THIS week's big gig happens at Meze Lounge on Monday, as weekly clubnight Alternative Twist celebrates its birthday in amazing style.

Headlining the event is acclaimed electronica outfit Metronomy.

With remix credits already including Ladytron, Franz Ferdinand and The Arctic Monkeys, in this instance 'hotly tipped' could be the understatement of the year.

Also on the bill are recent One Little Indian (Bjork) signing Rose Kemp, enigmatic acoustic hero Men Diamler and Smokehand, who recall the seedier lounge-core moments of Tom Waits or Nick Cave.

Unbelievably, entry is free, despite there being four top signed acts. Quite a party.

Before that, the rock action kicks off on Saturday with brutal Australian metallers The Berzerker, along with tour supports Happy Face, RSJ and Madman Is Absolute at TJ's.

Doors are 7pm, and tickets £9 in advance. This could be one of the events of the year for South Wales metal fans.

Over in Le Pub on the same night, The Elephant Rescue Plan open for the hopefully triumphant return of Newport institutions Flyscreen, who promise a mix of new and old material.

The amount of rock bands in and around Newport compared to other genres never fails to amaze me.

Proof, if it were needed, comes from another action-packed Planet Red show at Meze Lounge on Tuesday.

Blackened Soul, The October Country, Ten Cent Toy, Mister Manana, Corona Jones and Monday Massacre do the honours. Entry is £3, doors 6pm.

Frommars drummer Dean has been bringing free live music to The Riverside Tavern for years now, putting on two bands every Wednesday evening under the guise of The Breeding Ground, and basically doing a sterling job for the local scene.

Thursday brings The Jamm (a Jam tribute band, I'm guessing) to TJ's.

Support comes from local indie faves The Calm and Big John, the latter of whom have recently picked up a new drummer and are undoubtedly keen make an impact on the local scene.

Entry for this one is £7, and tickets are available now from the TJ's bar and Rockaway in the market. Doors open 7.30pm.

Over in Meze it's the return of eccentricly excellent Bristol five-piece The Fabrics. Moving from swing-time electro to bossanova breaks via 1930's jazz and drum and bass, this enchanting live band have been described as "Ninja Tune-esque jazz nodding through a Squarepusher/Aphex Twin effects rack".

Imagine the originality of James Blunt, veer sharply to the other end of the spectrum then a little further and you come to The Fabrics.

If you missed them at Meze before, you'll be kissing the feet of the Underground Freak Out crew for bringing them back.

The usual mix of DJ's, including Crocker, provide the beats. Entry is free.