It’s that weird time of year when among the tribute acts and the party nights a few odd gems show up in the gig guide.

For example, on Thursday 28th, Withered Hand – familiar tunes but a new haircut – plays at the East Neuk Hotel in Anstruther.

On Friday 30th, something of a treat – Taking Chase‘s 10th anniversary party at Edinburgh’s Banshee Labrynth. Also on the bil, another (brilliant) resurrected act, Curators. Plus, new act Bike Notes (containing elements of Murderburgers and Walking Targets).

In Dundee, The Law have a hometown show at Buskers in Dundee, and just down the coast, a similar setup at Dunfermline’s PJ Molloys, who have Big Country.
Different situation, but a guaranteed fun night out from punk covers act Cash From Chaos, who are at Bathgate’s Dreadnought.
In Edinburgh, a pre-Hogmanay gig from Paolo Nutini and Frightened Rabbit, plus competition winners The Vegan Leather.

Saturday 31st – Hogmanay to you and me – sees Sacred Paws play at Mono in Glasgow while Federation of the Disco Pimp are at Drygate Brewing Company.
Thinned-down ska legends Bad Manners are at Buskers in Dundee – they’re also at Falkirk Warehouse on New Year’s Day.
True Gents play Twa Tam’s in Perth.
Plastic Animals are at the Happiness Hotel in Edinburgh, though elsewhere in the capital, Paolo Nutini and Frightened Rabbit are at the big Princes Street gig, this time with The Lightning Seeds and Lemonhaze and Crystal (two separate bands btw).
Finally, local heroes Lional are at the Market Bar in Inverness.