Local Buzz: Ballboy

CASUAL observers might look to Ballboy’s quiet presence among the great and the good of Scottish music and wonder why a band championed by the late, great John Peel still retain a ‘grass roots’ aura about them.

You might suppose that a song like I Hate Scotland isn’t what you’d call a crowd-pleaser, but the quartet’s appeal has never been borne of pandering or weasel-word sentiments.

Gordon McIntyre’s matter-of-fact lyrics probably reflect the band’s attitude to self-promotion, but this much isn’t even as interesting as the variety and quality of songs that they’re capable of, from dreamy post-rock haze to jaunty folk-rock stompers.

Alongside Ballboy on the Secret CDs roster at the Voodoo Rooms will be Norman Lamont & The Invisible Helpers, Jill Hepburn, and Freeloadin’ Frank.

The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street, Wednesday, 7.30pm, £3, 0131-556 7060