Los Angeles innovator Brittney Parks, aka Sudan Archives, first appeared in everyone’s consciousness in 2017, fusing homemade, experimental electronica, R&B and afro-futurism armed only with an electric violin, laptop and a whole heap of ideas. Since then, she’s consistently wowed fans and critics, drawing them further into her weird and wonderful world. Parks’ new album The BPM is another excellent, original work that absorbs club culture influences from Detroit and Chicago but continues to push forward in her own idiosyncratic style. Have your mind blown and booty shaken at QMU, Glasgow (Saturday 6 December).

One of the UK’s biggest rock bands and certainly Scotland’s heaviest export over the last few decades, Biffy Clyro returned recently with an excellent album, Futique. It sees them draw directly from the source with an anthemic collection of bangers and ballads. Unbelievably, the band formed 30 years ago and I will never forget those early days, witnessing epic gigs in tiny rooms; it’s been a wild ride watching them scale the dizzy heights and conquer all before them. Hear new songs and hard-gigged classics at Aberdeen P&J and Glasgow’s Hydro (Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 January respectively), while raising your devil horns and screaming: ‘Mon the Biffy’!

Those on the eternal quest for something new are sure to be rewarded by the inaugural Cowgate Block Party at the end of January. Maybe the ideal time to ditch your ‘dry’ penance and enjoy a few light beverages at this evening of interest and inspiration across three Edinburgh venues: Legends, Sneaky Pete’s and The Bongo Club (Saturday 31 January). This event has a great line-up but honourable mentions go to Bikini Body, Gurry Wurry and Sarah/Shaun.

Finally, if you’re looking for a party during that hazy, lazy bit between Christmas and New Year, my Vitamin C night of records and bands pulls up to the Assembly Rooms (Monday 29 December) as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. Live acts are Swim School and Waverley, and guest DJ is Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite. A good time is guaranteed, so come down and cut some rug.

Listen to Vic Galloway every Monday night on BBC Radio Scotland or anytime on BBC Sounds; main picture: Yanran Xiong.