this is brighton offers a critical view of what's hot for the coming week: Mooney Suzuki, Friday at Audio, The Thermals on Tuesday at Freebut, and I Am Kloot at Komedia on Tuesday.

Mooney Suzuki, Club NME, Audio, Marine Parade, Brighton, Friday
When this garage revival band from New York started out in 1997, all they wanted to be was an ass-kicking group which released its own records, booked its own tours and sent out its own publicity mailings.

Then, in 2002, they got a taste of success with their roaring record Electric Sweat, and suddenly they wanted more. Their latest album is last year's album Alive and Amplified, which retained the heavy, retro sweaty rock whilst adding a little bit of pop finesse. Starts 7pm, tickets cost £7. Call 01273 606906.

The Thermals, Freebutt, Phoenix Place, Brighton, Tuesday
This power-punk trio from Portland, Oregon started out as a bit of a joke. The group is made up of members from three separate bands (including a twee/folk-pop duo called Hutch and Kathy) who got together to jam in 2002 just for the fun of it.

Within four months their insistent melodies and punk inspired urgency had won them a loyal following and got them signed to the Sub Pop label.

With support from The Small and DJ Mick Skrill. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £6/£5. Call 01273 603974.

I Am Kloot, Komedia, Gardner Street, Brighton, Tuesday
Famed as the epicentre of the Manchester acoustic scene which spawned Elbow and Sleepwalker, I Am Kloot are a three piece indie outfit with edge. Their sound is emotional, poppy, beautiful and twisted, and it has brought them a rabid, cultish following since the 2001 release of their debut album, Natural History.

"I write about the important matters," says singer Johnny Dangerously. "Like why do I love you? Because I do. Why do you love me? Because you do."

Starts 9pm, tickets cost £10. Call 01273 647100.