Preview: This week's gig guide

EVERYBODY WAS IN THE FRENCH RESISTANCE…NOW!

Norwich Arts Centre, February 11

Everybody Was In The French Resistance…Now! - aka Eddie Argos from Art Brut and Dyan Valdes from The Blood Arm -arrive in Norwich to perform songs from their recently-released debut album, Fixin' The Charts, Volume 1.

The duo are on a mission to correct the mistakes of pop songs past on their new album. So far they have defended the belittled blue collar worker from Kanye West's Gold Digger, told Gerry And The Pacemakers that it is in fact okay to walk alone, dumped the manipulative Martha Reeves on behalf of poor Jimmy Mack and have taken the misguided instructions of a 17th-century ballad to its logical conclusion.

It's a clever, if slightly knowing idea and one that largely works on records, though it occasionally lapses away from lyrical bravado and catchy melodies. How it will do live it'll be interesting to see.

Support comes from indie duo The Lovely Eggs, who comprise married couple Holly Ross and David Blackwell.

t Further listening: www.myspace.com/fixingthecharts

INME

Waterfront, February 11

Up until now these Essex indie rockers have always divided opinion. The band's fourth album, Herald Moth, is being hailed as the record which reveals a band matured, one who have clearly shaken off the early 'emo' trappings of their 2003 debut.

The band originally formed as Drowned in 1996, but changed their name shortly before their debut, Overgrown Eden, which entered the UK album charts at number 15.

However when original bassist Joe Morgan quit in 2007 the subsequent album, Daydream Anonymous, showed signs of progression that continues on the latest album. 'We wanted to create lots of technical layers with an edge; to heavy, melodic tunes,' said lead vocal/guitarist Dave McPherson. 'With Daydream Anonymous we established a more mature sound and pushed our abilities. Now we've really stepped that up.'

Main support comes from Straight Lines, who will be releasing their debut album Persistence In This Game through Xtra Mile Recordings on February 15. Opening will be Bradford's Alternative Rockers White Light Parade.

t Further listening: www.inmeofficial.com

STEVE KNIGHTLEY

Assembly House, February 12

The songwriting force behind Show of Hands, widely acclaimed as the finest acoustic roots duo in England, will here be playing a solo gig.

Following the understated but powerful Cruel River in 2007 and the release of a stripped-down version of his first solo album Track of Words last year, Steve is renowned for his strong, trademark narrative songs which reflect the escapades, hopes and fears shared by many. He pulls no punches when writing highly literate songs. The rock rant Country Life, a biting comment on the desecration of English rural communities, was nominated as Best Original Song in the 2004 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. A current live favourite is his cynical take on the financial crisis, Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed.

Special guest will be upcoming songwriter Jenna Witts, a hit at last year's Reepham Festival, who has just released her second album, Brother.

t Further listening: www.myspace.com/steveknightleymusic

SKINNYMAN

Po Na Na, February 11

Leeds-born, north London-based hip hop urchin and politicised MC Skinnyman, who delivers the angry, forthright sounds, will here be appearing as part of a special charity event in aid of Kenny Kulcha.

Kenny was a loving father, tireless reggae ambassador and a friend to all. He died on January 4 in Ghana. The British Embassy has refused to help bring home his body. This is one of many events being held to raise funds to cover this and his burial. All proceeds go to the fund.

Norwich's top promoters are teaming together to bring the house down for a great cause. Roots N Culture in association with Rebel Lion, Rumble, Soundclash, White Label, Sub Fusion, Premier Print and Regeneration will be organising a great night of music including a headline appearance from Skinnyman and a debut performance featuring hip hop crew Mud Fam's newest, youngest and most promising member.

t Further listening: www.myspace.com/rootsncultureuk

SOUNDS IN THE CITY

t February 5

Tinchy Stryder (hip hop) - UEA

Cuban Combination + more (Cuban/Brazilian) - Arts Centre

Rules of Romance (pop-punk) - B2

Rox Off (rock) - Brickmakers

Folk Off: feat. Amrita & The Boys + more (folk) - Ten Bells

The Divide (rock) - King Edward VII

Pup Promo: feat. Stagecoach ( - Marquee

We Ghosts (folk) - Cider Shed

Agent Orange (rock/pop) - Blueberry

Ricci (rock) - Lakenham Cock

Teatime Shuffle (acoustic 5pm) - Karma Kafe

t February 6

Otis Grand (blues) - Arts Centre

The Magnets (a capella pop/rock) - Playhouse

Alvin Stardust (pop/rock) - Wreningham Village Hall

Rawkus (rock) - Brickmakers

Washed Up (punk) - B2

Dirty Little Habit (rock) - King Edward VII

Super Action Heroes (rock/pop) - Blueberry

Voodoo Bones (rockabilly) - Boundary

Johnny Jump (R&B) - The Nelson

Daffy & The Alien (rock) - Fiveways

Firewire (rock) - Lakenham Cock

t February 7

Pup Promo: feat. We Are The Union ( - Marquee

Pinky Umbrella (folk/world) - Cider Shed

Lee Vasey Big Band (12pm) - Brickmakers

Lee Vasey Jazz Jam (jazz 8pm) - King Edward VII

t February 8

The Session (open mic) - Brickmakers

Jazz N Jam (open mic) - Blueberry

t February 9

Dervish (folk/Celtic) - Arts Centre

Gameplan (indie) - Brickmakers

Musically Stacked (acoustic) - Rumsey Wells

Jam Session (open mic) - Lakenham Cock

t February 10

Shockwaves NME Tour: feat. The Maccabees + more (indie) - UEA

Any Last Words (rock) - B2

Jam Sess (acoustic open mic) - Brickmakers

The Session (Irish) - Cider Shed

t February 11

Elkie Brooks (pop/easy) - Theatre Royal

Showcase Night: feat. Clear Addiction + more ( - Marquee

Jellystone (rock/indie) - Brickmakers

Club Acoustica (acoustic) - Cider Shed

Woodt Creek Band (bluegrass) - Rose Tavern