IT IS pretty much slim pickings gig-wise around the town this week and no, that is not a sneaky reference to the Blazing Saddles and Dr Strangelove actor with a similar sounding name.

A seasonal lull in proceedings is to be expected at this time of year, but if you are a venue, promoter or band and want to ensure a mention in this column, then you only have to send me a message. I’m easy enough to find on the supermation info-highway thingy.

So, starting with a bang at The Victoria tonight there is a line up heavy enough to satisfy even the most extreme noise merchants.

Leading the way is Sleep Inertia, the band that rose from the ashes of The Dead Lay Waiting, so expect the same uncompromising onslaught but one catering for a slightly more mature target audience than before.

They are joined by two other local acts, the hardcore brutality of Heriot and the solid, metal shenanigans of Eden Falls.

Meanwhile, The Roughnecks can be found at The Beehive; fans of old school, gritty, rhythm and blues should do themselves a favour and check them out.

Friday can only offer a look back at some of the great music of yesteryear. At The Victoria you can catch The Teddy White Band playing the best in beat, retro rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues, whilst at The Rolleston, The Corduroy Kings cover music written between the sixties and the present day in the rock, blues, R’n’B, soul and funk categories.

Over at The Fox and Hounds in Hayden Wick, function band Echo will be entertaining the crowd with a repertoire so broad there is no point even trying to nail it down. The best way to approach the gig is with an open mind, just go along and see what you get given.

Saturday also has its fair share of the tried and tested.

At The Rolleston, Alter Ego will be offering up classic rock and soulful blues and at The Swiss Chalet, Mojo will be playing music from The fifties to the present day.

And, just as I was giving up on the notion that there may be something original going on, Riffs Bar come to the rescue with the launch show for Red Jasper’s latest album, The Great and Secret Show, not only their sixth album but their first release in 17 years.

Red Jasper blend British folk rock with a harder, neo-progressive rock edge, those that revel in the seventies output of Jethro Tull, or Fish era Marillion, may find a lot here that they like.

And finally, something else to satisfy fans of original music can be found at The Roaring Donkey on Wednesday.

Usually found fronting Blind River Scare, Tim Manning is a regular face in Swindon, also due to the monthly Acoustic Buzz sessions he hosts at The Beehive.

As a solo act his songs lose none of their craftsmanship and subtleties, a wonderful blend of Celtic folk and southern Americana traditions.

I shall probably get crucified for saying this but to all the venues and promoters who play it safe by continuously booking the same cover bands, I know there is a certain financial security to be had through this route, but do you not ever feel that there is more to life than comfort zones?

Imagine in years to come being able to say to yourself that the band that have just sold out an arena tour in under an hour used to play in your venue.

Wouldn’t it be satisfying to be able to say that you helped them get where they are today? Wouldn’t that be something?