The guide takes a critical view of what's hot for the coming week

Circulus, Komedia, Gardner Street, Brighton, Fri, July 28
- Apparently the best neo-medieval, psychedelic folk-rock band around today, this lot pinch styles from across the ages - from the 1200s to the Seventies. With music said to be a "gentle fist fight between a group of under-nourished 16th-Century court musicians and an acid-soaked bunch of hippy rockers", they play in full medieval gear complete with tights, woollen dresses and circles of fire. The title of their new album, The Lick On The Tip Of An Envelope Yet To Be Sent, might give you a better idea about what this band is about - or maybe not. It features a multitude of topics, from the burning of scarecrows to the band's belief that fairies exist. Starts 9pm, tickets £8 and £10. Call 01273 647100.

Sex Pistols Experience, Concorde 2, Brighton, Sat, July 29
Johnny Forgotten, Kid Vicious, Steve Clones and Paul Crook are your safety-pinned hosts at this 30-year celebration of punk. One of the best Sex Pistols tributes on the circuit, earlier this month they were invited to perform with The Damned and TV Smith at London's legendary 100 Club, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Damned's album, Damned, Damned, Damned. Their set went down a storm, among old punk faces, including Soo Catwoman. Tomorrow they are joined by Clash covers band Take The Fifth and Geronimo Archrite. The Sex Pistols Experience are true devotees, who have spent a long time perfecting their look and sound, down to the very last details. Starts 6pm, tickets £10. Call 01273 673311.

Tom Russell, Hanbury Ballroom, Brighton, Sunday, July 30
- This veteran of the country music scene has released more than 20 albums and has had his songs recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. In March, Hightone Records released Tom's latest album, Love And Fear, a mixture of folk, rock, roots, country and Americana. Having begun his career in the bars on Vancouver's skid row, he now resides on the border of El Paso-Juarez, where he lives, essentially, as a cowboy, writing songs which truly capture this spirit. Called the "greatest living country songwriter" by Rolling Stone, he will be one of the last musicians to play the Hanbury Ballroom in its current form. Starts 7.30pm, £15. Call 01273 605789.