Song, by Toad

So August is almost upon us. Traditionally –  or at least for as long as I’ve been living here – most bands and promoters in Edinburgh tend to just take the month off and make way for the festival. It’s a bit of a monolith. Every available venue (and most non-venue) space is booked up months in advance, and with so much happening every single day in August, it becomes rather difficult for smaller operations putting on shows. Of course there are exceptions – a lot of the bigger clubs just keep on trucking, and nights like Acoustic Edinburgh embrace the Fringe and put on shows as part of the official line-up.

This year, though – more so than any I can remember – seems to be bucking that trend. There’s a lot of activity going on outside of the festival – and lots of local bands and promoters putting on shows regardless. Which is great to see – another indication of the strength and confidence of the city’s musical community at the moment. I thought I’d give a run down of what’s caught my eye – as with so much on, it’s entirely possible for an amazing show to slip by un-noticed.

The Edge

Firstly, the musical leg of the Fringe – the Edge – has some really great shows this year. The Mum show may have been moved to Glasgow, but we still have David Byrne, Woodpigeon, Andrew Bird, Frightened Rabbit, Malcolm Middleton, and Jeffrey Lewis. And judging by the website, the festival seems to have just absorbed all the shows at Sneaky Pete’s – including Sleeping States (who I can’t recommend highly enough), Monotonix, Sparrow and the Workshop, the usual This is Music night and the mysteriously titled ‘Songs By Toad night’. It’s also great to see some Edinburgh bands forming part of the Edge line-up – with Broken Records at the Queens Hall, a double header from Unicorn Kid and Young Fathers at Cab Vol, and support slots from Meursault (at Frightened Rabbit), the Kays Lavelle (the Lost Brothers) and Withered Hand (Jeffrey Lewis). It’s something that I’ve felt was lacking in previous line-ups, and it’s a step in the right direction.

www.theedgefestival.com

Retreat!

Then, of course, there’s the ‘other’ festival. Retreat! is an all day event at the Bristo Hall on Sunday the 16th. 15 acts (Meursault, Withered Hand, Rob St. John, Tissø Lake, the Leg…), and DJs till 3am. Free entry. I can’t think of a better line-up. But then again, I did help pick it.

www.myspace.com/edinburghretreat

Trampoline

Trampoline are also putting on four shows over first two weekends, and really great line-ups including Adam Stafford (Y’all Is Fantasy Island), Jonnie Common (Down The Tiny Steps), Animal Magic Tricks, Conquering Animal Sound, Golden Ghost and Woodenbox.

www.myspace.com/trampolineuk

Bang Bang Club

Normally at the Speakeasy in Cabaret Voltaire, the Bang Bang Club is hosting a series of shows upstairs in the Teviot Hall. Highlights include Clinic, the Pineapple Chunks, Paul Vickers and the Leg, and a series of soundtrack events from Steven Severin.

www.myspace.com/bangbangclubedinburgh

Playing With The Past

There’s also an exclusive second screening of the Playing with the Past event from this year’s film festival on 22^nd August, with eagleowl, FOUND and Meursault performing live soundtracks to old Scottish films. Tickets are available now from the Filmhouse website or box office.

www.myspace.com/playingwiththepast

Cybraphon

FOUND – not willing to give up their ‘hardest working band in Edinburgh’ tag to Meursault just yet – also have a residency at InSpace (a gallery space – part of the new University building) with their Cybraphon project, including a live band performance on the 13^th (which is free but ticketed). It seems to be some kind of automated musical cupboard, containing a series of musical instruments, which reacts to online activity about the project in real time. Or something. For a more coherent explanation, try the Cybraphon site:

www.cybraphon.com

Leith Tape Club

Okay, strictly speaking not an Edinburgh show – but a nice trip out of the city is normally always welcome around the third week in August. Leith Tape Club at the Iso Bar continues in August on the 20^th, with a rather special all-star line-up including the Kays Lavelle and Meursault (solo, I think).

Leith Tape Club

National Portrait Gallery

There’s also a series of rather exclusive shows at the National Portrait Gallery, whilst the gallery is closed for a refurbishment. These include Rob St. John and Emily Scott on 8^th August, X-LionTamer on 21^st August, St Jude’s Infirmary and Zoey Van Goey on 22^nd August, and Withered Hand and Meursault on 29^th August.

National Portrait Gallery

Electric Circus

There’s been some great gigs in Electric Circus since it opened earlier this year, and they don’t seem to be losing any momentum in August, with shows from FOUND, Dent May, White Heath and Rob St. John (1st), Jesus H. Foxx (11th), The Phantom Band (19th), and Trembling Bells and Ben Reynolds (25th), amongst others.

Electric Circus

The Golden Hour

A blend of poetry, music and live visuals at the Forest Cafe on 19th August, with performances from Billy Liar and Withered Hand.

The Golden Hour

Shipping Forecast Garden Party

And I think there’s another shipping forecast garden party scheduled for 30^th August, with Come On Gang!

No details yet, but I’m sure Dave will keep us posted.

It is all pretty exciting. Please spam the comments with anything I’ve missed, as I’m sure there’s loads, and if any more are announced or come to light over the course of the month, it’ll no doubt make it’s way into the weekly listings.

Sleeping States – September, Maybe

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Woodpigeon – In Praise of the West Midlothian Bus Service

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Zoey Van Goey – City Is Exploding

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So Matthew’s plane crashed on the way back from Italy, after a rather nasty accident apparently involving a trainee pilot, gin and a difference of opinion on the work of Tom Waits.

Only kidding, folks. Matthew’s alive and well, but figured he’d be trawling through unread e-mails all day, so you have to endure my own personal brand of humour and warped self importance for one more post. Sorry.

Tuesday 30th June 2009 – I Heart Hiroshima and the Pineapple Chunks at the Bowery

I Heart Hiroshima are a three-piece Indie pop act from Brisbane, Australia, known for their “bass-less” lineup, which tends to offer a distinct sound (thank you wikipedia). Pineapple Chunks is rhyming slang for spunk (thank you google). They’re also rather deranged gararge pop goodess.

Tuesday 30th June 2009 – Findo Gask and St Deluxe at Electric Circus

I’ve still yet to see Findo Gask live, but very much enjoy the recordings I’ve heard. Maybe a bit like the synth pop of FOUND, but with a heavier electronic influence. St. Deluxe I’ve heard good things about also. Bonus.
Findo Gask – Va Va Va

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Thursday 2nd July 2009 – The Twilight Sad, the Foundling Wheel and Adam Stafford at the Bongo Club

The Twilight Sad have a new album soon. They play loud guitars and sing and that. They’re good. Also with the cathartic noise of the Foundling Wheel and maniacal rantings of Adam Stafford (of Y’all Is Fantasy Island, or ‘yifi’ as the kids call them. Not my kids, of course. The kids. I don’t have any kids. Don’t worry, Matthew will be back tomorrow), this should be a great show.

Friday 3rd July 2009 – The Wind Whistles, Tisso Lake and Jo Foster at the Bowery

The Wind Whistles and Jo Foster both make rather charming folk pop. Tisso Lake was absolutely stunning at the recent Viking Moses show, and his set for this outing has been described as ’synth-heavy’. Make of that what you will. Everyone should come to this. EVERYONE.
The Wind Whistles – Spooks

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I’ve been trying to think of how to introduce this, but I think some things work better the less information you have about them. (Though before you all start ranting about song structure, please note this is more of a visual art project than a musical one.) This is just beautiful: understated, intimate, and emotional. It shouldn’t really need more explanation than that. A perfect example of how ideas are more important than budget. Enjoy.

Funnily enough, the most interesting music events this week are being held as part of the film festival.

Not funny “ha ha”, though.

Happy Monday.

Wednesday 24th June 2009: All Tomorrow’s Parties documentary at the Picture House

This is something rather special. It’s described as a” unique 360 degree music event”. Firstly, the film sounds incredible. It’s compiled from footage contributed by both fans and artists at the festival, shot on super 8, digital and mobile phone, as well as footage from Vincent Moon (the Take-Away shows) tieing it all together. (See the rather brilliant Clockwork Orange-inspired trailer here.) It will be screened in the Picture House, followed by a live performance from the ’secret headliners’. I’ll get in trouble if I say who that is, but, um… it’s someone really good. And really good live, too. Yes. On top of all that, the venue will be completely redecorated to resemble a Butlin’s theme park, and there will be smaller, intimate performances in different rooms and parts of the venue from Scottish acts. (Full details are still a bit sketchy, but I know that both the Second Hand Marching Band and Scrim have already confirmed). To be frank, it sounds mental. But it also sounds absolutely amazing, and a complete one-off. It’s £18.50 for the film and live music event, and £12.50 for just the live music. (The film is screening in the Filmhouse the next day too, without the whole live music shebang).
The Second Hand Marching Band – We Walk In The Room

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Thursday 25th June 2009 – Leith Tape Club, with youtakethebiggerhalf, Corn Capri meets Little Pebble, Team Turnip and McBrandy at Iso Bar

On this bill I only really recognise Little Pebble and Team Turnip, but the Tape Club is always a rather fun, intimate affair.
Little Pebble – Hold That Thought

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Thursday 25th 2009 – The Gillyflowers at the Mill (Cabaret Voltaire)

I’ve not seen the Gillyflowers live as yet, but have heard a lot of good things, and I really like the stuff on their myspace.
The Gillyflowers – Country Boy

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Friday 26th June 2009 – Playing with the Past, with eagleowl, FOUND and Meursault at the Pleasance

This is another rather special event – a screening of a series of short films lifted from the Scottish Screen Archive, with eagleowl, FOUND and Meursault providing live soundtracks. Very exciting. I hope Meursault are doing ‘Highlander’.
FOUND – You’re Really Quite The Catch

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Friday 26th June 2009 – Adam Stafford and Michael John McCarthy at the Himalaya Cafe

Adam Stafford, of Y’all Is Fantasy Island infamy, will be playing songs from Rescue Weekend (which rarely get an airing with the full band sets) as well as new material, and Michael John McCarthy will be performing tracks from the excellent Outside World Strategies, which Euan gave a glowing review of last week.
Radio Trees (Michael John McCarthy) – Little Islands

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Sunday 28th June 2009 – The Shipping Forecast Garden Party, with FOUND, Randan Discotheque, Rozi Plain at the Pear Tree
Those nice gents form the Stormy Seas are putting on a lovely little Sunday afternoon show in the Pear Tree beer garden. A fine, and rather ecletic, line-up with one still to be confirmed (though it’ll probably be Meursault, won’t it?). I saw Rozi Plain for the first time at Homegame earlier this year and was very impressed, so looking forward to her set in particular. I can’t really think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. And it’s free. Gods be praised.

The Wind Whistles are a band from Vancouver, Canada, who make rather sunny folk pop, with more than a little tinge of americana. This is the follow up the their debut album ‘Windowsills‘.

That album was one of my favorites of last year, and so it’s hard not to judge this in relation to the previous release. And whilst the first album is perhaps more immediate, with more obvious hooks and sing-along choruses, ‘Animals Are People Too’ is definitely a development. It’s still very accessible, but there’s a little more depth – a more prominent guitar and keyboard sound to the near acoustic recording of the debut. There’s some really nice subtle touches, like when the slide guitar and drums kick into ‘Bats in Flight’, or the chorus refrain of ‘The Fish and the Worm’ – which only appears once during the track, and so becomes more rewarding on each listen. It manages to create what so many bands fail to do – catchy songs, but with enough depth to them to keep you coming back for more.

The writing is really economical too – by that I mean each track does what it needs to do, and then moves on. Nothing ever outstays it’s welcome – only one going over the four minute mark. The whole thing bounces along with rolling drums and jaunty bass lines. Chutters described them as a more gentle Woodenbox, and I think that’s a pretty good reference point.

For me, what’s most interesting about the band is their approach to making music. Both this and the previous release are on Aaahh Records – the CD can be bought at full price from the website or at gigs, or the digital version can be downloaded on a pay what you want basis. (As an added incentive, a secret third album is made available for a minimum donation of $8).  Last time they played Edinburgh they were half way through a mammoth six month tour. They play again at the start of July (cough), and looking at the tour schedule they don’t seem to be cutting back any. From what I can tell they spend half a year working ‘proper’ jobs, saving money and recording an album, then once it’s ready they packs their bags again and spend the rest of the year touring to support the release. Aaahh records is by no means a major operation, this being only the sixth release. And so it really seems to be the band themselves organising the tours, financing it all themselves.

Really inspiring stuff.

The Wind Whistles – Bats In Flight

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Hello. I am Bart. Woo.

So I’m doing the Monday gig listing. Mainly cos I’m usually the first person to jump in any time Matthew misses anything.

You’ll notice there’s no music files. It’s not that I don’t really know what I’m doing. Well, not only that. For some reason the file hosting site that me, Dylan and Euan were given access to during Matthew’s little holiday seems to have mysteriously dissappeared from the web. And it’s only been three days. Crumbs. Hopefully songbytoad.com will still be here when he gets back – but who’s to say really? I’m not promising anything.

Monday 15th June 2009: Viking Moses, Golden Ghost, Tisso Lake and Rob St. John at The Bowery.

Mega-bill of alt.folk, from the soothing baritione of Tisso Lake to the raging preacher dynamism of Viking Moses – this is the officially sanctioned Song, By Toad gig of the week. Miss it at your peril.

Tuesday 16th June 2009: Tisso Lake in store at Elvis Shakespeare.

This is on Tuesday afternoon. If anyone happens to find themselves on Leith Walk on Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday 16th June 2009: The Thermals at Sneaky Pete’s.

I don’t really know much about the Thermals, other than they’re signed to Sub Pop and they make rather noisy punk pop (but closer to the Replacements end of punk pop, as opposed to – say – Busted). They sounds pretty good, though – and it’s the kind of thing that’s good fun to see live.

Thursday 18th June 2009: The Leg (album launch) at Sneaky Pete’s.

Paul Vickers current backing band, who make a rather enjoyable racket by themselves as well.

Friday 19th June 2009: Jesus h. Foxx, One Inch Volcano & Katy Bar The Door, and 19 Folds at the Bowery.

Jesus h. Foxx are brilliant. 19 Folds are a nineteen piece reggae tribute to the music of Ben Folds. One of those facts is made up. Actually, these are three bands I’ve never heard of, though even if they’re terrible this will still be worth going to. As Jesus h. Foxx are brilliant. (I’m sure they’re not terrible. Actually, it’ll be nice to go along to a gig with no idea what to expect from three quarters of the bill. So I’m really rather looking forward to this. Shit, I’ve started speaking like Matthew, and it’s only Monday. What have I got myself in to?)

Saturday 20th June 2009: Meursault and Yahweh at Sneaky Pete’s.

The hardest working band in Scotland return to the live scene after what seems like days. Has there been a weekly listings this year that hasn’t included a Meursault gig? Good thing they’re so bloody good. Yahweh is a new one on me. It looks like a spelling mistake. But the guys at the Scotsman Under the Radar blog describe them as one of their favorite bands.

Saturday 20th June 2009: Paul Vickers and the Leg play the Bang Bang Club at Cabaret Voltaire.

The aforementioned the Leg in their Paul Vickers incarnation at a new club night.

Sunday 21st June 2009: the Go Away Birds at the Bowery.

The Go Away Birds are a two piece comprising of Michael John McCarthy from the excellent Zoey Van Goey, and the voice of Stuart Murdoch’s ‘God Help The Girl’ project, Catherine Ireton. Probably worth further investigating then.