Radar weekly: The latest from the Scottish music scene

Quickbeam album announced

A debut album by Quickbeam will be released on Glasgow’s Comets and Cartwheels label on June 3. The 12-track, self-titled LP from the Radar-featured four-piece will be preceded by a free download of lead track Immersed on April 29.

Quickbeam played the launch night for Comets and Cartwheels almost exactly a year ago, which was around the last time Radar featured them, so it’s good to see the collaboration bear fruit. Pre-sales of the album are available on Bandcamp, and it will be available through the usual online retailers.

Details about the album launch show will be revealed later this week.

Watch the new video for Immersed.

Comlongon Rocks returns

It may be one of the lesser known events on the Scottish festival circuit, but Comlongon Rocks is gradually making its presence felt, and this year it’s expanding with eight marquees around the Dome Stage and an extra day’s live music.

Acts already announced for the event include Three Blind Wolves, Emma’s Imagination, Saint Max & the Fanatics and The OK Social Club – and there are many more to follow.

Comlongon Rocks takes place at Comlongon Castle, Dumfries and Galloway, over the weekend of May 17 – 19. Tickets, priced £15 – £40, are available now.

Insider line-up announced

The Insider festival at Inshriach, near Aviemore has also announced its first batch of names for 2013, with Rachel Sermanni, Sparrow And The Workshop, Man’s Ruin, Karine Polwart, Hector Bizerk, Urstan, Hot Feet, David Thomas Broughton, Ichi, Rachel Dadd, Miaoux Miaoux, Pete Roe, Jonnie Common and Adam Holmes And The Embers all confirmed.

More bands will be announced soon for The Insider, which takes place from June 21 – 23, and tickets are on sale now.

• On the subject of festivals, a quick heads-up that A Quiet Night In is this Saturday in Glasgow, running from 6.30pm – 3am across five venues. Check out the Facebook page for more info on the mini takeover festival, which features a stellar array of bands, including Song of Return, Lady North, Capitals, The Little Kicks and many more.

New music

• Another band who featured on Radar last year, Father Sculptor, have been generating plenty of buzz lately, and they’re set to follow up on this with the EP Faith & Violence, which is out on April 15, with limited edition 12″ vinyl available from their Bandcamp.

Watch the new video for the track Lowlands.

• Glasgow electro-funksters Nevada Base have a new double-sided single out at the end of the month. Foresight is released on Black Lantern Music on April 29, and will be supported by live shows around the country including a launch party at Broadcast in Glasgow on April 27, and at Paradise in London on April 30.

• One of our favourite producers in Glasgow (or anywhere for that matter), S-Type, unveiled a new track last week, in conjunction with LuckyMe and a rather cool video feature by FACT Magazine. You can download Dyena for free via SoundCloud.

Gig picks

The Machine Room + Blank Canvas + Fridgemaster

Thursday @ Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh, 7pm, £5

Conquering Animal Sound + Panda Su + Iliop

Thursday @ The Tunnels, Aberdeen, 8pm, £6.50-£8

Panda Su

Friday @ Electric Circus, Edinburgh, 7pm, £6

Saturday @ The Glad Café, Glasgow, 8pm, £6.50

Nevada Base + Machines in Heaven + Randolph’s Leap (acoustic)

Friday @ The Breakfast Club, Edinburgh, 8pm, free

The Imagineers

Friday @ Oran Mor, Glasgow, 7pm, £7

Casual Sex

Friday @ Nice’n’Sleazy, Glasgow, 8pm, £5

Bad Fun: Magic Eye, Fur Hood

Saturday @ Henry’s Cellar Bar, Edinburgh, 7pm, £5

A Quiet Night In

Saturday @ various venues, Glasgow, 6.30pm – 3am, £10

Collar Up + Jordan Yorkston + Errant Boy

Saturday @ Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh, 7pm, £5

Tribes

Sunday @ Liquid Room, Edinburgh, 7pm, £12.50

British Sea Power

Sunday @ Oran Mor, Glasgow, 7pm, £13.50