New Year's Revolution was a huge hit in 2011, with spellbinding shows by Endor, French Wives and Washington Irving among the highlights.
Now it's back, bringing together umpteen great local acts, with four bands gigging upstairs every night and a fifth act appearing in the downstairs bar, from tonight's opening gig, headlined by the rowdy Lafontaines, to the closing gig on Thursday January 19, which sees rockers Pareto play.
All of the shows are worth seeing, however, and there's many an undiscovered gem lurking in all the line-ups.
Here's a few acts, from various different genres, to look out for in particular-
THE RIVER 68'S, ~ Friday, January 6
There was a fair amount of scorn heaped on the River 68's recently, after their guitarist Christian McCabe was chosen to be the face of Paul Weller's new clothing range for Liam Gallagher's Pretty Green label.
Yet it's not just their modelling that's making waves, as the River 68's are an unashamedly big pop-rock band. Led Zeppelin and the Black Crowes are often mentioned as influences, but it's 70s soft rock where most of the melodies lie, and while they're hardly revelatory tunes, the likes of Crazy are undeniably catchy. Expect big things from this radio-friendly outfit.
KILL THE WAVES, Tuesday, January 10
Kill The Waves are somewhat less likely to enjoy a break-through into the mainstream, it has to be said.
Their tunes are dreamy confections, with strings and loops washing over you, and at their best, as on the delicate The Game We Play or the hazy Wasted Inspiration, there's a hypnotic beauty present.
This year should bring the quartet's first official release, so take the chance to check them out now.
TANGO IN THE ATTIC, Thursday, January 12
Gigging veterans now, Tango In The Attic remain one of Scotland's best kept secrets.
The Glenrothes group make superbly hummable low-fi guitar pop that nods towards Vampire Weekend, the Strokes et al, with 2010's debut album Bank Place Locomotive Society offering ample, exciting evidence of this. This headline show, their first in a wee while, will hopefully see material unveiled from their second album, a record that could propel the band forward into the mainstream.
HECTOR BIZERK, Friday, January 13
Headliner Kobi Onyame is a terrific talent, a rapper bubbling over with ideas, wit and talent, but be sure to check out the highly promising Hector Bizerk, too, on a night full of Scottish hip-hop.
The duo may simply rely purely on words and percussion, but their strong beats and rapid-fire lyrics more than hold their own with other acts, and there's equal amounts of grittiness and wit in there, as well. Last year saw the release of their Livin In Rhyme EP, while they've supported New York rapper DOOM and spearheaded the Loosely Speaking series of shows that regularly take place at the 13th Note. Local songbird Michelle Elli is another promising talent on the bill.
UNITED FRUIT, Monday, January 16
Offering something completely different to the hip-hop evening is this line-up, where hard rock comes calling.
Edinburgh group Lady North are the pick of the undercard, having released a joint single with PAWS over the past year, but United Fruit are arguably the best of all the bands playing the festival. Check-points include Fugazi and Sonic Youth, and there's enough melody there to get some dancing alongside the moshing too. The likes of the immense Go Away Don't Leave Me Alone sound gigantic, yet bristle with punkish energy.
REVERIEME, Tuesday, January 17
21-year-old Airdrie girl Louise Connell's debut album Melodies was an absolute gem when it was released in the summer of 2010, and the songstress has carried on that good work since.
Her music's a blend of indie-pop with a sprinkling of country, and her voice is a delight. It all adds up to an irresistible combination that is difficult to resist. Headliners Open Swimmer are excellent, too.
New Year's Revolution runs at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut from tonight until Thursday, January 19. Tickets are £6 for each show, or a Golden Ticket for £30, which gives you entry into all 15 shows.
