THE musical year seems finally to be finding its stride once more, so without the usual detour of a hilarious, eloquent but “ultimately unnecessary” (apparently) introduction, let’s just get straight on with the task at hand.

With all eyes fixed on activities across the pond at the moment, it seems fitting to start by announcing one of their number playing at The Beehive tonight.

Kent DuChaine is a globe-trotting Georgian blues man who channels an iconic sound reminiscent of the likes of John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon and Son House to name but a few. Armed with Leadbessie, his trusty 1934 National Steel guitar, Kent is the real deal and a must for any blues aficionado.

At The Victoria you have your first appointment of the week with The Last Call and their array of contemporary alt-rock, which also includes some selections many bands shy away from such as Biffy Clyro and Muse.

Those who wish to get more involved might want to head to The Castle and take the stage as part of their open mic night.

Friday sees Ghost of The Machines head a night of alt-rock at The Victoria.

Known for a slick brand of dystopian rock fusing the technicality of progressive metal with the onslaught of grunge, they lead a creative charge that also includes the message driven poignancy of This Dying Hour and the grunge-goth-metal hybrid that is Mouri. Opening the night are new kids on the rock and roll block, Fall From Ruin.

Stiff competition for the rock dollar comes from Metal Gods at The Queens Tap who are pretty much a nostalgic wander through the 80’s Monsters of Rock Festival back catalogue and Snatch It Back who bring a helping of psychedelic blues and cosmic rock to The Rolleston.

As that band’s “skins operative” is none other than Ken Pustlenik, a few Groundhogs classics are very much a possibility too.

Y’all know that Nashville, Tennessee, is normally associated with rhinestones and country music, but one homegrown band in recent years has bucked the trend by becoming one of the biggest alt-rock bands on the planet and if you want to experience their music faithfully reproduced then the place to be is Level III and the band is Kingz of Leon.

Other options are LadsLadsLads who will be at The Swiss Chalet dishing out a set of modern hits and radio friendly classics and at The Castle you will find Peloton looking a bit further back to the sound of Northern Soul, Mod, Power Pop and New Wave.

Marillion may still be at the creative head of a long and illustrious career, but many still look back fondly at the poetic introspection of those early Fish era albums. For those hankering for a taste of those days, Still Marillion at The Victoria on Saturday is all you need.

At the other extreme, short, sharp musical shock treatment can be found at The Castle as punk and Oi! trio The Dirty Outlaws provide a hi-octane, energetic and edgy soundtrack.

The fantastically named Minestrone of Sound DJs will also be spinning some fab and groovy waxings of a punk, ska and reggae nature.

After that there is something both familiar and diverse on offer around town as follows.

Those blond-bombshells who peddle mirth and music in equal measure, Sister Sister can be found at The RAFA Club in Old Town, The Rolleston goes blues, rock and pop with The Blind Lemon Blues Band and The Queens Tap provides your second chance to catch The Last Call.

Ska, punk and reggae are the order of the day at The Swiss Chalet courtesy of The Killertones and Hooch bring 90s covers to The Woodlands Edge.

The Petty Thieves are, on paper at least, just another band covering music from the closing overs of the last century, but given the tastes that lie behind this new band, you can expect some seductive, leftfield and unusual choices to be on offer. They can be found at The Red House Club in Purton.

Stalwart Tony M plays The Castle on Sunday, and a couple of days later on Wednesday the best plan of attack is to catch the jam night at The Regent before heading to The Victoria for the usual karaoke carnage that is Wacky Wednesday.