Dear Scotland

Twin Atlantic will be taking a major step towards their inevitable domination of America with a 40+ date tour with The Fall of Troy next month that includes SXSW. The band will also be in Europe again in February. Ticket links for each and every show and a preview of their new iphone game below:

2010 will be a huge year for Biffy Clyro. This Friday the band will start a headline European tour before joining up with Manchester Orchestra for more American dates. The US leg is scheduled to end in Boise on March 15, two days before the start of SXSW. Coincidence? Ticket details and new videos follow:

Later this week former Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie will make a rare appearance at the Tanned Tin Festival in Castellón, Spain. Also appearing at the festival is former Arab Strapper Aidan Moffat with The Best Ofs. Aidan will also play a gig in Paris on Friday night. Full details below:

Glasgow’s Camera Obscura are in Sydney tonight and the band have just announced new dates in Europe, Asia and North America for the Spring. Highlights include the Coachella Festival in California and a Friday night gig at Emo’s in Austin. Full details and ticket links below as always:

In 1981 the NME wrote of Scottish post punk band Scars that “Scars will be stars: they’re the new craze. The stage is theirs.” It didn’t happen like that, but when you see the video below, filmed around Edinburgh in 1981, you might think it still looks ahead of its time.

Frightened Rabbit have just announced a mini tour of Australia for later this month which includes a pun-writer’s dream show with Echo & The Bunnymen in Sydney. It appears that hare bands are still very popular in Australia. You’re welcome. Tickets are on sale now:

Isobel Campbell has announced a one-off show in Park City, Utah later this month as part of the Sundance Film Festival. The performance will be open to Festival Credential Holders and the general public. More details below:

Former Aztec Camera frontman Roddy Frame has announced 3 dates in Japan next week as part of the Billboard Live series. Aztec Camera always enjoyed a large following in Japan and the shows will likely see a mix of old and new tunes from the talented East Kilbrider. Full ticket details below.

With one of the best albums of 2009 and a growing following at home, We Were Promised Jetpacks look set to be Scotland’s next breakthrough act. The band have announced a headline tour of Europe and North America which will keep them on the road until March. Full details below.