FIRST gig of the week takes place tomorrow at Le Pub with a release show for top local hardcore act Routine Check's seven-inch vinyl.

A free copy to everyone who turns out, with the first 20 LPs coming in special limited-edition packaging.

Support comes from The Dangerfields, an Irish punk band in the style of Snuff and the like.

The first support is still to be confirmed. Entry is £5 and doors open at 7.30pm.

This week's big gig takes place on Monday with New York hardcore legends Sick Of It All making a long-awaited trip to TJ's. London-based street punks The Unseen (see opposite page), on Hellcat Records, supply main support, with Deny Everything rounding out the bill.

Tickets are £10 from the venue, Rockaway and the usual outlets. On the same night Alternative Twist over at Meze Lounge features excellent Newcastle indie hopefuls Greenspace, local Joy Division-esque trio The Awakes and Valleys rockers Mountains and Hills, who cite the likes of A Perfect Circle and Soundgarden as influences.

Monday night gigs at the venue are always of a really high standard, and with entry now free, it must be the best post-work-Monday-blues-beater in South Wales.

This Tuesday's Planet Red Rock Show at Meze features a bit of a gothic flavour, headlined by Beneath The Shadows and also featuring heavy rockers S.K.W.A.D, Newport institution The October Country, Strange Pains and Freaky Fortnight. Entry is £2.

Thursday, March 2 sees another TJ's unsigned showcase, with acts still to be confirmed.

Please note a correction to the TJ's website stating The Gar, Panacea and Camorra are playing.

This gig has in fact already taken place. Thursday's Underground Freak Out at Meze is a DJ- only affair this week, with top residents and guests spinning some wicked reggae, dub, alternative hip hop and drum and bass as per usual.

The new night has been picking up well over the last few weeks, and is well worth checking out.

Watch out for Cantaloop, appearing on March 9, Bristol innovators The Fabrics on March 30 and DJ Derek's Album Launch Party in early April!