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

Amian Jurado & Dolorean, Hanbury Ballroom, Sunday, October 23
- With echoes of Nick Drake and Will Oldham, Damian Jurado is another singer-songwriter easily capable of transcending what Blunt and co do. His fear of flying means he rarely visits these shores, making attendance at this show - one of just four UK dates - even more vital. There's hefty support too from Al James, aka Dolorean, who returns with a full band having played his first-ever UK show at the Prince Albert last year. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £8 in advance, £10 on door. Call 01273 325440.

The Rasmus, Concorde 2, Brighton, Sunday, October 23
- Few bands that form when their members are just 14 years old go on to release five albums and tour with the likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers. This Finnish band make music that sounds dark but inside they must be very happy indeed. And they can't quite hide it, with a poppy element frequently creeping into their gothy tunes. At an age when most bands are just forming, this lot are a decade into their career and still going strong. Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £13.50 plus booking fee. Call 01273 673311.

Audio Bullys, Ocean Rooms, Brighton, Monday, October 24
- With a sound that sits somewhere between house, garage and hip-hop, Tom Dinsdale and Simon Franks pick and choose from at least a decade of club culture to create what they describe as "the modern rock 'n' roll". Building on the success of their debut Ego War, forthcoming album Generation is both subtler and edgier, drawing on a broader range of sounds. This is a chance to catch a live preview, prior to the release of the album next week. Starts 9.30pm, tickets £12/10, call 0871 2200260.

School Of Rock Tour, Concorde 2, Brighton, Monday, October 24
- Recently named Best New Band at the Classic Rock Awards, the ludicrously-monikered The Answer are signed to the same label as AC/DC and count Jimmy Page among their fans. Obviously, they like to rawk, with a sound that draws on the blues-inspired hard rock of Zeppelin, The Who and Black Crowes. Described by Kerrang! as "superstars already", they're visiting as part of the School of Rock tour along with Tokyo Dragons. Starts 7.30pm, tickets £6.50 plus booking fee. Call 01273 673311.

Jonathon Rice, Komedia, Brighton, Tuesday, October 25
- Don't let Blunt et al turn you against all singersongwriters. Rice is a genuinely talented artist at the forefront of a new movement breathing fresh life into that Bob/Joni/Neil thang, combining it with a wide range of more recent influences ranging from Ryan Adams to Sonic Youth and Nirvana. Having already won over a number of Brits through support slots with both REM and Martha Wainwright, this is a well-deserved chance for the Virginia-born artist to headline a tour of his own. Starts 8.30pm, tickets cost £8.50. Call 01273 647100.

Lizz Wright Pavilion Theatre, Brighton, Wednesday, October 26
- Exploding in the US after taking part in a Billie Holiday tribute concert, Lizz has toured with Al Green and was nominated for Best Jazz Act at this year's MOBOs. Having emerged from a strict church upbringing in Alabama with a powerful gospel voice, Lizz also embraces jazz, soul and folk. She comes to the UK to support current album Dreaming Wide Awake, which combines self-penned material with cover versions. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £14/12. Call 01293 709709.