LAST week was bookended by two contrasting images, highlighting just how much things have changed in the music arena.

Whilst fully aware that the pilot episode of Vinyl, the latest HBO blockbuster series to make its way across the pond, was pure fiction, it did remind us of that exciting transition period in the early 70s when the excessive leviathan that was the music industry was about to be demolished by a nihilistic and snotty-nosed New York punk scene.

It was edgy, dangerous, dealt with rebellion and creativity and was stylish and otherworldly. Actually, it was quite brilliant.

Fast-forward a week and not only did I watch Coldplay receive the NME’s “God-Like Genius Award” … just pause and let that sink in. Right. But as a protest/mark of respect/calculated PR stunt at the ceremony, Oli Sykes from Bring Me The Horizon decided to jump on their table, knocking a few drinks over. A table leg broke and the Internet went into meltdown, the height of anarchy these days.

Come on, I’ve done worse than that at weddings. Rock and Roll, it would seem, is the new beige.

Well, maybe some of this week’s recommended bands can help inject a bit of spark and glamour back into proceedings.

Tonight The Victoria begins a three-day run of heavier music beginning with the first heat of a competition to put a local band on the new artists stage at Bloodstock Festival. Going head to head tonight are Shadows of Serenity, Eden Falls, Black Forge and We Come From Ashes, all from the broad metal genre and the latter citing the aforementioned BMTH as an influence so hopefully a carpenter will be on hand to attend to any maltreated furniture.

The following night and the venue has more to offer from that end of the spectrum as it hosts a Nu-Metal Night., The Cold Harbour, Roads To Nowhere, Heriot and Ursus will be playing a mix of their usual set and covers from the genre complete with an after-gig DJ.

At Riffs Bar you can catch Adam Ficek who you may know is the drummer from Babyshambles, a name synonymous with chaos, riot vans and general naughtiness. However, under the name of Roses Kings Castles he has forged a highly regarded acoustic solo career and that is what you can catch this Friday. Support comes from local band of the moment Polar Front plus Sahara Heights and Josh Wolfsohn.

Those looking for a bit of a retro trip also have a couple of options with Red Hot Trio bringing their Rockabilly moves to The Rolleston and 58 Shakes offering some swing, jive and rock ‘n’roll at The Locomotive.

Plenty to choose from on Saturday, starting with another night of heavier music at The Victoria with Muse Inc. paying tribute to the Devonian art-rock trio.

After that everything seems to follow a very familiar pattern.

At The Woodlands Edge you can catch The Cover Up with songs from the last 30 years: from Oasis and Kaiser Chiefs to Kings of Leon and The Killers. At Riffs Bar one of the most established cover bands on the circuit, Penfold, celebrate their 20th anniversary, so that is bound to be a busy one. Expect everything from Oasis and Kaiser Chiefs to Kings of Leon and The Killers. Rock is also on the table with Rorke’s Drift bringing some classic rock to The Queen’s Tap whilst 1000 Planets explore the darker side of the genre with a selection of goth, punk and new wave at The Rolleston.

Champagne Charlie will be at The Locomotive with a night of carefully selected songs from right across time and genre.

And at The Moonrakers you will find The Killertones offering up ska standards and originals, always a raucous and fun night to be had in their company.

Skipping forward to Wednesday and the usual mid-week session at The Roaring Donkey and you can take in a night of acoustic folk, roots and blues courtesy of two of the finest lap steel players in the area, Barney Kenny, normally found fronting The Dustbowl Children and Hiproute’s Jim Blair.