PEOPLE talk a lot about the down sides of the internet, its ability to disseminate pointless information, its intrusive nature, the narcissistic and self-centred approach of many of the people using it... but there is an upside too.

In the past, compilation of columns such as this would have taken a lot of foot work, regularly visiting the venues to find out what gigs are coming up, collecting flyers and fanzines (remember them?) and being a member of email listings and band newsletters.

Now, with social media sites such as Bookface and Chitter (the names of the victims have been changed for security reasons), you can put the same information together from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere for that matter.

I mean, for all you know I could be sat by the side of a pool in Las Vegas slowly turning that shade of pink that is reserved for Englishmen abroad and a Paris Hilton clothing range.

Not that music journalism pays that sort of money. No, I’m more than likely sat in the back bedroom tapping away to the sound of rain and commuter traffic.

Anyway, to business. Things are a bit short and sweet this week but there are, as always, a few gems to be had, one of which is found tonight at The Victoria in the guise of The Martyrials.

For me they are one of the great finds of recent months, a largely uncategorisable band who mix skewed melody with a visceral stage presence. Based on a cracking rhythm section who really drive with incendiary punk energy, the unexpected twist comes with keyboards being the front line of attack — and what an attack it is.

Sam is both musically and personally memorising on stage as he unleashes a sort of Suicide-inspired art attack.

Support comes from Donard, an equally strange two-piece of drums and bass who mix up similar punchy energies with almost prog-like meanderings and Horizon, a dark and rich, indie adventure.

Over at The Beehive, The Teddy White Band continue their mission to keep alive the spirit of beat, boogie and old-school rock and roll. Always a great night out as they plough through a back catalogue of songs that you had forgotten you had forgot. Feet will tap, rugs will be cut and drinks will flow. You can also find them shaking their groove at The Victoria on Friday.

And in the “if you like that you are going to like this” department The Rolleston are playing host to Back Water Rhythm and Blues Band, who very much do what it says on the tin – rhythm and blues across the decades, throwing in a bit of old time delta blues, jazz, gospel and there may even be a banjo heard adding a bit of a more Appalachian groove to the proceedings.

As is often the way, Saturday is when the cover bands really come out in force. At The Rolleston you will find Young Vintage, the current musical vehicle for Charlie-Anne Bradfield. As the name very much implies, this is a young outfit keeping the spirit of rock and roll alive through a set of standards and classic numbers from across the ages, all given a spit and polish and re-presented for a new audience.

The Locomotive has Baker Lou, pop and rock covers from across the decades. Online info on this gig is sketchy to say the least, but I think I am right in saying that Baker Lou are a band built around Louise Baker (hence the puntastic name) who you may have caught playing Swindon fronting the marvellous Flowerpot. If so, you can guarantee the musical standards of this band are likely to be very high.

More covers from across the spectrum see Penfold at The Victoria, the ultimate party band and one of the most popular bookings on the local circuit, and at The Woodlands Edge you will find high-energy rock covers of Darren Hunt. He may be a solo affair but this is anything but just your standard solo guitarist — a state of the art light show and playing which will leave you amazed. Think of him as a cheerleader for the full rock experience who will have you boogeying and playing air guitar in no time at all.

And that’s your lot. It doesn’t seem like there is much going on compared with most other weeks but I’m sure the comments section of the online platforms that this appears on will waste no time in telling me otherwise.

Right, back to the pool… err, I mean into town for a coffee.