this is brighton offers a critical view of what's hot for the coming week.

Viola Wills at the Komedia on Friday, August 12 and Super U, The Lanes, The Lodge, Wonky Beak, Jill Sobule, Caroline Martin and Rose Kemp are playing at various venues around Brighton and Hove. If you're up for clubbing at the beginning of the week, check out the live bands and DJs at the launch of Club Morowak above Polar Central on Monday, August 15.

Viola Wills - A Tribute To Disco, Komedia, Brighton, Friday, August 12
- Nothing brightens up our weekend more than a bit of disco. Brighton favourite Viola Wills is back with a new tribute to the glittery era. Ben Sarfas (violin and sax) and Asep Stone (guitars) will be part of her band. Ben is a talented young multiinstrumentalist who lives locally and can play pretty much anything from classical to rock to flamenco, while Asep Stone is well known for his Jimi Hendrix tribute performances. Expect gospel rock and Northern soul, too. Starts 9pm, tickets £8/£10, call 01273 647100.

Super U, The Lanes and The Lodge, The Providence, Brighton, Saturday, August 13
- They met in the French Alps in 1999, and have travelled, snowboarded and played together ever since. If Super U's music is as interesting as their history, we should be in for a good night. The six-piece now divide their time between Brighton and the rest of the world - they only spend six months a year here, so see them before they jet off again. They describe their sound as "northern shanty rock". Also on the bill are The Lanes and The Lodge. Starts 8.30pm, free. Log on to www.superu.co.uk.

Wonky Beak, The Prince Albert, Brighton, Saturday, August 13
- The wonderfully named Wonky Beak are a seven-piece Brighton band with a funky, eclectic sound. All their music is original and their live shows are theatrical, eccentric and super-energetic. Some call it 'pop-polka-jazz', others say it's "sax-crazed abstract funk - Frank Zappa meets the B52s". Whatever the description, you can be sure of some highly infectious harmonies and a few surprises. Starts 8.30pm, free.

Club Marowak Launch, Above Polar Central, Brighton, Monday, August 15
- Brighton-based label Marowak Records has been running for a year and has decided it's time to spread its wings. Not content with running nights at the Freebutt, the promoters are now launching a club night above Polar Central on the first and third Monday of the month. Club Marowak will feature one or two bands plus DJs. It launches with Illuminati3 plus guests. The long-term aim is to turn the night into an all round creative event. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £3/£2. Log on to www.marowakrecords.co.uk .

Jill Sobule, Sanctuary Cella, Hove, Wednesday, August 17
Jill Sobule aims to make you laugh and cry with her songs of life, love and the universe. Clever and socially relevant lyrics are surrounded by memorable melodies that will leave you humming her songs for days. In concert the American songwriter is personable, friendly and funny - but make no mistake, when she switches her acoustic guitar for the electric, she can be very mean. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £5/£6. Call 01273 770006.

Caroline Martin and Rose Kemp, The Freebutt, Brighton, Wednesday, August 17
Caroline Martin's dark and disturbing tones have graced the studios of Radio 1 on five occasions, including four John Peel Sessions. She will draw you into her world of self-deprecating wit and compelling music. She'll be joined by Rose Kemp, the daughter of folk legends Maddy Prior and Rick Kemp. Her PJ Harvey-esque voice has made her a festival favourite. We can't promise you a carnival atmosphere - more an evening of twisted thoughts and verse. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £4. Call 01273 603974.