The Rhythm of The Fringe: Eight Scottish Acts to Soundtrack the Capital’s Beautiful Chaos

The rhythm of the Fringe is people racing from venue to venue, in search of the next big thing or the night you won’t forget. Three nearby venues make the movement simple while eight Scottish acts create a genuine chance of achieving the festival’s Holy Grail: seeing a show that lives with you long after the cost, rush, and beautiful chaos of Edinburgh in August.

Monday 17th August is the date for your diary, with the Made in Scotland Gigs showcase programme, presented by Wide Days. The three venues, within a short walking distance, are Bannerman’s, La Belle Angele, and Sneaky Pete’s.

The acts, in alphabetical order: Azamiah, Bikini Body, Cathal Murphy, Dara Dubh, Fright Years, Haiver, Helicon, and Tom Campbell Trio.

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There’s a few SNACK favourites in there, but we make no apologies for starting with Helicon. The East Kilbride outfit have already served up one of the albums of the year, Arise, with Al Lover. This set should lean heavily on that album, while older tracks have the power to take you to the moon.

For all that Helicon are the archetypal psych band, that’s only true in them having an expansive and ever-moving sound. If you think psych is tie-dyed, and tied to the 60s, you’re in the right place to have your mind expanded, in the best possible way.

Another reason we’re so excited for Helicon right now is the launch of their documentary, We Sound Like Helicon. The film has early screenings at KozFest and Hot Box Live in August, ahead of a public release timed to coincide with their Made in Scotland appearance. The movie follows the multi-headed beast making their latest album, with their San Francisco co-conspirator.

Earlier this year, JP Hughes from the band tipped us off about the documentary, saying, ‘We based the filming around the recording process it takes you back through the band and brings you up to today.’ With footage from last year’s King Tut’s headlining show, a feat they’ll repeat in September, there’s no shortage of options to check them out…but why delay the inevitable?

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The showcase is also the perfect time to check out Fright Years. A local act with a mesmerising sound that seems destined for large stages and appreciative audiences. The May release of Never Been Wrong has whetted our appetite for much more this year. Jules Kelly’s impassioned vocals welcome you in, but there’s a clean and catchy sound to their music that means it is as well suited to a dark and clammy room as it is to more refined surroundings.

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One act who has grabbed our attention recently is Dara Dubh. The offensively breezy and upbeat ‘Oh Nora!’ is not just a tribute to Ms Jones, it’s a hymn for optimism and life itself. Hear it once and it’ll take up residence in your head for the rest of the year.

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And when it comes to communal moments, Haiver are perfectly placed to bring people together. Recent single ‘Crime’ sees former Frightened Rabbit man Billy Kennedy harnessing the raw vulnerability with the sense that music might save us all, if we believe hard enough.

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Azamiah bring jazz roots and dubby, atmospheric production together as a four-piece, and the crossover potential is obvious the moment the low end kicks in. There will be dancing, so wear appropriate footwear.

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Bikini Body, meanwhile, are all wiry post-punk grooves and dancefloor energy. Expect the Edinburgh quintet’s confrontational live show to leave a mark on the entire room.

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Cathal Murphy arrives on the back of a run of sold-out shows, his guitar-led blend of funk, new-wave, and soul more than earning a spot on such a line-up.

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And for those wanting something rooted rather than restless, Tom Campbell Trio’s take on Scottish and Irish folk, peppered with contemporary touches, is proof tradition remains as vivid as ever.

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There’s no shortage of brilliant moments to look out for this August in Edinburgh. However, the chances of finding a more life-affirming way to spend a Monday night are rare, making this a must-see night of the summer.

Made in Scotland Gigs is held at La Belle Angele, Sneaky Pete’s and Bannerman’s Bar, Edinburgh, 17th August