A bit like life, this week in gigs starts slowly before ending up with way too much to fit in.

The artist known as Black, the voice that launched a thousand chocolate ads, aka Colin Vearncombe, plays the remainder of his Scottish dates this week – on Tue 21st Aberdeen Tunnels, followed by a show at Dundee Clarks (Thu 23rd).

Beards ahoy on Tuesday 21st as Seasick Steve is at Fat Sam’s in Dundee. Same night, Kill The Waves play Bloc in Glasgow (can’t actually vouch for their beardiness, to be honest).

Wednesday has Mickey 9s in Ayr, at West Of The Moon .

Then, come Thursday, the gig calendar explodes. Dave Arcari brings his form of bearded bluegrass to Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms, and indie chancers Shield Patterns are at the Assembly Rooms. In Glasgow, Quiet As a Mouse play Broadcast, Monogram, C Duncan & Le Thug are at King Tut’s, Paws are at the Poetry Club (whether poetry is on their setlist remains to be seen), How To Swim and Paul Vickers play Mono, and Therapy? are at Oran Mor, while George Clinton brings the funk to the ABC.

Friday sees the UK Subs in Edinburgh – guess where? The Citrus Club, obviously…

Saturday 25th, Graham Parker is at Aberdeen Lemon Tree (ah, and he was at Oran Mor in Glasgow on Friday). Can’t confirm if he has The Rumour in tow. The Exploited are at the O2 (perhaps the Citrus was booked up), and in Dumfries, Miaoux Miaoux plays what I assume is a new venue, The Stove.

Finally, on Sunday, Jamie and Shoony are at Dunfermline’s PJ Molloys.