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F E S T I VA L M U S I C | Hitlist MUSIC HITLIST

Henry Northmore picks some of the best music shows to check out in week one of the festival

AKALA UK rapper and political commentator takes a break from his spoken-word show at Gilded Balloon Teviot to return to his hip hop roots. Expect a night of socially conscious beats, and intelligent, incisive lyrics. Liquid Room, 3 Aug, 7pm, £20.

AMADOU & MARIAM AND BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

African and US gospel and blues in this inspired collaboration featuring Malian husband and wife duo Amadou & Mariam and the Blind Boys of Alabama. Usher Hall, 7 Aug, 8pm, £14–£34.

DWARVES Trashy rock and hardcore punk from this Chicago quintet headed by vocalist Blag Dahlia, guitarist HeWhoCannotBeNamed and bassist Rex Everything (aka QOTSA’s Nick Oliveri). Expect shock tactics, frequent nudity and maximum rock’n’roll. You have been warned. Bannermans, 6 Aug, 7pm, £15.

SIOBHAN WILSON Beautifully delicate, captivating music from Scottish singer-songwriter Siobhan Wilson. Her recent album The Departure adds darker textures to the intimate yet cinematic atmosphere she weaves with her effortless melodies. Summerhall, 7 Aug, 7pm, £14.

TASTE 25 An Edinburgh institution as club night Taste celebrates its 25th anniversary. Expect upfront house with a dash of techno from resident DJs Fisher & Price and Martin Valentine as they dip into the vaults for the best in dance music from 1994 to 2019. Liquid Room, 3 Aug, 11.30pm, £10.

YOUTH ORCHESTRA LOS ANGELES WITH BIG NOISE

RAPLOCH

A free open rehearsal, led by Gustavo Dudamel, as young musicians from disadvantaged backgrounds in LA and Scotland come together in a celebration of classical music. See preview, page 95. Usher Hall, 4 Aug, 3.30pm, free but ticketed.

Akala

EDINBURGH’S FAMOUS FOSSIL SHOP

5 Cowgatehead Grassmarket

Edinburgh, EH1 1JY 0131 220 1344

www.mrwoodsfossils.co.uk

96 THE LIST FESTIVAL 31 Jul–7 Aug 2019