My ongoing quest for new music got me thinking the other day about just how original, original bands really are.

I know I have a bit of a reputation for giving cover bands a difficult ride, so maybe it is time to look at the other side of the coin.

Most of the previous decades have had their own iconic movements; the psychedelic 60s, the punk/post punk70s, the hip-hop 80s and the rave 90s.

Since then it’s been more difficult to identify any new defining movements. The last 10 years or so seem to have been more about a nostalgic recycling of former glories.

Ironically, retro seems to be the way forward. Bands seem destined to be borne of their parents’ record collections. Modern scenes worship at the temples of past movements, be it garage-punk, vintage soul, synth-pop or whatever.

It begs a few questions for the future of music. Where is the next musical frontier to be broken? Will pop eat itself? Does rock music end not with a bang but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing? Food for thought.

If you are going to mix up recognisable genres into interesting new musical shapes, then you should take note of James Warner Prophecies who play The Victoria tonight, who alchemise everything from hard rock to ska, music hall to grunge, punked up folk to out and out pop. Familiar building blocks maybe, but brilliant new interpretations nonetheless.

They are supporting The Street Orphans, who do similar sterling work re-treading the musical tyres of the indie-rock vehicle. Also on the bill are Go Lazarus, who fashion a neat line in atmospheric alternative rock.

Unapologetically playing that nostalgia card I mentioned earlier, Count Bobo And The Bullion tap into an authentic ska vibe reminiscent of The Skatelites or the legendary Prince Buster. They can be found at The Beehive.

Folk is on the cards over at Riffs Bar. Albion host their monthly outing that aims to recreate the same vibe as the 60s revivalists who created the Greenwich Village scene in New York.

The stand-out act for Friday is appearing at The Beehive, and again create unique songs from recognisable building blocks. Bruise are a strange art house folk rock band, with the shadow of The Eurythmics looming large over them and a hint of prog throwing a wonderful spanner in the works. And that is only the half of it.

The Riffs Bar website announces a “a new monthly metal night showcasing the best in original metal from around the country”. Sadly, it fails to list any of the bands that are being showcased so I can’t really say too much more on that one.

After that, originality is a bit thin on the ground. Though I must just mention that The Victoria is playing host to a Stone Roses tribute – not because I am necessarily enthralled with tribute acts, but because even after all this time these particular Mancunian candidates remain high up in my estimation. If you don’t believe me, just check out my “I am the Resurrection to replace the National Anthem” Facebook page.

I can’t seem to find one band for Saturday that pushes any envelopes, or even nips down the post office for a book of stamps for that matter (okay, I know it’s not that sort of envelope… I’ve read Tom Wolfe thank you very much).

So let’s fast-forward to Sunday afternoon at The Beehive. Peter Jagger mixes up finger picked folk, Americana and blues with some wonderfully poignant and political lyrics. His view on the whole originality thing can be summed up in his quote “ I can’t see the point of driving 200 miles to sing Losing My Religion to people who will only listen if you sing Losing my Religion.” I know what you mean, Sir.

The Arts Centre on Monday has rock and roll survivors Wishbone Ash. Just to avoid confusion, this is the Andy Powell-fronted version, rather than the Martin Turner-fronted band that are also touring. Blimey, it’s like Yes all over again.

And finally, a mention for The Stripped Back Sessions at The Vic on Tuesday, music in its purest form, plus the artists themselves explaining the meanings behind and reasons for their songs. This time featuring War of Roses, Reg Meuross and Ali Finneran.