Birmingham electro-pop, hip-hop, ska and funk fusion from North London and a Manchester reggae collective are our top gigs in Brighton this week.

Scuba, Concorde 2, Brighton, January 18
This experimental five-piece band from North London mixes hip-hop, ska and funk and lists its influences as the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Specials.

Their style of live performance is energetic and dynamic and centres on the figure of lead singer Ben Hsiung who, loyal to his Chinese roots, has been known to appear on stage in a kung fu suit.

The band are unique in their inclusion of guests like Deh-ta, Ben's father, who is a Chinese poet and wok expert, breakdancers and powerful vocalist Dom. Starts 10pm, £5, call 01273 772770.

Nucleus Roots, Concorde 2, Brighton, January 23
Influenced by the likes of Jah Shaka, Twinkle Brothers, Dub Syndicate and Misty In Roots, this Manchester collective formed out of the remnants of the legendary outfit Community Charge in 1995.

They combine a heavyweight dub mix with traditional instruments like shifting drums and melodic horns to create an uplifting, spiritual vibe, which has been labelled the most authentic reggae this side of Kingston.

The band have always been known for their great live shows. Support comes from Love Grocer.

Starts 9pm, £7.50. Call 01273 772770.

Pram Freebutt, Phoenix Place, Brighton, January 23
As indicated by their name, this seven-piece band which formed in Birmingham in 1990 brings a distinctly childlike perspective to their unusual style of electro-pop.

Their slightly fairytale ambience has been compared to that of successful groups like Stereolab and Laika.

Pram combines laid-back pop, Rosie Cuckston's hypnotic yet vague voice, and quirky, eccentric instruments like a home-made theremin, zithers, glockenspiels and a Hawaiian bubble machine.

It was after their 1992 EP debut Gash Pram's music began to grow more intricate, their odd melodies and beats textured by toy pianos and glass hammers.

There are also carefully-deployed electronic effects to look forward to. Starts 8pm, £5. Call 01273 603974.