This week we have two local bands taking to the stage at the Meze Lounge on Monday.

First up we have Newport- based prog rockers Trip.

The band boast a huge range of styles, both classic and modern, including rock, jazz, electronica and metal, fusing together such influences as Muse, The Mars Volta and the Manics.

Trip say they are a band who refuse to adhere to the cut and paste, post modern pastiche of the current rock scene and describe their inimitable sound as 'changing'.

With such rave reviews from their first EP, and a new single, The Prologue, due for release in September, this is one band you shouldn't miss.

Also on the bill we have more in the way of progressive music from My Pursuit for Truth.

These boys make alternative, progressive and, at times, aggressive music. Their songs have been described as 'epic and dramatic with an overwhelming sense of melancholic'.

Influences include Joy Division, Hope of the States, Pink Floyd and Jeff Buckley, and singer Mat's voice has been likened to a young Richard Ashcroft (when he was still a little mad). Definitely a band for those of you who like music dynamic and, otherworldly.

Saturday nights at Meze will now play host to resident DJ Mike TV from Cardiff Barfly and Red Dragon radio, this club night promises to be a belter!

Tj's this week sees former Wildhearts front man Ginger Wildheart playing an acoustic set.

Fresh from recording at Willie Nelson's studio in Texas, Ginger and his band will be taking to the stage on Sunday.

Both long time fans of the Wildhearts and Ginger newcomers will definitely enjoy the band's onstage acoustic, rock lunacy.

Support will be provided by another former Wildheart member Willie Dowling, playing with his band Jackdaw4.

On Tuesday night TJ's will play host to six (yes that's six) bands, local funk-rockers Wilcox will be taking the headline spot.

Formed in 2003, Newport based four-piece rockers Wilcox were merely a bunch of school friends who decided to form a band with the simple idea of entertaining their friends and families.

Since then these Four young men from different musical backgrounds have gone on to become a group unlike any other on the music scene today.

With pulsating riffs and pounding drumbeats and bass, Wilcox are quickly becoming recognised for being at the forefront of the local live scene.

Tonight's line up will also include hardcore metal outfit Today or Never, as well as It Wore Him Down, Hip Compassion, Angels Fall to Flames and Warpath.

Not too shabby for a measly £4 entry fee!

Fans of Irish rock legends U2 should get down to the Cwrt Bleddyn hotel in Usk on Friday to see US4.

This tribute band accurately recreate the very best of U2's back catalogue, from With or Without You through to Elevation.

So for all you groupies who weren't able to get tickets for the real U2 at the Millennium Stadium, this could be the next best thing!

Guide

The Meze Lounge:

Saturday, July 2: Go! Commando Indie hits and anthems hosted by Mike TV (Barfly) £2 after 10pm. Open until 2am.

Monday, July 4

Local Band Night: Trip, My Pursuit For Truth, Girl 13 £1 Entry £1 Selected Drinks Open until 1am

TJ's:

Sunday, July 3: Ginger Wildheart, Jackdaw4 (feat Willie Dowling ex Wildhearts) DrinkingGwenZilla Promo. 7.30pm. Tickets: £10adv. Available from Spillers Cardiff, Rockaway and Diverse Newport Tuesday, Jul 5: Wilcox, Today or Never, It Wore Him Down, Hip Compassion, Angels Fall to Flames and Warpath 7-11pm - Stonethrower Promotions, Tickets £4

Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel, Usk

Friday, July 8: US4 (U2 tribute act) Tickets available from the box office: 01633 450521