SO, there is good news and bad news. I was just reading about a new national radio station, Radio X, which is being launched dedicated to new music and particularly guitar-based bands.

Great, but surely there has to be a catch.

Of course there is, and that catch is that spearheading the programme will be not only Vernon “absolutely amazing” Kaye but also Chris “let’s just talk about me rather than play any music” Moyles.

So if you like the idea of twenty20-minute ramblings about his celebrity mates at an award show before the indulgence is broken by the latest attempt by Kasabian to sound like a Primal Scream studio out-take, then this is the station for you.

But if you really are looking for emerging, guitar-based bands then look no further than The Victoria tonight as Yves play with Coco Esq in support.

Both bands represent the frontline of a current local creative upsurge, plying a trade in tight and melodic indie and proving that the future of local music, and hopefully beyond, is in safe hands.

The Beehive plays host to one of its regular favourites. Whilst normally fronting his own eponymous blues-rock band, Keith Thompson as a solo act is just as impressive, the stripped back, raw and honest sound making for a very intimate connection between player and audience.

And talking of blues, Friday sees the first outing for Level 3 Live, a regular blues night. and

This inaugural session features the man who none other than Alexis Korner described as “the best white blues harmonica player in the world,” – the incredible Rod Garfield and his band. High praise indeed.

Blues is also on the cards at The Beehive, this time with Bob “famous in Swindon” Bowles, a soulful voice,and effortlessly slick, bluesy tunes. The set is complete with a bagful of great songs.

Although mainly a venue for cover bands, The Castle occasionally takes a punt on trying originals, and you can’t get much more original than Kid Calico and The Astral Ponies.

They’re variously described as a “Mercurial and biscuit obsessed blend of lilting, music hall Americana and psychedelia” and “if I’d kidnapped Radiohead or the Floyd and forced them to work as a mid-west American Circus band during the 1970’s, theyd sound just like this.” I’ll think I’ll just leave it at that then.

For those who already know what they like, there is a wide range of more familiar options available.

Classic punk from the iconic to the underground can be found at The Rolleston courtesy of The Useless Eaters, there’s Dire Streets at Riffs Bar who pay tribute to Mark Knopfler and his band who helped launch the CD/MTV age, as well as Peloton playing mod, soul and power pop at The Victoria venue.

At The Locomotive, Don’t Speak cover pop and rock but seem to have a very select ear for music, so expect The House Martins, The Beautiful South and Natalie Imbruglia in place of some of the more usual and expected selections.

The big event for the weekend can be found at The Old Town Bowl on Saturday in the form of this year’s Reggae Garden.

Top names such as Channel One Soundsystem, 10 piece nu-wave roots/reggae band Roots Ambassadors, Dubwiser and The Tribe provide the music. plus

There will also be a wide array of stalls and soul food all combining to make this the party of the year, and one that you don’t want to miss out on.

If you want that party to continue into the evening then re-locate to The Victoria for the official after party with Jah Jah Sounds and guests spinning reggae, dub, lovers rock, ska, rocksteady and everything in between.

Continuing its mission to bring new and original bands to an area infused with nightclub culture and more mainstream tastes, The Locomotive really pushes the boat out with IDestroy, a Bristol all girl three piece who reference Riot Grrrl, grunge, garage rock and straight out rock ‘n’ roll.

They are gearing up to support ex-The Runaways singer Cherie Currie shortly.

Support comes from the no less uncompromising Molotov Sexbomb, a band that is in many ways their male equivalent.

If you fancy some dirty, sweary R’n’B then a trip out to The Globe in Highworth will deliver just that in a Hamsters From Hell shaped package, and over at The Rolleston French blues band Nico ZZ will also be playing originals and standards and show why they have made such a big impact on the blues circuit.

Finally, at The Roaring Donkey on Wednesday, Jamie R Hawkins plays emotionally charged, poignant and witty acoustic pop-rock that reminds you of Crowded House or even Del Amitri, which is fine by me.