The world has clearly turned upside down. Our political system is in a compromised state of chaos, the skies are filled with volcanic ash and Rich Millin has finally bought his own drum kit. Two out of three of these events I have taken in my stride but the last has me worried that I will wake from a Matrix-like-dream-state to find the world is slave to a super computer and only Keanu Reeves can save us.

Any way, back in the (perceived) real world, the big news of this bank holiday weekend is the legendary Riffstock.

There is so much happening out at Riffs Bar’s annual shindig that you really need to check out the weekends running order at their website to make sure you don’t miss the cream of the local crop.

I particularly recommend you check out are the pop centred, indie rock goodness of The Motherload and Buswell doing the quite brilliant full string ensemble line up.

The Listening Device will be weaving a web of prog-rock soundscapes and The Love Rockets will be providing some good old street rock and roll. Newcomers, The Heretics, have some dark post punk electronic vibes on offer and more established bands such as The Dacoits, 2SM, Eye For an Eye and Hiproute also help the party along.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg so plan your weekend carefully and check out this brilliant line up.

Aside from all that rural shenanigans, there is plenty going on elsewhere.

Tonight at the Rolleston, Bateleurs have a launch party for their New Day Rising EP – contemporary indie folk with more than a few hats being tipped to more traditional forms. Niall Badcock opens up the proceedings.

Alternatively, if post punk and rock covers are your thing, then get up to the Beehive for 1000 Planets.

The Victoria, meanwhile, will be playing host to musics biggest failure. John “one hit” Otway will be plying his surreal trade of musical mayhem, humour and head butts.

One not to miss. Simon Fowler and Oscar Harrison are not exactly household names, but if I told you they are front man and drummer with Ocean Colour Scene and they are playing an acoustic set at the 12 Bar tonight, that might mean a lot more to you. Kicaberry open the night.

Staying with the 12 Bar for Fridays terpsichorean roll call and Dave Evans, the original singer with AC/DC, before fame raised its ugly head, will be giving it some maximum rock and roll.

If more proof were needed that the world has been turned on its head, The Rolleston, in a departure from what seems like its plan of world dominance through classic rock cover bands, has Sleepy Eyed Slim, a band who conjure up depression era American folk blues.

It’s all a bit more rock and roll up at the Victoria, with Kinskin, The City Riot and a second outing for Bateleurs…blimey, round here that almost constitutes a tour.

Saturday is a bit of a sparser affair. Although the Furnace has it’s usual show case of young hardcore, metal and alt-rock bands, As Brothers We Stand headline the show, but I also recommend you catch Let the Games Begin and their unique blending of heavy rock, rap and electronica.

Whilst I will endeavour to avoid using terms like “mash-up, props” and words that end in “izzle” I do need to tell you about what’s happening at the Apartments on Sunday.

To celebrate their new residency, Nite Life are putting on a fantastic mix of DJ’s and live music.

The former is comes courtesy of Defected Records, James Jackson and the retro sounds of Simon Forrestiero, the latter from Grandmaster Ash and Craig Timms.

And if you want to partake in the full experience, the place to gather is Longs Bar for the pre-show party.

I can honestly say that if you can’t find something worth doing musically this week end, then get in touch and I will send you the number of a good therapist.