Venue takes a look at Newport's music scene for the next few days

THIS week's gigs start off with a rare appearance by Cardiff's Lesson No.1 promotion crew in the city.

They treat you to Eniac, Amtrak, Panel and Lt Meat for a spot of bassed-up punk-funk, electro punk, Helmet-ish rock and laptop-laced surf guitar respectively. We really wouldn't expect anything less. Entry, to Le Pub, is free, and available from 7.30pm.

Sunday sees The Ska Indie Classic (see opposite page) take over TJ's, featuring The Clam, Long Acre, Ten Bears, Last Man Standing and, Beethoven.

A noisy one this Monday for Alternative Twist as Cardiff's Yossarian and valleys rockers The Alternative Ending line up against Bristolian headliners Figment.

With whispers of a deal with a very well respected indie label (whose name I won't divulge just yet), Yossarian are worth turning up early for.

All happening at Meze Lounge of course. First band 9pm and entry free.

Tuesday's Planet Red show features recent Skindred supporters The Prone Position, Lords Of The Southern Priest, Carrion Of Vigrid, Through Solace, Turnbuckle Treachery and Emerge for another marathon of rock and metal at Meze. Entry £3. Doors 7pm.

Gig of the week award this week probably goes to the Dead Souls crew for bringing No Idea Records, Glass and Ashes to Le Pub on Wednesday.

Like former labelmates Hot Water Music, this California quartet plays a burly brand of roughneck punk rock that's as heavy on the rock as the punk: Even when singer Dave Hall's screaming his head off, Glass & Ashes kick up some rowdy guitar-brand dust.

Support comes from Exeter's The Cut Ups, who feature members of Annalise and Shoe. They deal in excellent melodic pop-punk. Not Green Day pop-punk though. Entry is £5.

Also on Wednesday Shape Of My Addiction, Mind Invasion, The Citadel and TNO at TJ's in a charity gig for The Joshua Foundation, and, across the road Chapter XIII and Flatline in The Tavern. Go out with some binoculars, and strategically placed bugging materials, and it may be possible to catch both. Just make sure you pay at TJ's it's for charity!

A busy week at TJ's then, as Thursday's culmination sees the co-headline tour of Will Haven and Crowbar.

If you know these, as a lot of people do, then you'll most likely want to go. Tickets are £11 and doors 7.30pm.

If that's not your thing, Underground Freak Out at Meze will be delivering the usual dose of drum and bass, reggae, dub and randomness (in a good way) from 9ish.