KEEP on rocking in the Valleys at the Torfaen Rockfest - 'A Hairdresser's Suggestion' - on August 18.

The all-day rock show is at The Stables Bar, White Hart Inn, Broad Street, Abersychan, near Pontypool. Headlining the summer bash is Rocket Goldstar, one of the best bands out of Cardiff in recent years.

Devious, mysterious and unremorselessly mischievous the band brews a heady stew of Pothead Pixies Gong, the twisted industrial flow of Coil and the playful notes of Miles Davies.

Their new album, Soft Eject is out in September with a launch party in the Coal Exchange, Cardiff, on September 3.

The band approach all live appearances with equal attention to detail - at a 'silent' gig in the Chapter Arts Centre last year they handed out headphones to punters - so expect a thrilling end to the day.

Top of the support acts is Pilotfish, a tuneful rock ensemble from Merthyr Tydfil with as much time for Nirvana (check out Jerry O'Neil for a South Wales version of Smells Like Teen Spirit) and the Manics.

A close third comes singer/songwriter Amy Wadge whose acoustic strummings will make an antidote to the six rock bands beneath her. Her latest single is Saddest Eyes on the Cardiff based label Reality Recordings.

Chasing Amy's tail is Brando, a mean, stern faced four piece with more than a passing resemblance to early Stereophonics with passionate use of lungs in Manics-like choruses. Functional, but how many bands are there like this!

Legs Akimbo strive desperately to live up to their inviting moniker and come close with their brazen punk with metal overtones. They've been going since 1999 and a have a demo recording available.

Completing the line-up are Grip Muppit, who've been causing a minor stir in recent months, McFly from South East Wales, The Statementallity from Newport and Goldfish from Cwmbran.

The gig is the second Torfaen Rockfest from the No Fixed Abode Crew and will be held in association with Torfaen Mind, Shelter Cymru and Pontypool Young People's Clinic.

Stalls will be run by, among others, the Society of Disabled Enabled Motorcyclists or SODEM for short. * Tickets are £5/4cons. Doors open at 12noon. Dial (01495) 760911 for details.