UtR newsflash: (Another) new gig night for Edinburgh

More proof of Edinburgh's burgeoning music scene arrives with the news of a brand new weekly gig night. The fact that Maggie's Chamber takes its name from a Kings of Leon song underpins the accessible nature of this free gig showcase, which launches this Friday (3rd April) in the 17th Century loft space above the Three Sisters pub on the Cowgate.

And what more apt way to kick off such a night than with the launch of an EP called Drinking Den, by local rockers Rieser? They will be ably supported by I Hear Echos and Ben Sturrock, so if you're not otherwise engaged by any of the other live music delights on offer (see Billy's gig guide), get down to Maggie's Chamber from 9pm.

Rieser - Drinking Den


Rieser - The Actor

More new music from Neu Gestalt and Rieser

Today we have a couple of radically different tracks for you to sample.

First up is Neu Gestalt. The German phrase 'neue gestalt' means 'new form', and a sense of experimentalism is quite appropriate to describe this kind of ambient electronica.

The 'e' in 'Neue' was dropped for two reasons: as a tip of the hat to German Krautrock legends Neu! and because four other bands appeared with the same name when he previously worked as simply Gestalt!

And in case you're thinking that we're promoting continental over homegrown talent, fear not: Neu Gestalt is actually Edinburgher Les Scott, who has been making music for many years and has recently signed to Leith-based Alex Tronic records.

There's more info to be found on his MySpace.

Neu Gestalt - Artefact

Taking us back to rockier climes are another Edinburgh act, Rieser.

They may still be unsigned, but Rieser have already released their debut album The Well Dressed Thief, won praise from Scotland's radio DJs and supported the likes of The View and The Young Knives.

'Rockstar' is a statement of intent if ever there was one. Could 2009 be their year?

Visit their website to find out more.

Rieser - Rockstar