FLYING DUCK, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 12am

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER,

THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

DIMLITE, DORIAN CONCEPT, MAMIKO, BALLERS SOCIAL CLUB, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Electronic, newbeat, 23:00–03:00, 5

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm BUCKAROO!, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Country, 22:30–03:00, 5 CHILDREN OF THE 80S, CLASSIC GRAND, DJs & live performances, 80s tunes, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3) COMPUTELOVE, THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00–03:00, Free ANDY WILSON, DOMINO, VALDOR, Indie, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00–03:00, 5

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW, FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, 6

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S, CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free SPITFIRE, BLACKFRIARS, Indie & soul, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12am students

DJ MINGO-GO & DJ CASIO, VIBRATIONS, CLASSIC GRAND, Electro, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP GRAEME PARK, BYBLOS, Hacienda legend, house, 23:00–04:00, 7 TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW

MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, MAGGIE

MAYS, Indie, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00–03:00, 5 LIL RICH, GLAMORAMA, BOHO, 90s house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30–03:00, 8 GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

JOE NICE, FORTIFIED SESSIONS, STAVKA, Dubstep, electro, garage, dub, 23:00–03:00, 5

AFTERGLOW, FRIDAY STREET, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Mod & northen soul, 22:00–03:00, Free

PUNCH & THE APOSTLES, HALT BAR HIJACK!, THE HALT, Live bands, 19:30–00:00, Free

CRAIG WILSON, HANOI ROCKS,

FIREWATER, Indie, rock & britpop, 12:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00–01:00, Free HOME COOKIN’, BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00–03:00, £7, free b4 11pm

STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, HOMEGROWN, BAMBOO, House and

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 22:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students

JOAKIM, MUSICCARGO, HUNTLEYS & PALMERS AUDIO CLUB, STEREO, Eclectic dance, 23:00–03:00, 12 JUDGE JULES, INSIDE OUT, THE ARCHES, Hard dance, 23:00–05:00, 14

KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON SATURDAYS, KARBON, House & hip hop classics, 22:30–03:00, £tbc SILICON SCALLY, MISO, THE IVY, Electro, 20:30–00:00, 5 NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics downstairs, 22:30–03:00, 6

EILIDH S & CHARLOTTE W, ONE MORE TUNE, BLACKFRIARS, Dance, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

CIARAN O’TOOLE, ROUTE 666,

CATWALK, Classic & cult rock, 19:00–03:00, Free CJ MACKINTOSH, SABADO, BYBLOS, House & techno, 22:00–03:00, £tbc HARRI & DOM, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the ever-evolving house blueprint, 23:00–03:00, £8, £5 b4 12am

CRIS BIGUZZI, MATTHEW CRAIG, VALDOR, VALDOR, House, electro, RnB,

SKANKT, SOBER TONGUE, THE SHAKES, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

SCOTT STRACHAN, METROPOLITAN, House & funk, 21:00–03:00, Free

SUN 13 APR DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free HARRI, THE IVY, House, 20:00–00:00, Free

COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests

club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

house music all night long with other boogie next door, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 11pm/12pm with matric

THE SEA, KETEMINE DECO, ALFONZO, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & SUGAR SUGAR DJ, MAGGIE MAYS

UPSTAIRS, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, Free DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free

FELONIOUS MONK, GOODFOOT, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Soul, funk, boogaloo, 21:00–01:00, Free

SAT 12 APR RESIDENTS OF ALL CLUBS, 10TH BIRTHDAY BASH, SOUNDHAUS, Techno, house, electro, 21:30–04:30, £10 for 2 nights

GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS, ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance, 23:00– 03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

& DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00–03:00, Free

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO, Classic

DJ TANTRUM, DISCOTHEQUE,

VALDOR, House, RnB, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

LISTINGS

16:00–03:00, Free SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, TRICKY DISCO, KARBON, House, 23:00–03:00, 5

AMAN HAYER, TIGERSTYLE, KULDEEP PUREWAL, VAISAKHI, BYBLOS, Indian, bhangra, 20:00–03:00, 15

JIM DA BEST, WE LOVE SUNDAYS,

RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00–03:00, Free

HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RECORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC BAR, Disco electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

RUBBERMENSCH, ABC2, A night for

indie lovers, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP

BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, 3 NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & electronica, 21:00–03:00, Free AARON PETRIE, METROPOLITAN, Chill & breakbeat house, 21:00–00:00, Free

NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB, MAXIMO PARK DJ SET, SMIRNOFF ELECTRIC CABARET, ABC, Eclectic

MON 14 APR

anthems, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP

NORMSKI & ZEUS, BURN, THE BUFF CLUB, Glasgow institition playing underground classics, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers FRESH, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue with house & indie, 23:00–03:00, 5

DJ ANDY & DJ DEC, POPTIMISM/ ROCKTIMISM, THE GARAGE, Pop & rock,

23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP

TUE 15 APR ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 11pm/12am with matric FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk musician session, 20:00–01:00, Free KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school rock & roll, soul, funk, from the 1960’s1980’s, 22:00–03:00, £3, free with matric. After 12am KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, New wave, indie, electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk, 22:00–02:15, £2, £1 members

LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARBON, Dance, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4)

WED 16 APR GERRY LYONS, AFTER HOURS, THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00–03:00, 3

DJ DEC & COLIN, DELIVERANCE,

THE CATHOUSE, Metal, emo & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA,

DAVE MULHOLLAND, POP ROCKIT, CATWALK, Mixed Bag, 19:00–03:00, Free NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, SQUARE GO!, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, 3

TONGUE IN CHEEK, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£5), free b4 11pm/12am with matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

THU 17 APR ALEX & JOHN, 45 KICKS, THE BUFF

CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats, 23:00–03:00, 3

BARRY & HARVEY KARTEL, ALTERNATIVE NATION, BAMBOO,

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00–01:00, Free DUB & GRUB, THE 78, Dub, 19:00–00:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Playerz in the bar, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3) JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY & BOOM MONK BEN, THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, soul & motown, 20:00–03:00, Free

DJ FRAMIE, MIX GENERATOR,

CATWALK, Classic rock, maetal & alternative, 19:00–03:00, Free FLOYD, OUTPUT, THE 13TH NOTE, Electronic, hip hop, rock, 21:00–00:00, Free PSYKLOPZ, STEREO, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, 2

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

cabaret, bands & DJs, 20:30–02:00, 8

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart CTRL+ALT+DEL, TIGERSTYLE, DJ BLISCIOUS, LA ROCHE RUMBA, UNITY CENTRE BENEFIT NIGHT,

THE FLYING DUCK, Electronic, 20:00–03:00, 5 DJ TOAST, UP THE RACKET, FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm NIC, WOOHOO!, VALDOR, Pop, rock, indie, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE

GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free ASTROBOY, THE IVY, Departure Lounge, 20:00–00:00, Free THE FRONT, LONELY FIRES, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3) SUGAR SUGAR DJ, MAGGIE MAYS UPSTAIRS, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, Free DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free THE YARD, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Roots, reggae, dub, 21:00–01:00, Free

SAT 19 APR GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS,

ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, ABC2, Electro, house

BOHO, Funk, electro & house, 21:30–03:00, 3 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00–03:00, Free

& pop, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric. ARGONAUT SOUNDS, THE IVY, Reggae soundsystem, 20:00–00:00, 2

Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3) KEVIN STEVENS, METROPOLITAN, Funk & soul 45s, 21:00–00:00, Free

SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am BAMALAMA, BLACKFRIARS, Funk, soul, rock & roll, 23:00–03:00, 4

DJ NORMSKI, ZERO THURSDAYS,

ROSS FAIRWEATHER & THE BILLY SHEARS, CARAGH NUGENT, THE RUNK COLLECTIVE, MAGGIE MAYS,

FRI 18 APR EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS,

ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GAVIN DUNBAR, BACK TAE MINE, THE FLYING DUCK, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 12am

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER,

THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm CHILDREN OF THE 80S, CLASSIC GRAND, DJs & live performances, 80s tunes, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3) COMPUTELOVE, THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00–03:00, Free ANDY WILSON, DOMINO, VALDOR, Indie, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

KODE9 & SPACE APE, ELECTRIC ELIMINATORS, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF

ART, Dubstep, 23:00–03:00, £tbc ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

RYAN & THIERRY, HELL, THE CLASSIC GRAND, House & techno, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00–03:00, 5

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW, FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm KOOCHIKOO, BLACKFRIARS, Electro, 23:00–03:00, 8 MANI, LET THEM EAT CAKE, BYBLOS, Eclectic, 23:00–04:00, 6 MUSIC IS MY GIRLFRIEND, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Indie, 22:00–03:00, 5 NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, 6 CHRIS LIEBING, REHAB, BYBLOS, Techno, 23:00–04:00, 6

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

WIGHNOMY BROTHERS, SENSU, THE SUB CLUB, Techno, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£8)

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S, CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12am students

DJ MINGO-GO & DJ CASIO, VIBRATIONS, CLASSIC GRAND, Electro, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

LISTINGS

PAUL CRAWFORD, SOUL SUNDAYS, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock,

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW

FLOYD & SCREEBSON, BEATGLUERADIO, THE 13TH NOTE, Eclectic, 21:00–00:00, Free

AJAX, NIGHTMOVES, DEATH DISCO, THE ARCHES, Dance, 22:00–03:00, 12 GUESTS, DECODANCE, CLASSIC GRAND, Glamorous house, 23:00–03:00, 8

THE FEZ, GATR, ANOWREXIYA, DIGITAL HARLOT, THE BARFLY, Industrial, ebm, digital hardcore, 23:00–03:00, £tbc

MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, MAGGIE

MAYS, Indie, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00–03:00, 5

KODE9, HUDSON MOHAWKE, ELECTRIC ELIMINATORS, ECHO-IK, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Electronic, 23:00–03:00, 6

LIL RICH, GLAMORAMA, BOHO, 90s house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30–03:00, 8 GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

WOUNDED KNEE & THE HAND, HALT BAR HIJACK!, THE HALT, Live bands, 19:30–00:00, Free

CRAIG WILSON, HANOI ROCKS,

FIREWATER, Indie, rock & britpop, 12:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00–01:00, Free HOME COOKIN’, BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00–03:00, £7, free b4 11pm

STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, HOMEGROWN, BAMBOO, House and

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 22:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students

KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON SATURDAYS, KARBON, House & hip hop classics, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

ANTHONY SHAKE SHAKIR, DJ STINGRAY, MONOX, SOUNDHAUS,

Detroit techno & electro, 23:00–05:00, £12 (£10) NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics downstairs, 22:30–03:00, 6

CIARAN O’TOOLE, ROUTE 666,

CATWALK, Classic & cult rock, 19:00–03:00, Free DIXON, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the ever-evolving house blueprint, 23:00–03:00, £12, £10 b4 12am

CRIS BIGUZZI, MATTHEW CRAIG, VALDOR, VALDOR, House, electro, RnB,

GDANSK, RODAN, ROOMTOLET, THE PASSENGERS, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT DJS, MAG-

GIE MAYS UPSTAIRS, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, Free

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

GLASGOW :: CLUBS SCOTT STRACHAN, METROPOLITAN, House & funk, 21:00–03:00, Free ALL TORE UP!!, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Rock & roll, rockabilly, 21:00–01:00, Free

SUN 20 APR DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00–03:00, Free

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other boogie next door, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 11pm/12pm with matric

DJ TANTRUM, DISCOTHEQUE,

VALDOR, House, RnB, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, THE FLYING DUCK, Bass,

percussion & scratching, 21:00–03:00, free b4 11pm MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00–03:00, £3, free with matric

JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

CORIOLIS, ENDOR, PUNCH & THE APOSTLES, OXJAM, STEREO, Live bands, 20:00–03:00, £5

CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

PAUL CRAWFORD, SOUL SUNDAYS, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock,

16:00–03:00, Free SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, TRICKY DISCO, KARBON, House, 23:00– 03:00, £5

JIM DA BEST, WE LOVE SUNDAYS,

BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £3 NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & electronica, 21:00–03:00, Free AARON PETRIE, METROPOLITAN, Chill & breakbeat house, 21:00–00:00, Free

TONGUE IN CHEEK, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£5), free b4 11pm/12am with matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free , BLACKFRIARS, Tango, 20:00–00:00, Free

THU 24 APR ALEX & JOHN, 45 KICKS, THE BUFF

CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats, 23:00–03:00, £3

BARRY & HARVEY KARTEL, ALTERNATIVE NATION, BAMBOO,

Rock, industrial, metal, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00– 03:00, £6, free b4 11pm CHIX ON DEX, CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00– 03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00–01:00, Free DUB & GRUB, THE 78, Dub, 19:00–00:00, Free

D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY & BOOM MONK BEN, THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, soul & motown, 20:00–03:00, Free

DJ FRAMIE, MIX GENERATOR,

CATWALK, Classic rock, maetal & alternative, 19:00–03:00, Free NOISE POLLUTION, BLACKFRIARS, Techno, 23:00–03:00, £5 FLOYD, OUTPUT, THE 13TH NOTE, Electronic, hip hop, rock, 21:00–00:00, Free PSYKLOPZ, STEREO, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £2

RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00–03:00, Free

MON 21 APR

HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RECORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC BAR, Disco

NORMSKI & ZEUS, BURN, THE BUFF

RUBBERMENSCH, ABC2, A night for

CLUB, Glasgow institition playing underground classics, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers FRESH, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue with house & indie, 23:00–03:00, £5

DJ ANDY & DJ DEC, POPTIMISM/ ROCKTIMISM, THE GARAGE, Pop & rock,

23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), Free +1 b4 12am with PIYP

TUE 22 APR ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop, 22:00–03:00,

£5 (£4), free b4 11pm/12am with matric FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up-and-coming folk musician session, 20:00–01:00, Free KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school rock & roll, soul, funk, from the 1960’s-1980’s, 22:00– 03:00, £3, free with matric. after 12am KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, New wave, indie, electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk, 22:00–02:15, £2, £1 members

electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

indie lovers, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart

anthems, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP DJ TOAST, UP THE RACKET, FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm NIC, WOOHOO!, VALDOR, Pop, rock, indie, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

DJ NORMSKI, ZERO THURSDAYS, BOHO, Funk, electro & house, 21:30–03:00, £3

CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00–03:00, Free

DE JOUR, INNER SIGHT, 2STOREYS, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

KEVIN STEVENS, METROPOLITAN, Funk & soul 45s, 21:00–00:00, Free

LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARBON, Dance,

FRI 25 APR

WED 23 APR

ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

22:30–03:00, £5 (£4)

EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS,

GERRY LYONS, AFTER HOURS,

GAVIN DUNBAR, BACK TAE MINE,

DJ DEC & COLIN, DELIVERANCE,

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER,

THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00– 03:00, £3 THE CATHOUSE, Metal, emo & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP FRIDAY STREET, BLACKFRIARS, 60s soul night, 22:00–03:00, £5

CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA,

DAVE MULHOLLAND, POP ROCKIT, CATWALK, Mixed Bag, 19:00–03:00, Free NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, SQUARE GO!, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £3

THE FLYING DUCK, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 12am THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

JIM DA BEST, FLIRTINI FRIDAYS,

BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £6 LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00–03:00, £5

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR,

Early doors serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, BLANKET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00–03:00, £5

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW,

FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

BURAKA SOM SISTERNA, KINKY AFRO, THE SUB CLUB, Hip hop, electro, 23:00–03:00, £10

JO MILLS, M8 PARTY, BYBLOS, House, 22:00–03:00, £tbc

BOBBY WILSON, TRUMAN DATA, CASIX, NO DISCO FUTURE, THE HALT, Minimal house & techno, 19:30–00:00, Free NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00– 03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, £6

DAVE CLARKE, ADAM BEYER, DJ SNEAK, SLAM, THE BLACK DOG, PRESSURE, THE ARCHES, Techno, 22:30–04:30, £19

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

THE THIRD MAN, HOBBES, BRIAN D’SOUZA, ANDREW INGRAM, SLABS OF THE TABERNACLE, WWW.SLABSOFTHETABERNACLE.COM, Detroit techno, disco, 22:00–03:00, £5

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S, CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free

THE RETROSEXUALS, KINGS OF MACUMBA, STEREOTYPE PRESENTS…, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, £3

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12am students

DJ MINGO-GO & DJ CASIO, VIBRATIONS, CLASSIC GRAND, Electro, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE, THE CAT-

HOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP

JAH SHAKA, MUNGO’S HI-FI, TRIPTYCH, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Dub, reggae, 21:00–01:00, £15

DJ A’LA FU, BOOM MONK BEN, BASSCLEF, MWESLEE, HUDSON MOHAWKE, TRIPTYCH, THE IVY, Hip hop, electro, 20:00–00:00, £tbc

JAMIE LIDELL, THEO PARRISH, GILLES PETERSON, TRIPTYCH,

THE TRAMWAY, Eclectic dance, house, disco, 21:00–00:00, £18 TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free

POOCH, THE BREAKERS, EXITPILOT, THE STRIKE NINETEENS,

MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3) DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT DJS, MAGGIE MAYS UPSTAIRS, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3) DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free DJ HRAFNHILDUR, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Garage, punk, psych, 21:00–01:00, Free

SAT 26 APR GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS,

ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW

SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am GUESTS, DECODANCE, CLASSIC GRAND, Glamorous house, 23:00–03:00, £8

MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, MAGGIE

MAYS, Indie, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00–03:00, £5 DOWNSTAIRS MIXUP, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Indie & electro, 22:30–03:00, £3

GLASGOW :: GIGS 5TENGO & JAY MOORE, ELECTROFUNK, MAGGIE MAYS, Electrofunk,

WED 02 APR

LIL RICH, GLAMORAMA, BOHO, 90s

Emo acoustica, 19:00, £ 13.50 BARRY ADAMSON, ORAN MOR, Fomer Magazine man, 19:30, £ 20 THE SUBWAYS, THE GARAGE, Garagey indie-rock, 19:00, £ 12

20:00–03:00, £8

house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30–03:00, £8 GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

THE PRELUDE, HALT BAR HIJACK!, THE HALT, Live bands, 19:30–00:00, Free CRAIG WILSON, HANOI ROCKS, FIREWATER, Indie, rock & britpop, 12:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00–01:00, Free HOME COOKIN’, BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00–03:00, £7, free b4 11pm

STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, HOMEGROWN, BAMBOO, House and

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 22:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students

KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON SATURDAYS, KARBON, House & hip hop classics, 22:30–03:00, £tbc NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion; classics downstairs, 22:30–03:00, 6

CIARAN O’TOOLE, ROUTE 666,

CATWALK, Classic & cult rock, 19:00–03:00, Free THE BAYS, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, TRIPTYCH special, 23:00–03:00, £12, £10 b4 12am

CRIS BIGUZZI, MATTHEW CRAIG, VALDOR, VALDOR, House, electro, RnB, 23:00– 03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 12am VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with metal, emo & punk, 17:00–21:30, £6 (£3) MODEL 500, TRIPTYCH, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Detroit techno, 23:00–03:00, £14

ORGUE ELECTRONIQUE, SUBHEAD, SYNTHEME, KING CANNIBAL, TRIPTYCH, THE IVY, Electro,

GET CAPE WEAR CAPE FLY, ABC1,

EXITPILOT, THE MOVEMENT, THE ZIPS, UNKNOWN HAGANA, BOX, Indie-rock, 19:00, £tbc

ANNA MELDRUM, CANCEL THE ASTRONAUTS, CONOR MASON, DIRTY HEARTS, BREAKOUT SCOTLAND PRESENTS, STEREO,

Unsigned bands showcase, 19:30, £4 (£3) THE RINGS, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Indie-rock, 19:30–23:00, £ 8.00

DOOR NUMBER 7, DEAD RELIGION, 2 THIRDS OF YOUTH, FIREPOINT 17, ABC2, Indie-punk, 19:00, £ 7 PICKLED DICK, THE MURDERBURGERS, THE LIE DETECTORS, THE WHEEL, Indie-rock, 20:30, £ 3

THE DUKE SPIRIT, BLAH BLAH BLAH, SLOW CLUB, KING TUT’S, Indierock, 20:30, £ 9

THU 03 APR REUBEN, THE GARAGE, Alt rock, 19:30, £ 10.50

ADRIANNE, BREL, Californian singer-songwriter, 20:00, £ 6

JONNY DOWNIE, THE QUIET RIOT, THE DRAWING ROOM, Acoustic singer-songwriter, 21:00, Free

THE DECENT SOULS, THE SCARLET, EYE CONTACT LEADS TOO, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie-rock, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3) PAPER PLANES, THE 13TH NOTE, Indierock, 21:00, £tbc

THE RIGHT ONS, ELECTRIC DRUGSTORE, THE RAY SUMMERS BAND, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Indie-rock, 19:30–23:00, £tbc

DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR,

JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT, LIAM GERNER, KING TUT’S, Rock from

BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE,

FRI 04 APR

20:00–00:00, £8

Eclectic, 21:00–03:00, Free

All things rock, 22:30–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm with PIYP PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free MACSORLEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00–03:00, Free DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT DJS, MAGGIE MAYS UPSTAIRS, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, Free SCOTT STRACHAN, METROPOLITAN, House & funk, 21:00–03:00, Free JACKMASTER, THE TWISTED WHEEL, Electro, hip hop, 21:00–01:00, Free

SUN 27 APR MSTRKRFT, KAP10KURT, FANKLUB, DOLBY ANOL, ART OF PARTIES, THE ARCHES, Dance, 22:00–03:00, 12 DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00–03:00, Free

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO, Classic house

Alabama, 20:30, £ 10

ALIX, BAYAN, THE 13TH NOTE, 21:00, £tbc EVERYTIME I DIE, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS, KING TUT’S, 20:00, Over 14s, £ 12.50

CRY GIRL CRY, BLACK ALLEY SCREENS, MISTER MANANA, NICE ‘N’ SLEAZY’S, 19:30–23:00, £tbc

COCONUT UNIVERSITY, DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS, THE STATE BAR, Live acoustic Country/Americana, 20:00, £ 4 IDLEWILD, BYBLOS, B-sides and rarities gig, 19:00, £ 15

OVER THE WALL, PUNCH & THE APOSTLES, LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS PRESENTS, THE FLYING DUCK, Launch night for new queer magazine, 20:00, Free SIA, ORAN MOR, Former Zero 7 singer, 19:30, £ 16

CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

PAUL CRAWFORD, SOUL SUNDAYS, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock,

16:00–03:00, Free SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), Free b4 12am with PIYP

JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, TRICKY DISCO, KARBON, House, 23:00– 03:00, £5

JIM DA BEST, WE LOVE SUNDAYS, BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £3

TOM SNOWBALL, WOODLANDS CREATURES, THE HALT, Psyche, folk, 19:30–00:00, Free

TRANSAUDIO, THE WAVE, JACK SUMMER, BOX, Album launch, 19:00, £tbc LORIS, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Indie-rock, 19:30–23:00, £tbc

CONFLICT, SHAM 69, THE WALL, HOLLY RACKET, THE SCABS, FIRE EXIT, INSTANT AGONY, BUZZBOMB, SQUARE PEG, CHILDLINE PRESENTS…, BARFLY, At least nine bands

play in aid of Childline!, 12:00, £ 15 HOLY FUCK, STEREO, That’s meant to be the response when yr awestruck, but swearing’s never clever when it’s the name of yr band, 19:30, £ 7 LOU HICKEY, MORE TBA, THE HALT BAR, Singer-songwriter, 19:30, Free

THE TREND, STANDING ORDER, THE USUAL, THE WILD FLOWERS, CAPITOL, Indie rock, 20:00, £5 (£4) CHIMAIRA, IVORY BLACKS, thrash metal, 19:00, £ 18

STOWAWAY BLUE, ADDICTED TO THE RUSH, CHRIS BLAIR, PRIMARY SCHOOL, 38TH PARALLEL, BARROWLANDS 2, Rock, 19:00, £ 6

LOOK SEE PROOF, DARK LITTLE POET, JACK BUTLER, KING TUT’S, Indie-pop, 20:30, £ 5

SUN 06 APR DEVOTCHKA, THE STATE BROADCASTERS, KING TUT’S, Gypsy punks, 20:30, £ 8.50

THE GARY MILLER & ALAN BROWN BLUES DUO, BLACKFRIARS,

Blues/jazz, 21:00, Free OUTL4W, BARFLY, Prolific young punks, 20:00, £ 5 KAT HEALY, BAR BACCHUS, Local singersongwriter, 20:00, Free DEAR SUPERSTAR, ROCKERS, Alt-rock, 19:30, £tbc

THIS JULY, GDANSK, THE ONLY ONES, STEREO, Indie-rock, 19:30, £4 (£3) MON 07 APR

BEN’S BROTHER, KING TUT’S, Indie-pop as sung by Gollum from Lord of the Rings, 20:30, £ 10

POISON THE WELL, THE PLIGHT,

BARFLY , Hardcore punk/metalcore, 20:00, £ 10 THE GUTTER TWINS, ORAN MOR, Mark Lanegan and Greg Dulli, 19:30, £ 16.50 ELLIOT MINOR, THE GARAGE, Emo pretty boys, atrocious, 19:00, £ 13

LEAVINGLASVEGAS, THE LAST CORINTHIANS, BUTTERHOOK, BOX, Electro-pop, 19:00, £tbc

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL,

ABC1, Don’t deny it, DC are the epitome of emo, 19:00, £ 14

TO CATCH A THIEF, DBSIXTYEIGHT, TRACK 9, LANDON, THE

13TH NOTE, Whiney US skate-punk, 21:00, £tbc

19:00–23:00, £ 16

EILEEN ROSE & JAMES APOLLO,

CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, ROCK ON THE SABBATH,

MAYS, Indie-rock, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

THE TEENAGERS, STEREO, Opinion-

VALDOR, House, RnB, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

percussion & scratching, 21:00–03:00, Free b4 11pm MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00–03:00, £3, free with matric CHROME HOOF, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£9)

STONESTHROW, DIVIDE, MAGGIE

TUE 08 APR

19:00, £tbc

splitting Frenchies, 20:00, £ 7

JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, THE FLYING DUCK, Bass,

14:00, £tbc

SOL DIABLOS, ALEX WAYT, THE TOWERS, PLAYTONE, BOX, Indie-rock,

music all night long with other boogie next door, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 11pm/12pm with matric

DJ TANTRUM, DISCOTHEQUE,

FIVEFIFTEEN, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Indie-rock,

THE LOST GENERATION, THE TENANTS, SENEKA, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie-rock, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3) THE WHEEL, 19:00, £tbc

BEN STURROCK, MORE TBA,

TRON, Soulful singer-songwriter, 21:30, Debut EP launch, £ 8 ELBOW, ABC1, Mellow Mancunian indierockers, 19:00, £ 15 POST SCRIPTUM, CORTEZ, BARFLY, Norwegian indie-rock, 20:00, £

SAT 05 APR THE BLACK ARROWS, STATLER PROJECT, THE GILDED ANGELS, THE DOWN AND OUTS, BLOSSOM, THE MANIKEES, DELTA AUDIO CLUB, SOMEONE’S SON, THE IDEALS, NEXT BIG THING PRESENTS…, CARLING ACADEMY, A clutch of up-and-coming bands, 18:00–23:00, £ 10

RAIN CLOUD!, SCROTAL TUNIC, UNICORN LOVE, CHEEKY PENIS, SEPPUKU, PRESTIDIGITATORS, DOMOVOI, JAZZFINGER, BLACK SUN, WRAITHS, BONG, DO-NEIMAGI-NE+0+L-AMBNECESSNO+0, AT WAR WITH FALSE NOISE PRESENTS…, THE 13TH NOTE, Drone, noise, metal & experimental, 13:00, £ 7

DOWN, CARLING ACADEMY, Metal supergroup, FISHBONE, THE INSPECTOR CLUZO, BIG HAND, KING TUT’S, Ska party boys, 20:30, £ 12.50

THE BOTTLENECKERS, BLACKFRIARS, Resident rock/pop band, 21:00, Free

NED, NUTS & SEEDS PRESENTS…, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Singer-songwriter, 19:30–23:00, £tbc

THE BREEDERS, ABC1, Kim Deal’s other

band, promoting “”Mountain Battles””, 19:00, £ 15

WED 09 APR SHOUT OUT LOUDS, THE BRUNETTES, BEERJACKET, KING TUT’S, Swedish indie-pop, 20:30, £ 8

FUTURE OF THE LEFT, STEREO, Brilliant

post-hardocre from the ashes of Mclusky, 20:00, £ 7

HYENA, BEAR CLAW, EX-WIVES, THE 13TH NOTE, Indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc LLOYD COLE, ORAN MOR, 3rd date arranged cos other 2 sold out., 19:00, £ 16

ANOTHER MISADVENTURE, THE ONE DAY SPEAKERS, BOX, Live at Loch Lomond competition, 20:00, Free

A BAND CALLED QUINN, CLASSIC GRAND, Album launch as part of Club Tremolo cabaret night, 21:00, £ 6

THE LOST BROTHERS, THE POEMS, BREL, Inventive acoustic duo, 19:30, £ 3.00 ACUTONES, BARFLY, Funky pop, 19:00, £ 5

LISTINGS

JJ GILMOUR, ABC2, Possibly the wettest singer-songwriter in Europe, 19:00, £ 10

ENJOY DESTROY, TONIGHT IS GOODBYE, DEAD CITY RIOTS, KING TUT’S, Indie-rock, 20:00, Over 14s, £ 6

LOVE SPURTS, FAST CAMELS, MUST BE SOMETHING, BOX, 19:00, Amnesty charity gig, £tbc

THE ALIENS, GUITAR SHORTY, FOUND, BULLIET SESSIONS…, MAGGIE MAYS, Fife’s finest, 20:00–03:00, £ 5

THE ACUTE, ACUTE RIOT, CHUTES, STEREO, New Wave & indie-pop, 19:00, £tbc

FRI 11 APR THE HEEBIE JEEBIES, MISS THE OCCUPIER, A-LIX, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Artpop born in a synagogue. No really., 19:30–23:00, £tbc

SIX STAR HOTEL, PAGE 6, JOCASTA SLEEPS, KING TUT’S, 20:30, £ 6 ALLY KERR, HEATHERINGTON RESEARCH CLUB, Indie-pop singer-songwriter, 21:00–02:00, Album launch party, £ 4

SKINFLINTS, MODERN FACES, ABC2, Jaunty young indie-rockers, 19:00, £ 6

ZOMBINA & THE SKELETONES,

BARFLY (UPSTAIRS), Ghoulish indie-pop, 20:00, £ 7.50

THE SEA, KETAMINE DEVO, ALFONZO, MAGGIE MAYS, Rock, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

AMPERSAND, NONE OF THE ABOVE, RACINGREEN, BOX, Hard rock, 19:00, £tbc

ANGELS AND AIRWAVES, CARLING ACADEMY, blink-182 guitarist’s new band, 19:00–23:00, £ 16.50

THE URCHINS, THE DELUSIONAL, CIRO, EXIT MUSIC, ICON 66, BARROWLANDS 2, Local Libertines, 19:00, £ 6

BAD BAD MEN, THE 18 WHEELS, SPLENDID DEAD, THE 13TH NOTE, 21:00, £tbc

EXODUS, THE CATHOUSE, thrash metal, , £tbc

WING AND A PRAYER, TCHAI-OVNA

(SOUTHSIDE), Folk and blues-inspired, 20:00, £ 2 SERVANT NOISE, IMMUNE, STEREO, 19:30, £tbc LLOYD COLE, ORAN MOR, of the Commotions, 19:00, Sold Out THE BITCHFITS, BARFLY (DOWNSTAIRS), Misfits fans, 20:00, £ 7.50

RADAR BROS, BARFLY, LA band signed to

Chemikal Underground, 20:00, £ 8 ENSEMBLE THING, THE 13TH NOTE, 21:00, £tbc THE BOTTLENECKERS, BLACKFRIARS, Resident rock/pop band, 21:00, Free SIMPLE PLAN, ABC1, Canadian pop-punks, 19:00, £ 13.50

THE KILLS, ORAN MOR, Garagey indie-rock, 19:00, £ 11

SIMONE WHITE, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, She sings ‘the beep beep song’ from the Audi advert, 19:30–23:00, £tbc

SUN 13 APR THE TING TINGS, KING TUT’S, Upcoming indie-rock duo, 20:00, Sold Out

AMAN HAYER, TIGERSTYLE, KULDEEP PUREWAL, PLUS DJS, VAISHAKHI 2008 PRESENTS, BYB-

LOS, South Asian party, 20:00, £15 (£10) CALVIN HARRIS, BARROWLANDS, Cheeky electro scamp, 19:00, £ 17.50 BLACK TIDE, BARFLY, Teen headbangers, 20:00, £ 6

MARVINS REVOLT, EVER SINCE THE LAKE CAUGHT FIRE, NICE ‘N

SLEAZY’S, Danish indie-pop, 19:30–23:00, £tbc

MON 14 APR SLOW HANDS IN THE BADLANDS, WOODENBOX, THE PRIMARY SCHOOL, JADED PLAYBOY, BOX, Hard rock, 19:00, £tbc

FRANK TURNER, ANDY YORKE, CIARA HAIDAR, KING TUT’S, Singersongwriter, 20:30, £ 7

TUE 15 APR FORWARD RUSSIA, JOHNNY FOREIGNER, KING TUT’S, Go for the support rather than the Leeds headliners, 20:00, Over 14s, £ 7.50 WITCHCRAFT, DANAVA, IVORY BLACKS, Swedish rock, 19:30, £ 11

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

TUE 22 APR Hardcore punk, 20:00, £ 7.50 EDWYN COLLINS, ORAN MOR, Post-punk legend returns after illness, 19:00, £ 17.50

ROCKERS, Ska-punk, 19:00, £tbc

ELLA MCALLISTER, THE 13TH NOTE, 21:00, £tbc

FANDANGLE, SHORT WARNING, THE BOTTLENECKERS, BLACKFRIARS, Resident rock/pop band, 21:00, Free ALABAMA 3, ABC1, Country/blues/Acid house, 19:00, £ 15

ROSS FAIRWEATHER & THE BILLY SHEARS, CARAGH NUGENT, THE RUNK COLLECTIVE, MAGGIE MAYS,

WED 23 APR

METHOD MAN & REDMAN, CARLING

PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CARLING ACAD-

Country/acoustic, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

ACADEMY, Wu-Tang man and Def Squad pal, 19:00, £ 25

DIAMOND HEAD, ATTICA RAGE, BARFLY, Rock/Metal, 19:00, £ 10

HAUNTS, THINK:FIRE, THE CUTS, KING TUT’S, Electro/New Wave, 20:30, £ 5

THE PHANTOM BAND, PAUL VICKERS AND THE LEG, INTERVALS, IS THIS MUSIC?, THE 13TH NOTE, Art-rockers, think, 21:00, £tbc

THE 13TH NOTE, Folk-rock, 21:00, £tbc

art-pop from Sheffield, 19:00, £ 12 FIGURE 5, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Fiery local indierock, 19:30–23:00, £tbc MAKE MODEL, KING TUT’S, Indie-rock, 20:30, £ 5 WE ARE SCIENTISTS, BARROWLANDS, Indie-rock, 19:00, Sold Out

£9

BARFLY, New Wave & indie-pop, 20:00, £ 5 YEAR LONG DISASTER, THE CATHOUSE, 19:30, £tbc THE ANYDAYS, NARRATION, BOX, Indie-rock, 19:00, £tbc

THE OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT,

PUNCH & THE APOSTLES, THE BYRONS, THE HALT BAR, Experimental art-

THE LONG BLONDES, QMU, Astute

NIZLOPI, AMPLIFICO, JAMIE HYLANDS & THE FIFTY PENNY MARCH, KING TUT’S, JCB Song duo, 20:30,

19:00, £ 5

CENTURY CHAOS, DIRTBOX, BOX,

19:00, £ 17.50

BOX, 19:00, £tbc

ABC1, Indie-pop, 19:00, £ 8 IAIN FORBES, BLACKFRIARS, Jazz, 21:00, Free

psychedelic jamsters, 19:30, Sold Out THESE NEW PURITANS, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Hotly-tipped, 19:30–23:00, £ 7

SUPERGRASS, ABC1, Britpop staples,

MOSSYROCK, THE DEFENDED,

(WE ARE) PERFORMANCE, EL PADRE, KING TUT’S, 20:30, £ 5 THE WAVE PICTURES, BREL, Indie-pop,

NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB, PETE & THE PIRATES, MYSTERY JETS,,

THE CHILD ECHO, TRACK 9, ABC2,

20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

MON 21 APR

THU 17 APR

Shit, 20:30, £ 6

THE JAMM, ORAN MOR, The Jam tribute,

SKANKT, SOBER TONGUE, THE SHAKES, MAGGIE MAYS, Ska-punk,

bands, 20:00, Charity gig, £ 5

THIS IS HELL, DEAD SWANS, BARFLY,

SEREGON, ATTICA RAGE, CIRCLE OF TYRANTS, AMOK, THE 13TH NOTE,

rockers, 19:30, Free

£11 (£9)

SLAVES TO GRAVITY, LEFTWIDEOPEN, KING TUT’S, Slaves to

BLOOD RED SHOES, ABC2, Indie-rock

Rock, 19:00, £tbc

£ 12

ENDOR, PUNCH & THE APOSTLES, CORIOLIS, OXJAM PRESENTS, STEREO, Good line-up of local indie

LLOYD COLE, ORAN MOR, of the Commo-

Local indie-rock showcase, 19:00, £ 6

SICK OF IT ALL, WISDOM IN CHAINS, KING TUT’S, Hardcore punk, 20:30,

MICHEL FRACASSO, DOGHOUSE ROSES, BREL, Americana/folk, 19:30, £ 3 MEXICOFALLZ, ME VS HERO, NOT ADVISED, ROCKERS, Pop-punks, 19:00, £tbc HIJAK OSCAR, BARFLY, 20:00, £ 7 SILVER SKY, THE DETOURS, THE 7TH STAIR, RIP IN REALITY, THE GEN, BOX, Emo/hardcore, 19:00, Children in

FRI 18 APR

Thrash & heavy metal, 21:00, £ 3

Death metal/grindcore, 21:00, £tbc MICHAEL MACLENNA, BAR BACCHUS, Local singer-songwriter, 20:00, Free

CAPTAIN, CLASSIC GRAND, Alt-rock, 19:30,

SAT 12 APR tions, 19:00, Sold Out

VISCERAL DEITY, ACHREN, CYANID, STABWOUND, THE 13TH NOTE,

WED 16 APR

Need gig, £tbc

duo, 19:00, £ 7 19:00, £tbc

THE MUSIC, STEREO, Return of the swaggy

THE ECHO SESSION, THE PEOPLE, RAY SUMMERS BAND, THE FRONT, THE LONELY FIRES, MORE TBA, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie-rock, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

JAKIL, KIDDO, BOX, Indie-rock, 19:00, £tbc FIGURE 5, KING TUT’S, Indie-rock, 20:30, £ 6 CATCHER, CORTEZ, REDSHIFT, THE DIRTY VIOLETS, THE DALSTONS, BARROWLANDS 2, Pop-punk and indie, 19:00, £ 6

SAT 19 APR BURNOUT, COMMON HEIGHTS, NEW YORK CITY DIESEL, SMOKIN SUNDAYS, DEAD SEA SOULS, BARROWLANDS 2, Indie-rock from local bands, 19:00, £ 6 BRANDI CARLILE, ABC2, US singersongwriter, 19:00, £ 7.50 ANGUS & JULIA STONE, ORAN MOR, Acoustic duo, 19:00, £tbc

MOKITA (CRAIG JOHNSTON), BAILLIE AND THE FAULT, ALAN MCKIM, KING TUT’S, Ambient/electronica,

SONATA ARCTICA, THE GARAGE, 19:30, £tbc

EMY, Alt-rock, 19:00–23:00, £ 12.50 FLY KILLER, BARFLY, 20:00, £tbc

DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBIUS PIP, GIDEON CONN, PRODUCERS WITH COMPUTERS, KING TUT’S, Thou Shalt Find Out For Yourselves, 20:30, £ 10

MIYAGI, DIRTY SALLY, LITTLE DOSES, THE LEMMINGS, BOX, Muchfancied indie-pop, 19:00, £tbc

Y’ALL IS FANTASY ISLAND, BROTHERS AUREUS, BREL, Falkirk’s

best since Arab Strap were laid to rest, 19:30, £ 2

CURE THE DISASTER, CHASING GOODBYES, THE COURAGE INDEX, BARFLY, Pop-punk, 20:00, £ 8 THU 24 APR

CHRIS DIFFORD, BOO HEWERDINE, KING TUT’S, Singer-songwriter, 20:30, £ 14 THE DAY I SNAPPED, THIS FAMILIAR SMILE, NO KILTER, EIGHTPAGEPULLOUT, LOCKJAW RECORDS PRESENT…, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Pop-punk and indie, 19:30–23:00, £tbc CARTOONS RAISED ME, BOX, 19:00, £tbc

REZUREX, STELLAR CORPSES, THE GIN GOBLINS, STEREO, Psychobilly, 19:30, £ 8.50

THE FRATELLIS, ABC1, Only £18 for Da

na-na-na na-na-na na-na-na-na-na all night long, 19:00, £ 17.50 BAD COMPANY 2008, THE GARAGE, 70s blues-rock supergroup, now not the same, clearly, 19:30, £tbc

DE JOUR, INNER SIGHT, 2STOREYS, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie-pop, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

GAY AGAINST YOU, COPY HAHO, PLAAYDOH, HYENA, REMEMBER REMEMBER, CRY PARROT BIRTHDAY FEST, THE IVY BAR, Local indie-rock chocolate box, 19:30, £ 5

OPETH, ARCH ENEMY, BARROWLANDS, Heavy metal, 18:30, £ 17.50

20:30, £ 5.00

FRI 25 APR

Americana, 19:00, £ 4

RODDY HART, ABC2, Highly regarded singer-

HALT BAR, Experimentalist, 19:30, Free

GRANT LEE PHILLIPS, KING TUT’S,

GOLD RUST, THE WHEEL, US garage/ WOUNDED KNEE, THE HAND, THE

songwriter, 19:00, £ 9

GDANSK, RODAN, ROOMTOLET, THE PASSENGERS, MAGGIE MAYS, Post-

20:30, £ 12

THE DAVES, FREUDIAN SLOP, THE DECENT SOULS, BOX, Indie-rock,

SKINLAB, MORE TBA, TORNFACE PRESENTS… , STEREO, 19:30, £ 10 RASPBERRY BADGER, MUST BE SOMETHING, THE BEAT CLUB, Punk and

KT TUNSTALL, SECC, Embra singer-

SEBADOH, PRAM, COPY HAHO, TRIPTYCH, CLASSIC GRAND, Lo-fi indie

punk, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

19:00, £tbc

songwriter, meh, 19:00, £ 25 KOBAI, STEREO, Electro-indie, 19:30, £tbc KINGS DIE KINGS, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Indie-rock, 19:30–23:00, £tbc

SUN 20 APR THE EASY ORCHESTRA, BLACKFRIARS, Jazz, 21:00, Free

ABDOUJAROV, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Punk from Carter USM guitarist, 19:30, £tbc

LISTINGS

THU 10 APR

rock, 20:00, £ 8

pioneers, 19:00, £ 12

BASS CLEF, RUSTIE, HUDSON MOHAWKE, MWESLEE, DEE J A’LA FU, BOOM MONK BEN, TRIPTYCH, THE IVY BAR, 20:00, £ 8 JAMIE LIDELL, THEO PARRISH, GILLES PETERSON, JOSE JAMES, PAUL CAWLEY, LAURENCE HUGHES, TRIPTYCH, THE TRAMWAY, Soul man now touring with live band, 21:00, £ 18

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

GLASGOW :: GIGS

EDINBURGH :: CLUBS

JAH SHUKA, MUNGO’S HI-FI, TRIPTYCH, SCHOOL OF ART, 21:00, £15

WED 02 APR

STEVE TILSTON, MORE TBA, TRON,

SECRET ARCADE, Drum & bass, breakbeat, 21:00–01:00, Free

(£10)

Veteran singer-songwriter, 21:30, £ 10.00

THE ADS, EL PADRE, JOHN MCKENNA, BARFLY, Local buzz-band, 19:00, £ 6.00 KIDS RETURN, BLACK CHANNELS, THE 13TH NOTE, Indie, 21:00, £tbc I WAS A CUB SCOUT, SERGEANT, THE CATHOUSE, Synthpop, 19:30, £tbc BLACK ALLEY SCREENS, BOX, Indierock, 19:00, £tbc

RODNEY GRAHAM BAND FEATURING AMAZING ROTARY PSYCHO-OPTICON, ABC1, 19:00, £ 7.00 POOCH, THE BREAKERS, EXITPILOT, THE STRIKE NINETEENS, MAGGIE MAYS, Electro-noisemongers, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

SAT 26 APR MINDLESS SLEF INDULGENCE, ABC1, 19:00, Sold Out

THE RZA AS BOBBY DIGITAL, FLYING LOTUS, TRIPTYCH, THE ARCHES, Hip-hop’s greatest ever producer?, 19:00, £ 16.00

MACBETH, KATBGINI, BARFLY, 20:00, £ 7.00

THIS JULY, BLOC, Indie-rock, 20:00, £tbc DAVID MCDONALD, NICE ‘N SLEAZY’S, Local singer-songwriter, 19:30–23:00, £tbc

BURNING SKIES, MADMAN IS ABSOLUTE, SUNSET SQUAD, THE 13TH NOTE, Metal/Grindcore, 20:30, £ 5.00

MICHAEL HURLEY, ALEL DIANE, GRANT CAMPBELL, TRIPTYCH, CLASSIC GRAND, 19:00, £ 10.00

MOGWAI, CLINIC, DIRTY PROJECTORS, MALCOLM MIDDLETON, ERRORS, FRIGHTENED RABBIT, MAGIK MARKERS, CORRECTO, REMEMBERREMEMBER, TRIPTYCH, THE TRAMWAY, Ridiculously good line-up for all-day session, 15:00, £ 21.00

MR VELCRO FASTENER, ZILLA/ KING CANNIBAL, SYNTHEME, ORGUE ELECTRONIQUE, PLUS DJS, TRIPTYCH, THE IVY BAR, 20:00, £ 8.00 MIKEL ROUSE, TRIPTYCH, ROYAL CONCERT HALL, 20:00, £15 (£12.50)

THE I.D. PARADE, FOX GANG, MAGGIE MAYS, Metal/hardcore, 20:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

THE GAP YEAR RIOT!, OPPORTUNITY CLUB, MISS THE OCCUPIER, CANARY WARFARE, BOX, Power-pop, 19:00, £tbc

THE LADYBUG TRANSISTOR, MUSIC IS MY GIRLFRIEND PRESENTS…, THE WHEEL, 19:00, £ 4.00 THE PRELUDE, MORE TBA, THE HALT BAR, Blues/folk, 19:30, Free

ALPHABEAT, FRANKMUSIK, LEON JEAN MARIE, KING TUT’S, Wonky Pop tour, 20:30, £ 6.50

SUN 27 APR BILLY BRAGG, ABC1, Singer-songwriter, leftie, 19:00, £ 16.00

THE GILDED ANGELS, BLACKFRIARS, Country-tinged rock, 21:00, Free

CANDI STATON, DERRICK MAY, GILLES PETERSON, FOURTET, 1990S, AIDAN MOFFAT & BILL WELLS, THE FENCE COLLECTIVE, THE PARSONAGE, SKELETONS & THE KINKS OF ALL CITIES, FOUND, KITCHEN CYNICS, HARRI, ANDREW DIVINE, TWITCH & WILKES, CHRIS “”BEANS”” GEDDES, MUNGO’S , THE LAST EVER TRIPTYCH CLOSING PARTY, THE ARCHES, Frankly outrageous line-up, 17:00, £ 21.00

CAROL KIDD, ESTHER O’CONNOR, ORAN MOR, Acclaimed Scottish jazz singer, 19:30, Charity gig, £ 25.00

ANDREW BIRD, HUMAN BELL, TRIPTYCH, CLASSIC GRAND, Singersongwriter, 19:00, £ 11.00

JAMES BLACKSHAW, FRANTIC ART, TRIPTYCH, THE IVY BAR, Singer-

songwriter, 15:00, £ 5.00 STRAWBERRY, BAR BACCHUS, Local singer-songwriter, 20:00, Free THE SECRET HANDSHAKE, BARFLY, 19:30, £ 7.50 I AM KLOOT, ABC2, Indie-rock, 19:00, £ 12.00

JAMIE SCOTT & THE TOWN, A FINE FRENZY, KING TUT’S, 20:30, £ 7.00 MON 28 APR

CURSED, TAKE A WORM FOR A WALK WEEK, BARFLY, Hardcore, 20:00, £ 8.00

THE DEAD CLASS, ROCKERS, Punky rock, 19:30, £tbc

BLITZKRIEG, INTENSE, ATTICA RAGE, 15 TIMES DEAD, IVORY BLACKS, British heavy metal pioneers, 19:30, £ 10.00

THE FIVE-O, THE ECHO SESSION, ROXBURY, BOX, 19:00, £tbc TWISTED WHEEL, KING TUT’S, 20:30, £ 6.00

PACMAN, JOY, BASS INVASION, BLACK SPRING DJS, BLACK SPRING ROCKS, THE JAZZ BAR, Music to make girls dance, 23:30–03:00, Free

BABES, CALVERTO, HARRY AINSWORTH, CHAIRMAN MEOW, SHANGHAI, Eclectic, chart, dance, indie, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2) DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, THE GOOD GROOVE, PIVO

CAFFE, Funk, afrobeat, latin breaks & house, 19:00–03:00, Free FREAK, CITRUS CLUB, Northern soul, 70s funk, disco, 22:30–03:00, £4, free b4 12am INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alternative, 22:30–03:00, £2, £1 students

MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00–05:00, £2, free b4 11pm

MASH & JON PLEASED, ROLLER DISCO, LULU, Past & future electronic classics, 20:00–03:00, £4.99, free b4 11pm THE PIT, THE HIVE, Rock & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free DJ NU-CLEAR, TOXIK, OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00–03:00, Free

GARY MAC & GUESTS, WE ARE … ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating guests in the back, 23:00–03:00, Free BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00–01:00, Free

THU 03 APR THE FREAKY FAMILY, 100% ORGANIC HIP HOP LIVE SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Hip hop & funky beats, 23:30–03:00, Free

ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

MR. TEO KRILIC, BLACK CAT, MARCO, BALKANARAMA, STUDIO 24, Balkan, Klezmer, Gypsy ad Sevdah music, 21:00–03:00, £8 (£6 b4 11pm) BUMP, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30–03:00, £2 (£1)

KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes all night, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

JASON CORTEZ, ANDY OPEL, HONEYPOT, ODDFELLOWS, Diskokitten

tunes, 21:00–01:00, Free KINKY INDIE, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£2)

KID CANAVERAL, THE ASTHMATIC SCENE, LIMBO, THE VOODOO

ROOMS, Live dance club, 20:00–03:00, £5 ON/OFF, THE BONGO CLUB, House, minimal techno, electro, 23:00–03:00, £3

JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB,

PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash up dance grooves, 19:00–03:00, Free SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & tasty tapas, 22:00–01:00, Free SICK NOTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Fidget house, booty bass, indie, new wave, 23:00–03:00, Free

AL MAJIK, CHUBBY COX & GUEST, SIREN, THE HIVE, Electro, house, breaks & techno, 23:00–03:00, Free

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco

& dance, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am JEZ HILL, STILETTO, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, YINYANG, SHANGHAI, House, 22:00–03:00, £6 (£3)

SIMON CORDINER, ANDREW PIRIE, MARCO SMITH, DEREK MARTIN, LITTLE GROOVES, RICKY PALYS, HOTTY, BERLIN, Deep disco & house, 22:00–03:00, £5

ROBERT HOOD, JACKHAMMER VS. KONTROL, STUDIO 24, Techno,

23:00–03:00, £10 MISFITS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am MOONSTEP, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Disco, live band, soul, 21:00–03:00, £5 PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 22:30–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00–01:30, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm SKUNKFUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, 5-piece funk band, 23:30–03:00, £5 (£3)

QUARION, TROUBLE DJS, ANDREW INGRAM, TROUBLE,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Deep techno, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£6) UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2) RAIDEN, XPLICIT, THE BONGO CLUB, Drum and bass, 23:00–03:00, £8 TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic tunes, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 12am

VOODOO ROOMS, Industry night, 21:00–03:00, Free

SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D, MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

MAYBE MYRTLE TURTLE, MUSCLETUSK, SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30–03:00, £3

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI , House, soulful & funky, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00–03:00, Free

MON 07 APR FORBIDDEN, SHANGHAI, RnB, hip hop, urban electro, chart, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm HAPPY MONDAYS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk, 23:00–03:00, £3, free for students/industry

THE LATE, GREAT JAM SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Players join the house trio, 22:00–03:00, Free after 23.15pm

JAMES COMBE, THE LATIN QUARTER, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin

house, 22:00–03:00, Free MOJO, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, TRADE UNION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for de-

hop & breaks, 17:00–03:00, Free

RED6, DECOY ROY, GIVE IT SOME, THE BONGO CLUB, 45s, reggae, ska,

dub, funk, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4 b4 12am) CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00–03:00, £5, £4 students/members FISHER & PRICE, FEVER, EGO, Dance, house, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£8)

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30–03:00, £6, £3 b4 11pm

NEIL PIERCE & AARON ROSS, MOOVN, BERLIN, House, 22:30–03:00,

& funk, 19:00–03:00, Free

serving bar & club staff, 22:00–03:00, £2, £1 Trade Union members/ECCF members JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

TUE 08 APR ANTICS, THE HIVE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free

MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE,

MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00–03:00, £5

GUS ARMSTRONG, LUKE CASSIDY, LAURIE NEIL, TEEJ & JC, FLUX, THE BONGO CLUB, Progressive, bassline house, electro, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2 b4 11pm)

£10 (£8)

DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT,

22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, INDIE MIX, PIVO CAFFE, Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs,

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts, CALVERTO, SCOTT GRAINER, MUSICOLOGY, SHANGHAI, Funk, chart, dance, 21:00–03:00, £8, £4 b4 10pm

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO, PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free

classes from 10pm, 23:00–03:00, Free RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Rock, alternative, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 students SANCTUARY, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00–21:00, £7 (£5)

DAS CONTRAS, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Live

latin, jazz & funk music, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm ROTATING SLASHDOT, THE HIVE, Techno & electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£4)

FRYER, JASON STIRLAND, SOUL SPECTRUM, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Soul, funk, 21:00–03:00, £4 TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 22:30–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

HONEY DIJON, ULTRAGROOVE,

hop, 21:00–01:00, Free

GUESTS, BORN TO BE WIDE, THE

23:00–03:00, £4

MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT, DUB2CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip

FRI 04 APR

23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

TRENDY WENDY, PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, LULU, Chart pop & glam,

ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, SOUNDS GOOD, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats,

EDMX, DEPORTIVO STREET TEAM, DR. ASTROTURF, AMPBOX, WEE RED BAR, Techno, electro,

ROOM, Weekly dance club, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), £1 Centro card KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00–03:00, Free NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, THE HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00–03:00, Free

SAT 05 APR

CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£6)

21:00–01:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID

GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am

SUN 06 APR ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE,

Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, BACK TO BASICS, PIVO CAFFE, Retro dance, 90s & disco, 19:00–03:00, Free

MARCO SMITH, KAUPUSS, MISS CHRIS, BUMFUNK, CABARET

VOLTAIRE, Funky house & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4) CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

SAM JOSE, TALL PAUL, EASY SUNDAY DJ SET, THE JAZZ BAR, Lounge, 23:30–03:00, Free

THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30–03:00, Free

21:00–03:00, Free

DJ AKI, LATE, LIVE N’ FUNKY, THE JAZZ BAR, 2 drummer funk band, 23:30–03:00, Free

FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK,

OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00–03:00, Free SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00–03:00, Free

EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of electro, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy mid-week rave, 23:00–03:00, Free

DAVA & HOBBES, SYNTHETIC LOVE, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00–03:00, £4

THE LOST BROTHERS PLUS THE DEAD BEAT CLUB, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Live bands, 20:00–03:00, £5

WED 09 APR PACMAN, JOY, BASS INVASION, SECRET ARCADE, Drum & bass, breakbeat, 21:00–01:00, Free

BLACK SPRING DJS, BLACK SPRING ROCKS, THE JAZZ BAR, Music to make girls dance, 23:30–03:00, Free

BABES, CALVERTO, HARRY AINSWORTH, CHAIRMAN MEOW, SHANGHAI, Eclectic, chart, dance, indie, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2) DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, THE GOOD GROOVE, PIVO

MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00–05:00, £2, free b4 11pm

GARY MAC & GUESTS, WE ARE … ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating guests in the back, 23:00–03:00, Free WOOKIE SHUFFLE, THE BONGO CLUB, Hip hop, reggae, jungle, dubstep, bass, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4) BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00–01:00, Free

THU 10 APR THE FREAKY FAMILY, 100% ORGANIC HIP HOP LIVE SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Hip hop & funky beats, 23:30–03:00, Free

ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3) BUMP, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30–03:00, £2 (£1)

KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes all night,

22:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

JASON CORTEZ, ANDY OPEL, HONEYPOT, ODDFELLOWS, Diskokitten

tunes, 21:00–01:00, Free KINKY INDIE, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£2)

JUNO!, CANCEL THE ASTRONAUTS, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Live music dance club, 20:00–03:00, £5 MUTINY, THE BONGO CLUB, Drum & bass, breakbeat, hardcore, jungle, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3 b4 12am)

JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB,

AL MAJIK, CHUBBY COX & GUEST, SIREN, THE HIVE, Electro, house, breaks & techno, 23:00–03:00, Free

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco

& dance, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am JEZ HILL, STILETTO, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, YINYANG, SHANGHAI, House, 22:00–03:00,

CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED

BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00–03:00, £5, £4 students/members

WILL FAKE, BUS DADDY, TEAM SKULL, FAKE MEETS EATDISCO!,

RED, Nu-rave electro house, 23:00–03:00, Free FC KAHUNA, JACKHAMMER, THE GRV, Techno, electro, 23:00–03:00, £10 JAMES TALK, KARNIVAL, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Funky tech & acid house, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£6)

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30–03:00, £6, £3 b4 11pm

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

CALVERTO, SCOTT GRAINER, MUSICOLOGY, SHANGHAI, Funk, chart, dance, 21:00–03:00, £8, £4 b4 10pm

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO, PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free

classes from 10pm, 23:00–03:00, Free RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Rock, alternative, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 students SANCTUARY, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00–21:00, £7 (£5)

JOE ACHESON QUARTET, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ

BAR, Live latin, jazz & funk music, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm ROTATING SLASHDOT, THE HIVE, Techno & electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£4)

TOBIAS SCHMIDT, STEVE GLENCROSS, SUBSTANCE, HENRYS

CELLAR, Techno, 22:00–03:00, £8 TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 22:30–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm FOUR CORNERS THE 4C, PIVO, Jazz, funk, soul, afrobeat, 22:00–03:00, Free

GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip hop, 21:00–01:00, Free

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house &

£6 (£3)

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am

21:00–01:00, Free

ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE,

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats, FRI 11 APR SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5 FOUR CORNERS, THE BONGO CLUB, Funk, soul, jazz, latin, afrobeat, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3 b4 12am)

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D,

MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm MISFITS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 22:30–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm RIDDIM TUFFA SOUND, WEE RED BAR, Reggae, jungle, dub, ragga, 22:30–03:00, £5 SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00–01:30, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm SKUNKFUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, 5-piece funk band, 23:30–03:00, £5 (£3)

JASON HODGES, TELEFUNKEN,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5) UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2) TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free

SAT 12 APR BIG N BASHY, THE BONGO CLUB, 4

deck mix of dubstep, reggae, dancehall & jungle, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4 b4 12am)

MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT, DUB2CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip hop & breaks, 17:00–03:00, Free

ECLECTIC MUD, ECLECTIC MUD, THE SOUTHERN, Funk, acid folk, rock, country, psych, 21:00–01:00, Free

SUN 13 APR Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, BACK TO BASICS, PIVO CAFFE, Retro dance, 90s & disco, 19:00–03:00, Free

MARCO SMITH, KAUPUSS, MISS CHRIS, BUMFUNK, CABARET

VOLTAIRE, Funky house & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4) CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

SAM JOSE, TALL PAUL, EASY SUNDAY DJ SET, THE JAZZ BAR, Lounge, 23:30–03:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID

TRENDY WENDY, PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00–03:00, £4

SARA & THE SNAKES, SKINNY DJS, SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30–03:00, £3

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI , House, soulful & funky, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00–03:00, Free

MON 14 APR FORBIDDEN, SHANGHAI, RnB, hip hop, urban electro, chart, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm HAPPY MONDAYS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk, 23:00–03:00, £3, free for students/industry

THE LATE, GREAT JAM SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Players join the house trio, 22:00–03:00, Free after 23.15pm

JAMES COMBE, THE LATIN QUARTER, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin

house, 22:00–03:00, Free MOJO, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, SOUNDS GOOD, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz & funk, 19:00–03:00, Free

DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, TRADE UNION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for de-

serving bar & club staff, 22:00–03:00, £2, £1 Trade Union members/ECCF members

LISTINGS

JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

TUE 15 APR ANTICS, THE HIVE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free

MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE, MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00–03:00, £5

ELECTRIC EXPLORERS, THE BONGO CLUB,

Electro & house for Edinburgh University conservation research, 22:00–03:00, £5 DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT, THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30–03:00, Free NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, INDIE MIX, PIVO CAFFE, Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs, 21:00–03:00, Free DJ AKI, LATE, LIVE N’ FUNKY, THE JAZZ BAR, 2 drummer funk band, 23:30–03:00, Free FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK, OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00–03:00, Free SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00–03:00, Free EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of electro, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy mid-week rave, 23:00–03:00, Free DAVA & HOBBES, SYNTHETIC LOVE, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00–03:00, £4

WED 16 APR PACMAN, JOY, BASS INVASION, SECRET ARCADE, Drum & bass, breakbeat, 21:00–01:00, Free

BLACK SPRING DJS, BLACK SPRING ROCKS, THE JAZZ BAR, Music to make girls dance, 23:30–03:00, Free

BABES, CALVERTO, HARRY AINSWORTH, CHAIRMAN MEOW, SHANGHAI, Eclectic, chart, dance, indie, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, THE GOOD GROOVE, PIVO CAFFE, Funk, afrobeat, latin breaks & house, 19:00–03:00, Free FREAK, CITRUS CLUB, Northern soul, 70s funk, disco, 22:30–03:00, £4, free b4 12am INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alternative, 22:30–03:00, £2, £1 students

MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00–05:00, £2, free b4 11pm

NIGHTMOVES, WE ARE … ELECTRIC,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating guests in the back, 23:00–03:00, Free BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00–01:00, Free

THU 17 APR THE FREAKY FAMILY, 100% ORGANIC HIP HOP LIVE SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Hip hop & funky

beats, 23:30–03:00, Free ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3) BUMP, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30–03:00, £2 (£1) KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes all night, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

JASON CORTEZ, ANDY OPEL, HONEYPOT, ODDFELLOWS, Diskokitten tunes, 21:00–01:00, Free KINKY INDIE, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£2)

OVER THE WALL, FLYING WITH PENGUINS, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Live music dance party, 20:00–03:00, £5

JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash

up dance grooves, 19:00–03:00, Free SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & tasty tapas, 22:00–01:00, Free SICK NOTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Fidget house, booty bass, indie, new wave, 23:00–03:00, Free

AL MAJIK, CHUBBY COX & GUEST, SIREN, THE HIVE, Electro, house, breaks & techno, 23:00–03:00, Free

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT,

OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco & dance, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am JEZ HILL, STILETTO, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, YIN-YANG, SHANGHAI, House, 22:00–03:00, £6 (£3) THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats, 21:00–01:00, Free

FRI 18 APR BUSHROCKERS, BIG TOE’S HI-FI, WEE RED BAR, Reggae, dub, dancehall, dubstep, 22:30–03:00, £5 BUBBLEGUM BOOGALOO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Live band, funk, soul, 21:00–03:00, Free

SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free

DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop,

disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

EDINBURGH :: CLUBS TELEVISED CRIMEWAVE, ELECTRICITY IN OUR HOMES, FAST,

THE BONGO CLUB, Punk, disco, electro, garage, 23:00–03:00, £5

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D,

MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm MISFITS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 22:30–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00–01:30, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm SKUNKFUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, 5-piece funk band, 23:30–03:00, £5 (£3) TOKYOBLU, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Funky house & disco, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£6) UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2) TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free

SAT 19 APR MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT, DUB2CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip hop & breaks, 17:00–03:00, Free

CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED

BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00–03:00, £5, £4 students/members

KRASH SLAUGHTA, HEADSPIN, THE BONGO CLUB, 4 deck mix of beats, funk, house, hiphop, 23:00–03:00, £8

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30–03:00, £6, £3 b4 11pm

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

CALVERTO, SCOTT GRAINER, MUSICOLOGY, SHANGHAI, Funk, chart, dance, 21:00–03:00, £8, £4 b4 10pm

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO, PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free

classes from 10pm, 23:00–03:00, Free RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Rock, alternative, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 students SANCTUARY, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00–21:00, £7 (£5)

FANATTICA, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Balkan beat, gypsy jazz, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm ROTATING SLASHDOT, THE HIVE, Techno & electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£4) TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 22:30–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

STUART PATTERSON, ULTRAGROOVE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£6) VEGAS!, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Retro, lounge, ratpack, 21:00–03:00, £10 (£9)

GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip hop, 21:00–01:00, Free

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am

SUN 20 APR ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE,

Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, BACK TO BASICS, PIVO CAFFE, Retro dance, 90s & disco, 19:00–03:00, Free

MARCO SMITH, KAUPUSS, MISS CHRIS, BUMFUNK, CABARET

VOLTAIRE, Funky house & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4) CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

SAM JOSE, TALL PAUL, EASY SUNDAY DJ SET, THE JAZZ BAR, Lounge, 23:30–03:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID

TRENDY WENDY, PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00–03:00, £4

STARVATION BOX, THE GOULAG BEAT DJS, SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30–03:00, £3

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI , House, soulful & funky, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00–03:00, Free

MON 21 APR FORBIDDEN, SHANGHAI, RnB, hip hop,

JASON CORTEZ, ANDY OPEL, HONEYPOT, ODDFELLOWS, Diskokitten

tunes, 21:00–01:00, Free KINKY INDIE, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£2)

BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND, DOWN THE TINY STEPS, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Live music dance party, 20:00–03:00, £5

ZUBA, NDAJE: AFRICAN CONNECTIONS, THE BONGO CLUB, Afro-pop, brass, 22:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

urban electro, chart, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm HAPPY MONDAYS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk, 23:00–03:00, £3, free for students/industry

JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB,

THE JAZZ BAR, Players join the house trio, 22:00–03:00, Free after 23.15pm

WE SMOKE FAGS, SICK NOTE,

THE LATE, GREAT JAM SESSION, JAMES COMBE, THE LATIN QUARTER, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin

house, 22:00–03:00, Free MOJO, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, SOUNDS GOOD, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz & funk, 19:00–03:00, Free

DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, TRADE UNION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for de-

serving bar & club staff, 22:00–03:00, £2, £1 Trade Union members/ECCF members JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

TUE 22 APR ANTICS, THE HIVE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free

MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE,

MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00–03:00, £5

DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT, THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30–03:00, Free

NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, INDIE MIX, PIVO CAFFE, Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs, 21:00–03:00, Free

DJ AKI, LATE, LIVE N’ FUNKY, THE JAZZ BAR, 2 drummer funk band, 23:30–03:00, Free

FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK,

OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00–03:00, Free SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00–03:00, Free

EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of electro, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy mid-week rave, 23:00–03:00, Free

DAVA & HOBBES, SYNTHETIC LOVE, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00–03:00, £4

WED 23 APR PACMAN, JOY, BASS INVASION, SECRET ARCADE, Drum & bass, breakbeat, 21:00–01:00, Free

BLACK SPRING DJS, BLACK SPRING ROCKS, THE JAZZ BAR, Music to make girls dance, 23:30–03:00, Free

BABES, CALVERTO, HARRY AINSWORTH, CHAIRMAN MEOW, SHANGHAI, Eclectic, chart, dance, indie, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2) DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, THE GOOD GROOVE, PIVO

THU 24 APR THE FREAKY FAMILY, 100% ORGANIC HIP HOP LIVE SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Hip hop & funky beats, 23:30–03:00, Free

ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3) BUMP, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30–03:00, £2 (£1)

KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes all night, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£4)

TOMMY, GORAN & BJORN, SOUL SPECTRUM, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Norwegian soulboy special, 21:00–03:00, £4

RENE AMESZ, STEREOTYPE, BERLIN, House, 22:30–03:00, £10 (£8)

TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock,

OPTIMO, TRIPTYCH, CABARET

breaks & techno, 23:00–03:00, Free

GILLES PETERSON, JD73, DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, TRIPTYCH, THE CAVES, Eclectic world

AL MAJIK, CHUBBY COX & GUEST, SIREN, THE HIVE, Electro, house, GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco

& dance, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am JEZ HILL, STILETTO, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, YINYANG, SHANGHAI, House, 22:00–03:00, £6 (£3)

DJ BIRD, VELVET, THE ARK, For gay girlies& LGBT friends, eclectic mix, 21:00–01:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 9.30pm VOLTAIRE, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £10

SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free CLUB FOR HEROES, WEE RED BAR, House, disco, electro, techno, 22:30–03:00, £5 DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D,

ANNIE NIGHTINGALE, KRAFTY KUTS, A SKILLZ, SUGARBEAT,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, TRIPTYCH special, eclectic bass, breaks, house, bootlegs, mashups, 23:00–03:00, £10 UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2) CANDI STANTON, TRIPTYCH, THE BONGO CLUB, Disco, soul, 23:00–03:00, £16 TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free

MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT, DUB2CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED

BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00–03:00, £5, £4 students/members DECK PESTS, FROOT, RED, Techno, 22:00–03:00, £3

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30–03:00,

hop, 21:00–01:00, Free

19:00, £ 5.00

Blackened noise drone, 20:00, £ 4.00 FLATLINER, KURTZ, WHISTLEBINKIES, Alt rock, indie, 21:00, Free

ADRIANNE, LOOWEEZE DE’ATH, WHISTLEBINKIES, 00:00, Free KILLER ANGELS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Grungey rock fae Dundee, 21:00, £tbc

Acoustic showcase, 18:30, £ 2.00

Indie-pop, 20:00, £tbc

POSTSCRIPTUM, SOBER TONGUES, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Norwegian indie-rockers, 19:00, £tbc

NEW ROCK CHEMISTS, WHISTLEBINKIES, 21:00, Free

SUN 27 APR ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE,

PAPER BEATS ROCK, THE GALLERY, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD,

Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, BACK TO BASICS, PIVO CAFFE, Retro dance, 90s & disco, 19:00–03:00, Free

MARCO SMITH, KAUPUSS, MISS CHRIS, BUMFUNK, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Funky house & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

SAM JOSE, TALL PAUL, EASY SUNDAY DJ SET, THE JAZZ BAR, Lounge, 23:30–03:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID ROOM, Weekly dance club, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), £1 Centro card

KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00–03:00, Free

NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, THE HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00–03:00, Free

TRENDY WENDY, PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00–03:00, £4

WITHERED HAND, ANDY BROWN, DOLPHIN BOY, THE LEGTANGLIST, SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, TRIPTYCH special, 22:30–03:00, £3

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI , House, soulful & funky, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

YELLOW BENTINES, IDIOTCUT, LIAM FERNS, THE HIVE, Pop-punk/emo, BUDD & TOMMY CONCRETE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Acoustic, 22:00, £tbc JULIE FOWLIS, THE QUEEN’S HALL, Folk, 19:30, £ 14.50

NED, EUNOIA, RODENT EMPORIUM, JACOB FLYNCH, HENRY’S

CELLAR BAR, Twisted psychedelic noise-punk, 20:00, £5 (£4)

THE BEACH BOYS, THE PLAYHOUSE, Surfin’ geriatric boys, 19:30, £ 36.50

ROOMS, Guitar duo, 20:00, £ 5.00

ALEX CORNISH, KIM EDGAR, THE ARK, Local singer-songwriter, 19:30, £tbc

WED 09 APR DIVIDING THE LINE, ALL FORGOTTEN, TO CATCH A THIEF, THE ARK, Screamo, 19:30, £tbc

DEAD OR AMERICAN, SUPER ADVENTURE CLUB, HENRY’S CELLAR

TLEBINKIES, Indie-pop, 00:00, Free

BAR, Good chance to see that band in that there article you just read, 20:00, £ 4.00

Indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc

Free

KID CANAVERAL, THE ASTHMATIC SCENE, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Indie-pop, 20:00, £ 5.00 JOSH RITTER, THE LIQUID ROOM, Singer-songwriter, 19:00, £ 15.00

JAMES BROWN IS ANNIE, ALICE ROCK, WHISTLEBINKIES, Funk-rock, 21:00, THE MINORITY, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indierock, 00:00, Free

FRI 04 APR

ANDY KNOX, RUBY LUX, MYIQ, EDDY COLLINS, CINDERELLA THEORY, TRACEY BRAITHWAITE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Variety is the

MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS, DOLLSKABEAT, CABARET VOLTAIRE,

THU 10 APR

Aussie space-disco, 19:00, £ 6.50

LITTLE GREEN MACHINE, THE FIRE AND I, CITY CITY BEAT, NEW FOUND SOUND, WEE RED BAR, Indie-rock, 19:00, £5 (£4)

KURTZ, SHOCK AND AWE, CHINESE JOCKS, MERIDIAN, Indie/ pop-punk, 21:00, £tbc

BUZZBOMB, GIMPFEST, STITCH HOPELESS AND THE SEALEGS, KEYSIDE STRIKE, BANNERMAN’S

UNDERWORLD, Punk, 21:00, £tbc URBAN POETS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indierap, 18:00, Free BAND OF GADGIES, WHISTLEBINKIES, 00:00, Free

LIPSYNC FOR LULLABY, YUDNARA, THE CHEMICAL POETS, GAND-EYE UNPLUGGED, OWEN GREEN AND ASTHMATIC, OUT OF THE BLUE DRILL HALL, Multi-arts cabaret, 19:00, £ 6.00

spice of life, 19:00–22:00, £ 8.00

LUKA BLOOM, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Veteran singer-songwriter, 19:00, £ 10.00

PRIDE AND FALL, AUTO AGGRESSION, DARK CITY PRESENTS, THE ARK, 19:00, £tbc THE MAD PIGS, THE HAPPY SPASTICS, DOWN TO KILL, THE BEGRUDGERS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Czech punks, 19:30, £ 5.00

RIESER, CALLEL, MIKE BAILLIE, MICAH VINCENT, ALAN DAVISON, IDENTITY PARADE, THE GRV, Acoustic showcase, 21:00–03:00, £ 3.00 SMILER, YOUR ARMY, WHISTLEBINKIES, 21:00, Free SENEKA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 00:00, Free

SLEEPING MARTYR, SYLVANUS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Gothic-rock, 21:00, £tbc

96 TEARS, AFTER ME THE FLOOD, MORE TBA, THE ARK, Rock,

THE BREECH, THE BANANA SESSIONS, THE GENTLE PERSUASION, NAPIER LIVE, THE

SAT 05 APR

JUNO!, CANCEL THE ASTRONAUTS, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS,

19:30, £ 4.00

SOUL FOUNDATION, THE ARK, Soul

BONGO CLUB, Indie-rock, 19:00, £ 4.00

Electro and indie-pop, 20:00, £ 4.00

RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS, THE

music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00–03:00, Free

explosion, 19:30, £ 5.00 LED ASTRAY, THE LIQUID ROOM, Led Zep tribute act, 19:00, £12 (£9)

THEO PARRISH, SOLESCIENCE, GARETH SOMERVILLE, TRIPTYCH, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Deep house,

TAKING CHASE, FOXGANG, THE STRANDS, FUTURE RIVALS & OXJAM PRESENT, WEE RED BAR,

FRI 11 APR

techno & disco, 23:00–03:00, £5

19:00, £5 (£4)

STOLEN ORDER, MAH GRASSY SHOES, THE VALKARYS, BAN-

rockers, 19:00, £ 15.00 AKURAT, THE BONGO CLUB, Upbeat ska/ rock, 19:00–22:00, £14 (£12)

SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America

MON 28 APR FORBIDDEN, SHANGHAI, RnB, hip hop, urban electro, chart, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

HAPPY MONDAYS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk, 23:00–03:00, £3, free for students/industry

THE LATE, GREAT JAM SESSION,

CALVERTO, SCOTT GRAINER, MUSICOLOGY, SHANGHAI, Funk, chart,

house, 22:00–03:00, Free

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO, PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free

ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, SOUNDS GOOD, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz

hip hop, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm

WRAITHS, CNOCANTURSA, TIM HOLEHOUSE, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR,

KIDDO, THE VALKRAYS, WHIS-

JAMES COMBE, THE LATIN QUARTER, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin

UNDERLING, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, TRIPTYCH special,

Quiet singer-songwriter, 19:00, £ 19.00

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Sincere Canadian punks, 19:00, Over 14s, £ 7.00

CRASH MY MODEL CAR, ZOEY VAN GOEY, AINSLIE HENDERSON, EWAN BUTLER, RUBIX PRESENTS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR,

GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip

22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

classes from 10pm, 23:00–03:00, Free RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Rock, alternative, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 students SANCTUARY, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00–21:00, £7 (£5)

JOSE GONZALEZ, ASSEMBLY ROOMS,

THIS IS A STANDOFF, FAILSAFE,

CLUB, Sweet reggae, 23:00–03:00, £10

£6, £3 b4 11pm

dance, 21:00–03:00, £8, £4 b4 10pm

MON 07 APR

THE LOST BROTHERS, THE DEAD BEAT CLUB, THE VOODOO

THE JAZZ BAR, Players join the house trio, 22:00–03:00, Free after 23.15pm

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts,

EXCHANGE, Pop punk, 19:00, Over 14s, £ 16.00

JAH SHAKA, TRIPTYCH, THE BONGO

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am

House, techno, electro, 22:00–03:00, £5

GOOD CHARLOTTE, THE CORN

THU 03 APR

dance, 22:00–03:00, £10

FRI 25 APR DAN WELTON, BEATROOT, EGO,

WED 02 APR

Indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc

TUE 08 APR

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house &

21:00–01:00, Free

DROP, Hip-hop, 11:00, £ 25.00 BARRY ADAMSON, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Former Magazine man’s first ever Scottish gig, 20:00, £ 18.00

QUIVER & THE LADY SNATCHERS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD,

JONNY DOWNIE, CARRIE MACDONALD, THE LATECOMERS, AL K & AL C, EXPOSED, THE JAZZ BAR,

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats,

hop & breaks, 17:00–03:00, Free

electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating guests in the back, 23:00–03:00, Free BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00–01:00, Free

MISSY ELLIOT, CIARA, THE LAST

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Fidget house, booty bass, indie, new wave, 23:00–03:00, Free

MASH & JON PLEASED, ROLLER DISCO, LULU, Past & future electronic classics,

GARY MAC & GUESTS, WE ARE … ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House,

TUE 01 APR

Techno & electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash up dance grooves, 19:00–03:00, Free SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & tasty tapas, 22:00–01:00, Free

SAT 26 APR

20:00–03:00, £4.99, free b4 11pm THE PIT, THE HIVE, Rock & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free DJ NU-CLEAR, TOXIK, OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00–03:00, Free

ROTATING SLASHDOT, THE HIVE,

motown, alternative & soul, 22:30–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00–05:00, £2, free b4 11pm

EDINBURGH :: GIGS

MOJO, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

& funk, 19:00–03:00, Free

DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, TRADE UNION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for deserving bar & club staff, 22:00–03:00, £2, £1 Trade Union members/ECCF members

JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

NERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Check oot “”yer windaes are panned””, 21:00, £tbc MAC FLOYD, THE QUEEN’S HALL, Pink Floyd tribute act, 19:30, £14 (£12) CATCH-IT KEBABS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Ska-punk, 00:00, Note: midnight show, £tbc OUTL4W, STUDIO 24, Punk, 19:00, £ 5.00

LIQUID ROOM, Scots pipers still chancing it, 19:00, £ 13.50

WISHBONE ASH, ESTHER O’CONNOR, THE LIQUID ROOM, 70s

CAPSTIN POLE, THE GRAND FUNK DYNASTY, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Electro-indie, 19:00–22:00, £ 4.00

SOMETHING ILLEGAL, THE BRIGANTIES, WHISTLEBINKIES, Alt-rock, 21:00, Free

JOJOCOKE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Bluesy

CHRIS TT, THE RED WELL, IAN THOMPSON, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Singer-

rock, 00:00, Free

ABOUT A PLANE CRASH, …AND THEIR EYES WERE BLOODSHOT, TRACY’S CASTRATION FASCINATION, IN NOMENI PATRI,

WORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc YOAV, THE PLANES, THE ARK, indiepop, 19:30, £ 6.00

SUN 06 APR

BAKERS DOZEN, MORE TBA, THE

songwriter, 19:00, £ 6.00

THE HIVE, Hardcore/metal, 19:00, £ 5.00

THE ALIBIS, MY LATE TRAVELS, YOSHI, THE ARK, Indie-rock, 19:30, £ 4.00 IAIN PETRIE, THE VOODOO ROOMS,

singer-songwriter, described as “”organic Celtic soul””, 19:30, Debut album launch, £ 6.00 SOFTER RIDE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Softer rock, 21:00, Free JACK SUMMER, WHISTLEBINKIES, Singer-songwriter, 00:00, Free

BUTTERHOOK, THE BOUNDERS, DUPEC, BANNERMAN’S UNDER-

SAT 12 APR ARK, Punk/Metal, 19:30, £tbc PORTISHEAD, THE CORN EXCHANGE, Not for the faint-hearted, 19:00, £ 28.50

ANDI NEATE BAND, AINSLIE HENDERSON, CHRIS BRADLEY, TIP TOP TIM, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Singersongwriters, 19:00–22:00, £ 6.00

WHITEHOUSE, WRAITHS, KYLIE MINOISE, SEPPUKU, THE HIVE, Alt. rock, 19:00, £ 7.00

LISTINGS

BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Bluesy rock, 21:00, £tbc

CHIPPEWA FALLS, JESUS H FOXX, COME IN TOKYO, THE GENTLE INVASION PRESENTS…, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Monozygotic guitar rock action, 19:00, £ 4.00 BAD BOOGALOO, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rockabilly, 21:00, Free

DIGNAN DOWEL AND WHITE,

WHISTLEBINKIES, Jam band, 00:00, Free DIGITALISM, THE LIQUID ROOM, Bloghouse, 19:00, £ 11.00

JONNY DOWNIE, STEPH MCLEOD, RACHEAL CORMACK, DIRTY MODERN HERO, FRESH, Singer-songwriters, 19:15, Free

DEZERTER, OUT OF SPACE PROMOTIONS…, THE BONGO CLUB, Polish punk, 19:00–22:00, £15 (£13) DON LETTS, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Reggae/punk DJ, 21:00, £ 6.00

SUN 13 APR PAUL HAIG, LAKI MERA, THE VOO-

DOO ROOMS, Former Josef K man, now gone disco, first show in 19 years!, 20:00, £ 10.00 MAKE MODEL, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Glaswegian indie-poppers. We approve., 19:00, £ 5.00 BALDEGO, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, 21:00, Free OATBEANIE, WHISTLEBINKIES, 00:00, Free

LIGHT & SOUND, CHRIS BRADLEY, AL K & AL C, MORE TBA, THE ARK, Indie, 19:30, £ 5.00

MON 14 APR JAMES KEEGANS, MORE TBA, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Acoustic, 22:00, £tbc THE DRAYMIN, JYROJETS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie-rock, 19:00, £ 8.00

THE RADAR BROTHERS, THE ZEPHYRS, PILOTCAN, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie-rock, 19:00, £ 5.00

TUE 15 APR THE KILLS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie-rock, 19:00, £ 11.00

HOLLIE SMITH, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Kiwi soul sister, 19:00, £ 12.00

WED 16 APR BROKEN RECORDS, CHUTES,

THE BONGO CLUB, Possibly Edinburgh’s best new band?, 19:00–23:00, Single launch, £ 5.00 BIG WAVE, WHISTLEBINKIES, 21:00, Free THE ASSASSENACHS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Traditional punky folk, 00:00, Free LYENN, NARRATION, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc

Y’ALL IS FANTASY ISLAND, GASGIANT, ROB ST. JOHN, TRAMPOLINE PRESENTS, WEE RED BAR, Falkirk’s finest indie-rockers, 19:00, £ 5.00

THU 17 APR THE COURTENEERS, THE LIQUID ROOM, 19:00, £ 12.00

JAKIL, EPIC26, HERIOT-WATT LIVE, HERIOT-WATT SU, Indie-rock, 21:00, Free

EMILY AUTUMN, STUDIO 24, 19:00, £14 (£12)

PARANOID MONKEYS, WHISTLEBINKIES, 21:00, Free

TRANSAUDIO, I HEAR ECHOES, WHISTLEBINKIES, Alt-rock, 00:00, Free BAXTER, ANZIO, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc SLAVES TO GRAVITY, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Alt. Rock, 19:00, £ 6.00

OVER THE WALL, FLYING WITH PENGUINS, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Wonky pop, 20:00, £5

FRI 18 APR MYSTERY JETS, THE HIVE, Indie-rock, 19:00, Over 14s, £ 10.00

KINGS DIE KINGS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Local indie-rock band, 19:00, £ 5.00

VANTAGE POINT, FLATLINER, ONE EYE OPEN, INERTIA AVENUE, THE ARK, Rock night, 19:30, £ 5.00 UPON ALL, BACK POCKET PROPHET, LYCANTHROPE, BAN-

NERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Metal/ hardcore, 21:00, £tbc MOKITA, MORE TBA, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Electro-pop, 19:30, £tbc

THE MERCHANTS, ORPHAN BOY, WHISTLEBINKIES, Punk-rock, 21:00, Free

THE BEAU NASTIES, WHIS-

TLEBINKIES, Folk-rock, 00:00, Free NU2, THE LIQUID ROOM, U2 Tribute, 19:00, £ 10.00 PATTI PLINKO AND HER BOY, THE FOREST CAFÉ, 20:00, Free

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

SAT 19 APR THE DEBUTS, THE LITTLE KICKS, CAEZIUM, NEW FOUND SOUND, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie-rock,

THE SHOWS, PINK FUZZ, THE ALIBIS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, 21:00, £tbc

19:00, £7 (£5)

DIRTY PROJECTORS, CORRECTO, TRIPTYCH, CABARET VOL-

er, 19:30, £tbc

TAIRE, Experimental indie-rock from Brooklyn, 19:00–22:00, £ 8.00

JAKE COGAN, THE ARK, Singer-songwritMEA CULPA, HUMANFLY, FRIDAY NIGHT GUNFIGHT, HITCHER, KILL ALL CELEBRITIES, THE HIVE, Metal/ hardcore, 19:00, £ 5.00 TREE HOUSE INFIDELS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, 21:00, Free U KNOW HOO, WHISTLEBINKIES, 00:00, Free

ABDOUJARAROV, BRIDPORT DAGGERS, NICOLE, HENRY’S CELLAR

THE RZA AS BOBBY DIGITAL, FLYING LOTUS, TRIPTYCH, THE LIQUID ROOM, One of hip-hop’s greatest ever producers in his not-so-great alter ego, 19:00, £ 16.00

MIKEL ROUSE, TRIPTYCH, THE QUEEN’S HALL, 20:00, £15 (£12)

ALPHABEAT, FRANKMUSIC, LEON JEAN MARIE, THE HIVE, Wonky

BAR, Punk rock from ex-Carter USM guitarist, 19:00, £tbc THE JAMM, THE BONGO CLUB, The Jam tribute night, 19:00–22:00, £ 10.00

Pop tour, 19:00, Over 14s, £ 6.50

SUN 20 APR

19:30, £15 (£14)

JAMAL, WEE RED BAR, Polish reggae, 19:00, £tbc

MONHEIM, SHADOWS CHASING SHADOWS, TWENTY INCH KINGS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD,

SAT 26 APR ADELE, THE QUEEN’S HALL, Pop-soul star, JUNO!, FUTURISTIC RETRO CHAMPIONS, KOBAI, NEW FOUND SOUND, WEE RED BAR, Wacky electro & football chants, 19:00, £5 (£4)

MATISSE, THE LONGSANDS,

Trash metal, 21:00, £tbc

WHISTLEBINKIES, Punk/Emo, 21:00, Free

Bluesy singer-songwriter, 21:00, Free JON RONIGER, WHISTLEBINKIES, Singersongwriter, 00:00, Free PEIR 2, STUDIO 24, 19:00, £tbc THE WAVE PICTURES, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie-pop, 19:00, £ 5.00

00:00, Free

SIMON KEMPSTON, WHISTLEBINKIES,

MON 21 APR EDWYN COLLINS, THE QUEEN’S HALL, Returning post-punk legend, 19:00, £ 17.50

WE’RE NOT SUPERHEROES ANYMORE, FROM COLLISIONS I COLLAPSE, IN THE ATTACK, KILLJOY, THE HIVE, Screamo/metal, 18:00,

ROGUESTAR, WHISTLEBINKIES, Alt-rock, CAPTAIN HOTKNIVES, AUSLANDER, ACID TONGUE, WASTED NATION, THE NEGATIVES, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Punky indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc

PRAM, JAMES BLACKSHAW, HUMAN BELL, TRIPTYCH, THE BONGO CLUB, Jazz/funk, 19:00–22:00, £ 8.00

JAMIE LIDELL, TRIPTYCH, THE LIQUID ROOM, Soul man now touring with full band, 19:00, £ 12.00

Over 14s, £ 5.00

ROSS NEILSON, RELL, BANNER-

JOSE JAMES, HOOKT UP, TRIPTYCH, THE JAZZ BAR, 20:30, £ 8.00 ENVY & OTHER SINS, THE HIVE,

MAN’S UNDERWORLD, Acoustic, 22:00, £tbc

WOJCXECH, KRUPSKAYA, ABLACH, WARDEAD, HENRY’S CEL-

That’s that band what won that Channel 4 show. Countdown., 19:00, £ 6.00

SUN 27 APR

LAR BAR, Crust punk, 19:30, £ 5.00

TUE 22 APR ROSALITA, JADED PLAYBOY, MORE TBA, THE ARK, Bouncy indie-rock, 19:30, £ 5.00

TEDDY THOMPSON, CABARET VOL-

TAIRE, Singer-songwriter, son of the Thompsons (obviously), 19:00, £ 10.00

WED 23 APR SUPER ADVENTURE CLUB, BO DEADLY, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Album

launch for that band, you know the one that’s releasing an album that we told you about earlier, 20:00, £ 4.00 MANIFESTO, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indierock, 21:00, Free THE OPPENHEIMERS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, 00:00, Free

COLD DOG SOUP, THE STOPS,

BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc ANGUS AND JULIA STONE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Acoustic duo, 19:00, £ 8.00

THU 24 APR TOM MCRAE, CARY BROTHERS, GREG LASWELL, JIM BIANCO, BRIAN WRIGHT, CATHERINE FEENY, THE ARK, Hotel Café tour, 19:30, £ 15.00

THE KAYS LAVELLE, DENIED SONS OF INGLESIAS, BURNOUT, THE SMOKING SUNDAYS, THE ARK, Indie-rock, 19:30, £ 4.00

SUGABABES, THE PLAYHOUSE, Pop bitches, 19:00, £ 26.00

RIFLE FIRE RIFLE, WHISTLEBINKIES, 00:00, Free

LANDSLIDE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Alt-rock, 21:00, £tbc

NEIL COWLEY TRIO, TRIPTYCH, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz, 20:30, £ 6.00

CLINIC, ERRORS, REMEMBERREMEMBER, TRIPTYCH, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie, 19:00–22:00, £ 10.00

DEAD AT THE SCENE, TRACY’S CASTRATION FASCINATION, THE PARTY PROGRAM, TRIDENTS, FILED UNDER DISHONESTY, THE HIVE, Screamo/metal, 19:00, Free

MICHEAL HURLEY, ALELA DIANE, GRANT CAMPBELL, TRIPTYCH, THE BONGO CLUB, Outlandish folk hobo, 19:00–22:00, £ 10.00

MON 28 APR AIR TRAFFIC, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indiepiano, 19:00, £ 11.00

THE DIALS, GOGOBOT, HERIOTWATT LIVE, HERIOT-WATT SU, Indie-pop,

SKELETONS, KINGS OF ALL CITIES, MORE TBA, HENRY’S CELLAR

MACBETH, THE LIQUID ROOMS, Italian

CURATORS, THE BLUESFATHER,

BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND, DOWN THE TINY STEPS, LIMBO,

SERGEANT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Britpop-

21:00, Free

BAR, 20:00, £5 (£4)

goth-metallers, 19:00, £ 11.00

BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Acoustic, 22:00, £tbc

THE VOODOO ROOMS, Alt-rock, 20:00, £ 4.00 BIG HAND, WHISTLEBINKIES, Ska party band, 21:00, Free DEMONS EYE, WHISTLEBINKIES, 00:00, Free

NIGHT NOISE TEAM, ERIC EUAN, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Moody indierock, 21:00, £tbc RODDY HART, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Highly regarded singer-songwriter, 19:00, £ 8.50 JAMES, THE CORN EXCHANGE, Anthemic Mancunians, 19:00, £ 29.50

recalling Glenrothes troupe, 19:00–22:00, £ 5.00

TUE 29 APR FILTH OF MANKIND, BEGINNING OF THE END, GRINDING HALT, AFTERBIRTH, THE ARK, 19:30, £ 5.00 THE LOW LOWS, EAGLEOWL, WHITE HEATH, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, 20:00, £ 5.00

THE KOOKS, THE CORN EXCHANGE, Don’t even fucking think about it, 19:00, £ 16.00

FRI 25 APR

WED 30 APR

THIEVES IN SUITS, MORE TBA,

EJECTORSEAT, THE VACANT TOURISTS, THE ARK, Indie-pop, 19:30,

WEE RED BAR, Indie-pop, 18:00, Free LES BOF, THE ARK, Old fashioned rock’n’roll, in French, 19:30, £tbc

JESUS H. FOXX (ACOUSTIC SET), MEURSAULT, STATE OF AFFAIRS, BROKEN FRIENDS RECORDS PRESENTS…, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Imaginative indie-rockers, 19:00, £ 4.00

MY MINDS WEAPON, FELL SILENT, FIRING BLANKS, STUDIO 24, Metal/ hardcore, 18:00, £ 6.00

LISTINGS

BAINBRIDGE, THE PLASTIC ANIMALS, MOYA, KETIMINE DECO,

£ 5.00

SETH LAKEMAN, THE LIQUID ROOM, Folky singer-songwriter, 19:00, £ 17.00

PHOENIX O, THE BANANA SESSIONS, MEDICINAL PURPOSES, CARRIE MACDONALD, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, 21:00, £tbc

ESTHER O’CONNER, WHISTLEBINKIES, 21:00, Free

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

DUNDEE :: CLUBS TUE 01 APR BEST OF NEW AND LOCAL MUSICIANS, LOCAL, DROUTHIE’S,

RESIDENT DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S , DROUTHIE’S, 19:00, free DJ JO KEARNS, SOCIAL FRIDAY,

WED 02 APR

DJ JO KEARNS, SOCIAL SATURDAY, SOCIAL, Playing an eclectic mix to the

19:00, free

RONNIE CASTELLO, SOCIAL STUDENT, SOCIAL, Playing an Ecelctic mix of student tunes, 21:00, free

RESIDENT, STUDENT POP, UNDERGROUD, Cheesy Student Pop, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after CLOTH, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, Indie anork pop, 23:00–late, £2 / 3

THU 03 APR RESIDENT, JUTE, DCA - JUTE BAR, 20:00–00:00, free

THE BEST IN SCOTTISH ACCOUSTIC SETS, CONCRETE CAMPFIRE, DROUTHIE’S, 19:00, free RESIDENT, SOUL’D OUT, UNDER-

GROUD, R & B + Hip Hop, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after WITH ANDREW, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, indie guitar pop, 23:00–late, £2 / 3

FRI 04 APR RESIDENT, FRIDAYS @ THE JUTE BAR, DCA - JUTE BAR, Eclectic Friday night Tunes, 20:00–00:00, free

RESIDENT DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S, Eclectic

weekend warm-up, 19:00, free DJ SIMON, UNDERGROUD, Eclectic weekend warm-up, 20:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after

JUNGLE NATION FEATURING EPOC LIVE, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, 22:30– late, £5 / 6

SAT 05 APR RESIDENT, SATURDAY @ THE JUTE BAR, DCA - JUTE BAR, Saturday Night Mix-up, 20:00–00:00, free

SOCIAL, Pre-club weekend tunes, 21:00, free

THE BEST IN SCOTTISH ACCOUSTIC SETS, CONCRETE CAMPFIRE, DROUTHIE’S, 19:00, freeRESIDENT, SOUL’D OUT, UNDER-

SOUL CELLAR, CITY FUNCTION SUITE,

SAT 19 APR

FRI 25 APR

MON 14 APR

RESIDENT, SATURDAY @ THE JUTE BAR, DCA - JUTE BAR, Saturday

RESIDENT, FRIDAYS @ THE JUTE BAR, DCA - JUTE BAR, Eclectic Friday night

soul funk jazz disco, 23:00–late, £2 / 3

GROUD, R & B + Hip Hop, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after WITH ANDREW, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, indie aor guitar pop, 23:00–late, £2 / 3

LIVE PUB POKER, DROUTHIE’S, Live

Mash-up , 20:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after FEVER, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, Bad music for bad people with the leatherettes, 22:30–late, £3 / 4

FRI 11 APR

BEST OF NEW AND LOCAL MUSICIANS, LOCAL, DROUTHIE’S,

SUN 06 APR

RESIDENT DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S, Eclectic

crowd, 21:00, free

DJ GAUTHAM, UNDERGROUD, Party

LIVE MUSIC , SUNNY SUNDAY,

DCA - JUTE BAR, Live Bands on the Patio, 12:00– various times, Weather Permitting Phone the Jute Bar for further details (01382) 909 246, free PEARL LOUNGE, UNDERGROUD, Ladies Night, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before12 £5 afterSOUL CELLAR, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, soul funk jazz disco, 23:00–late, £ 2.00

MON 07 APR LIVE PUB POKER, DROUTHIE’S, Live Pub Poker Nights, 19:00, free

TUE 08 APR BEST OF NEW AND LOCAL MUSICIANS, LOCAL, DROUTHIE’S, 19:00, free

WED 09 APR

RESIDENT, FRIDAYS @ THE JUTE BAR, DCA - JUTE BAR, Eclectic Friday night Tunes, 20:00–00:00, free

weekend warm-up, 19:00, free

DJ JO KEARNS, SOCIAL FRIDAY, SOCIAL, Pre-club weekend tunes, 21:00, free DJ SIMON, UNDERGROUD, Eclectic weekend warm-up, 20:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after

crowd, 21:00, free

DJ GAUTHAM, UNDERGROUD, Party

RESIDENT, STUDENT POP, UNDER-

SUN 13 APR

THU 10 APR RESIDENT, JUTE, DCA - JUTE BAR, 20:00–00:00, free

LIVE MUSIC , SUNNY SUNDAY,

DCA - JUTE BAR, Live Bands on the Patio, 12:00– various times, Weather Permitting Phone the Jute Bar for further details (01382) 909 246, free

A SELECTION OF LIVE JAZZ, JAZZ AFTERNOON, DROUTHIE’S, Laid

back Sunday Jazz sessions, 12:00, free PEARL LOUNGE, UNDERGROUD, Ladies Night, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before12 £5 after

Tunes, 20:00–00:00, free

DJ JO KEARNS, SOCIAL FRIDAY, SOCIAL, Pre-club weekend tunes, 21:00, free

DJ SIMON, UNDERGROUD, Eclectic weekend warm-up, 20:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after

WED 16 APR

SPACEBALL, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, with

SUITE, Salsa night and Classes, 20:00–late, £5 / 4

RESIDENT, STUDENT POP, UNDERGROUD, Cheesy Student Pop, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after CLOTH, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, Indie anork pop, 23:00–late, £2 / 3

THU 17 APR THE BEST IN SCOTTISH ACCOUSTIC SETS, CONCRETE CAMPFIRE, DROUTHIE’S, 19:00, free RESIDENT, SOUL’D OUT, UNDER-

RESIDENT DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S , DROUTHIE’S, 19:00, free DJ JO KEARNS, SOCIAL SATURDAY, SOCIAL, Playing an eclectic mix to the

RESIDENT DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S , DROUTHIE’S, 19:00, free DJ JO KEARNS, SOCIAL SATURDAY, SOCIAL, Playing an eclectic mix to the DJ GAUTHAM, UNDERGROUD, Party

RESIDENT, SATURDAY @ THE JUTE BAR, DCA - JUTE BAR, Saturday Night Mix-up, 20:00–00:00, free

Night Mix-up, 20:00–00:00, free

19:00, free

RESIDENT, JUTE, DCA - JUTE BAR,

RONNIE CASTELLO, SOCIAL STUDENT, SOCIAL, Playing an Ecelctic mix GROUD, Cheesy Student Pop, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after THE DANCIN’, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, indie with Chris and Mike (alamos), 23:00–late, £2 / 3

TUE 15 APR

SAT 12 APR

Mash-up , 20:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after SCRIBBLE, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, Funky scribble beats and doodlemadness, 23:00–late, £3 / 4

of student tunes, 21:00, free

Pub Poker Nights, 19:00, free

20:00–00:00, free

GROUD, R & B + Hip Hop, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after WITH ANDREW, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, indie aor guitar pop, 23:00–late, £2 / 3

FRI 18 APR RESIDENT, FRIDAYS @ THE JUTE BAR, DCA - JUTE BAR, Eclectic Friday night Tunes, 20:00–00:00, free

RESIDENT DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S, DROUTHIE’S, Eclectic weekend warm-up, 19:00, free

DJ JO KEARNS, SOCIAL FRIDAY, SOCIAL, Pre-club weekend tunes, 21:00, free DJ SIMON, UNDERGROUD, Eclectic weekend warm-up, 20:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after LUKE & FRIEND’S, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, Hip hop, house, disco, 23:00–late, £3 / 4

crowd, 21:00, free

Mash-up , 20:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after

LATIN QUARTER, CITY FUNCTION

resident. acid breakbeats, 22:30–late, £ 5.00

SUN 20 APR LIVE MUSIC , SUNNY SUNDAY,

DCA - JUTE BAR, Live Bands on the Patio, 12:00– various times, Weather Permitting Phone the Jute Bar for further details (01382) 909 246, free

A SELECTION OF LIVE JAZZ, JAZZ AFTERNOON, DROUTHIE’S, Laid

back Sunday Jazz sessions, 12:00, free PEARL LOUNGE, UNDERGROUD, Ladies Night, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before12 £5 after SOUL CELLAR, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, soul funk jazz disco, 23:00–late, £ 3 /2

MON 21 APR LIVE PUB POKER, DROUTHIE’S, Live Pub Poker Nights, 19:00, free

WED 23 APR THE DANCIN’, CITY FUNCTION SUITE,

indie with Chris and Mike (alamos), 23:00–late, £3 / 2

THU 24 APR RESIDENT, JUTE, DCA - JUTE BAR, 20:00–00:00, free

RESIDENT, SOUL’D OUT, UNDER-

GROUD, R & B + Hip Hop, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after WITH ANDREW, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, indie aor guitar pop, 23:00–late, £3 / 2

SAT 26 APR DJ JO KEARNS, SOCIAL SATURDAY, SOCIAL, Playing an eclectic mix to the crowd, 21:00, free

DJ GAUTHAM, UNDERGROUD, Party Mash-up , 20:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after

HALCYON, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, Soulful House with Johno Fyda and Nicky Wilson with live percussion, 23:00–late, £ 6.00

SUN 27 APR LIVE MUSIC , SUNNY SUNDAY, DCA - JUTE BAR, Live Bands on the Patio, 12:00– various times, Weather Permitting Phone the Jute Bar for further details (01382) 909 246, free

PEARL LOUNGE, UNDERGROUD, Ladies Night, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before12 £5 after

SOUL CELLAR, CITY FUNCTION SUITE, soul funk jazz disco, 23:00–late, £3 / 2

MON 28 APR LIVE PUB POKER, DROUTHIE’S, Live Pub Poker Nights, 19:00, free

WED 30 APR RESIDENT, STUDENT POP, UNDERGROUD, Cheesy Student Pop, 21:00–02:30, £2.50 before 11 £5 after

WWW.THESKINNY.CO.UK 26.04.2008 LISTINGS & EVERYTHING ELSE FROM THE SKINNY. BETTER THAN BEFORE.

Join us to celebrate at The Skinny Space Odyssey website launch party on 26 Apr 2008 at SWG3. Entertainment galore, details provided on enquiry, fancy dress obligatory. Send us your name and what you’re going to wear: party@theskinny.co.uk 68

THE SKINNY APRIL 08

LISTINGS

For ten years now, Gravis has been creating footwear and bags that bridge the gap between action sports function and sophisticated style, inspired by contemporary music and urban art. Okay, so action sports may not be our thing, but style, music and art are what we’re all about at The Skinny. Which is why we’re teaming up with Gravis this month to give away this great DJ bag. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this simple question:

What renowned international DJ will be headlining the Rock Ness Festival this year?

Tucked away in the leafy West End area of Glasgow, the Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen is a welcoming and original basement bar serving contemporary and classic dishes, late night nibbles and a wide selection of tasty tipples in relaxed and unique surroundings. The Skinny is delighted to team up with the Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen to give away a meal for two, to ﬁve lucky readers. All you have to do to enter is answer the following simple question:

What street in Glasgow is the Landsdowne Bar & Kitchen located on? A) Lansdowne Crescent B) Buchanon Street C) Argyle Street To enter email your answers to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by 30 April 2008 Regular Skinny T&Cs apply, available on request. Competition is open to over 18s only.

To enter, email your answers to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by 30 April Usual Skinny T&Cs apply, available on request. You must be over 16 to enter.

OSCAR & FITCH Since arriving on Multrees Walk recently, Oscar & Fitch had one aim in mind: to make wearing eyeglasses glamorous and fun. Eyeglasses, they reckon, are like shoes and bags… they’re collectable! And as such, they endeavour to offer the most stylish frames at the most affordable prices. To be honest, with our very own Fashion Section recently kicking off in earnest, The Skinny couldn’t agree more. This month, we’re delighted to team up with Oscar & Fitch to offer a lucky reader 3 pairs of fabulous Oscar & Fitch eyeglasses (each valued at £125 and with a collective value of £295). The prize includes standard, single vision lenses complete with antireﬂective coating. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this simple question:

How much does one pair of Oscar & Fitch glasses cost?

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO RADIOHEAD’S GIG ON GLASGOW GREEN It’s been 5 years since Radiohead played to a Glasgow crowd, so it’s no surprise that this years’ gig at Glasgow Green on Friday 27 June is one of the most hotly anticipated gigs of 2008. Fans can expect to hear tracks from seventh studio album In Rainbows, as well as some classics from their extensive back catalogue when they hit the Green in June - and you can be there. Our friends at gigsinscotland.com are offering 5 lucky readers of The Skinny the chance to win a pair of tickets. All you have to do to enter is answer the following simple question:

What is the name of Radiohead’s lead singer? A) Phil Selway B) Colin Greenwood C) Thom Yorke To enter email your answers to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by 30 April 2008 Tickets are still available by calling Ticketmaster on 08444 999 990 or online at www.gigsinscotland.com

To enter, email your answers to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by 30 April Usual Skinny T&Cs apply, available on request. You must be over 16 to enter.

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

Regular Skinny T&Cs apply, available on request. Tickets are non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Competition is open to over 18s only. Promoter reserves the right to refuse entry.

APRIL 08

THE SKINNY

COMPETITIONS

A MEAL FOR TWO WIN A GRAVIS DJ BAG WIN AT THE LANSDOWNE BAR & KITCHEN

QUIZ TIME! WITH UNCLE FINBARR

GET ALL OF THESE RIGHT AND WE MIGHT SEND YOU SOMETHING. GREAT PICTURES ARE WORTH A MILLION RIGHT ANSWERS. MAIL IT TO US AT THE SKINNY, 30-38 DALMENY STREET, EDINBURGH EH6 8RG

1. What is Morrissey’s first name? 2. Who wrote the song Nothing Compares 2 U, which reached number 1 in the UK singles chart in February 1990? 3. Adam Green plays a solo gig at Oran Mor this month, but which American band was he once a member of? 4. What song connects Dolly Parton, Rolf Harris and Rodrigo y Gabriela? 5. What is the title of Triptych guests Frightened Rabbit’s second album, released this month? 6. The Wu Tang’s RZA makes a number of appearances throughout the festival, but what is his alter-ego, under which he has released a number of solo albums? 7. What musical instrument is another Triptych attendee, Andrew Bird, most associated with? 8. Which American rock band had a hit with American Girl in 1977? The song went on to feature in the soundtrack to the Silence Of The Lambs and The Strokes have admitted stealing the riff for their breakthrough single, Last Nite.

11. Crispian Mills is the lead singer with which English band, whose first album was at one point the UK’s fastest selling debut album since Definitely Maybe?

13. Kieran Hebden is another act to appear at this month’s Triptych,but what is his musical pseudonym? 14. What Canadian rock band scored a perfect 5 Skinnys in our Sounds section earlier this year with the album In The Future? 15. Which Senegalese singer duetted with Neneh Cherry on 7 Seconds? 16. Three members of which iconic band were formerly in The Quarreymen? 17. Producer Danger Mouse and soul singer Cee-Lo combine to form which recording duo? 18. What band had a 1993 hit with 74/75? 19. What record label has been a home to the Postal Service, The Go! Team and Nirvana?

10. What are the Christian names of the four members of ABBA?

20. What have rapper Q-Tip, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Kate Pierson of The B-52s and Brian Molko got in common?

HOROSCOPES The sun may be setting over your sign at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you’re special. You are not.

CANCER

Remember that time you fell in the lake? If not, it will happen. If so, it will happen again.

LEO

SAGITTARIUS As mercury moves into your planetarium this month Venus will sulk and you will get a tummy ache as a result. Drink plenty of juice and avoid olives stuffed with anchovies. They will only make it worst.

CAPRICORN People around you might feign amusement this month but it is simply an illusion. Beneath their encouraging smiles is the venom of a thousand snakes. It is time for you to take action. Poke them in the eye and run away.

AQUARIUS

You’ve never been one for the subtleties of social niceties, and this month will prove to be no exception. For god’s sake get your fingers out of the butter, and don’t, under any circumstances, mention the baby rat.

Sometimes it is best to let others do the talking. Your chat at the moment is really not up to scratch. Shut it.

VIRGO

PISCES

Playing with one’s wee man in public will only cause a disaster. Stop doing it.

Aries

by Cystic Meg

TAURUS

you in their dawdling fashion this month. They at least have their memories. What do you have except an empty crisp packet folded into a triangle in your pocket?

DRAW YOUR FAVOURITE CELEB HERE.

12. Which former Brit Pop reveller recently produced Sons and Daughters’ new album, The Gift?

9. Antidotes is the debut album from which band?

GEMINI Patience is a virtue. Let the old people walk in front of

21.

On one of the islands in the middle of the sea they are seeing how many gonks they can fit in a lighthouse. This is your calling – go join in. I have heard that being squished up against other weirdos in a cylindrical building is one of your favourite hobbies.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

This month will see you behave even more like a tortoise than ever before. Alas, you will never win against the hare, he is just so much better.

Jupiter and Uranus are playing darts this month, right slap bang in the middle of your sign, supping their pints and wobbling their flabby forearms as they send the little silver arrows spinning through the air of your consciousness and jabbing into your head. Ouch.

This is your time to shine my Aryan brother. Throw the baby out with the bathwater and the bird out of the bush and the jobbee into the van and drive. All the way to that all night bakery on Morrison street. Get yourself a steaming hot pie and stick your fingers in it. That’s the stuff of magic. Enjoy it while it lasts. [Cystic Meg]