The fact that GetHiroshima's music coverage tends to favor repetitive beats over "real" music is more due to time constraints than lack of interest, but there are some exciting performers coming to Club Quattro over the next couple of months that are worth putting in your diary. It seems that Club Quattro gigs can go either way. If your willing to put aside the high ticket prices, and the incredibly early start times these gigs can provide an opportunity to see overseas bands in a venue the size of which they long grew out of back in their home countries. Bands that embrace this intimacy and do not mistake the often muted response of Hiroshima audiences for disinterest, can provide you with an unforgettable experience. Those that don't, however, can leave you thinking that your ¥6000 would've been better spent on some ridiculously expensive fruit. You takes your chances.

This week on Wednesday (November 24th) the bright young hopes of British rock, The Libertines, who look set to implode in good old rock'n'roll fashion play what may well be one of their last ever shows. They don't do a great deal for me, but there are a hell of a lot of people for whom they do, and it's obvious that they speak to a whole legion of fans in the same way as the bands I grew up with did to me. Vital, aggressive, and anti-establishment with some great sing-along tunes. They have great rock and roll credentials. Hailed as the best new band in the UK by the music paper the NME in 2002, the band were already in trouble by the following summer when Pete Doherty didn't show up for European tour dates. Forming Babyshambles, he has been in and out of rehab and the newspapers ever since. The split between Doherty and Carl Barat which will likely lead to the demise of The Libertines will only serve to fuel the legend. With a very well received second album that kicks off with the already classic Can't Stand You Now they have the tunes to match the press. Go see them so that you can bore your kids.

The Libertines

Listen to sound clips of their latest album at mp3.com

If you want to see a local crowd go crazy, check out Mo'some Tonebender on November 29. This 3 piece alt-rock band impressed a few Hiroshima-ites at this year's Fuji Rock Festival with their energy and sheer mentalness. Check out the bass driven hang song video here, and live footage from a show last year here.

One of the better value shows on offer at Quattro is the pre-Christmas Blues Explosion gig which includes The Kills in a support slot on December 17. Jon Spencer's name may have been dropped from the band name, but he still the center of the Blues Explosion. After a two year gap the band released the album Damage earlier this year. Involving a wide variety of producers and collaborators including Public Enemy's Chuck D, David Holmes, DJ Shadow and Dan The Automator. The results are mixed, but after almost two decades of laying the groundwork for many of the US's current top alt-rock acts the Blues Explosion are still known for their committed live shows. True to form, they also provide an opening act who'd be well worth paying to see on their own. Opinions seem divided on The Kills and whether their deep down and dirty stage persona are contrived or rock'n'roll made flesh. Critics do seem to agree however, that their music is top class. With the female VV on guitar's and vocals, and the male Hotel on drums, guitar and vocals, they've been described as a filthy-mouthed version of Jack and Meg White of White Stripes. Their debut album Keep on Your Mean Side may be more straight up garage punk blues than the experimentation the headliners are known for, but the songs have a certain edge, and VV's vocals immediately bring Polly Harvey to mind which can't be a bad thing. This should be great early Xmas treat.

Blues Explosion The Kills

The New Year sees two British indie rock bands known for great live shows in Hiroshima. The Music, who play Quattro on January 16, are another of the crop of young British garage rock acts that broke through in 2002, that have had the music press creaming their pants every time they release a record. Their ambitious second album Welcome to the North described by NME as "a happy meeting of dance music's communal vibe with rock's awesome bluster", has been compared with some of rock's greatest albums.

The Music

It's on stage however that they really shine. Their shows scream passion and energy, and Japanese audiences go wild when front man, Robert Harvey, freaky dances his ass off. This is rock to get down to and shouldn't be missed.

If The Music are the darlings of the UK indie rock scene now, a decade ago it was Northern Ireland's Ash who play Hiroshima on January 23. Songs like Girl From Mars were instant classics. After a shaky sophomore album they returned, on the verge of bankruptcy, with the chart topping Free All Angels which produced a string of hit singles. In 2002 their best of album, Intergalactic Sonic 7"s, with 41 tracks - is not bad for a band still in their 20s! On this year's Meltdown, "a full on rock monster" of an album, their pop sensibilities are still intact but there's a beefier sound that has had old fans describing it as their best to date.

Ash

For more details and ticket prices go to www.gethiroshima.com/Events