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[chilli]

from yesterdays Guide

Triptych
Scotland

An impressive three-centre event, Triptych is the major Scottish festival that makes its home not in a big field, but in the left field. Now in its eighth year, what the event's mixture of gigs and cinema presentations lacks in geographical unity, it makes up for in a singularity of purpose: simply by picking the best alternative acts. Particular high points would have to include the brilliant guitarist James Blackshaw, the newly "gone techno" math rock of Four Tet and the great Thurston Moore-favoured duo Magik Markers, but a big event will be a much-anticipated gig by the reformed Sebadoh. A band noted particularly for Lou Barlow's output of quality troubled relationship songs, "troubled relationship" would also nicely account for the conditions in the group. A volatile mix of Barlow's introspection, Eric Gaffney's bizarre sound explosions, and Jason Loewenstein's spiky tunefulness, if only for a short time, it's great to see that they've been reconciled.

· Various venues, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fri 25 to Apr 27

[Alan Cynic]

I'm hoping to catch some of James Blackshaw's set on Sunday afternoon....really enjoyed him when he was at the Tunnels.