The Guide offers a critical view of what's hot for the coming week.

G4, Brighton Centre, Brighton, Friday, May 19
- You have to hand it to G4. Not only were they the surprise success story of the first ever X Factor, they've retained that success by not falling into reality TV oblivion, unlike the series' winner Steve something or other. They sold 200,000 copies of their debut album in the first week and turned the opera-pop quartet (including Bognor's Jon Ansell) into pin-ups for a mature generation. Their live performance is likely to feature their rendition of David Bowie's mighty Life On Mars, along with more traditional operatic fare. Starts 6pm, tickets 6.30pm. Call 0870 9009100.

Pet Sounds Vs Sgt Pepper, St George's Church, Kemp Town, Brighton, Sunday, May 21
- This ultimate battle of Sixties pop is courtesy of The Brighton Beach Boys, never ones to back down. They say: "You can blame the landlord of The Robin Hood pub, who laid down a reckless musical challenge last year. Why don't you play Pet Sounds and Sgt Pepper at the same gig and settle all those debates about which album is better?' he asked." Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Pet Sounds, this Festival event will see the complete 15-piece band take to the stage. Starts 8pm, tickets £15. Call 01273 709709.

Little Man Tate, Pressure Point, Brighton, Sunday, May 21
- With the spotlight firmly on Sheffield, expect cheeky chappy-led bands like Milburn and The Volcanoes to be popping up all over the place. The Sheffield four-piece Little Man Tate spent 2005 gaining a sturdy underground following before signing with V2 records earlier this year. This tour follows spots at Club NME and saw London's 100 Club and Sheffield's 1,200-capacity Plug sell out in less than a day. Apparently their gigs are all-inclusive celebrations, so get out your party hat. Starts 8pm, tickets £5/£4. Call 01273 702333.

Vashti Bunyan, Corn Exchange, Brighton, Thursday, May 25
- Possibly one of the longest-awaited follow-ups ever, folk chanteuse Vashti Bunyan released her second album Lookaftering last year, 35 years after her debut. The British cult act was persuaded to step back into the spotlight by a new wave of contemporary neo-folk admirers, like Devendra Banhart, The Cocteau Twins and Joanna Newsom. She headlines this showcase, which also includes performances from Max Richter (producer of Vashti's new album) and Tim Brosseau. Starts 7.30pm, tickets £16. Call 01273 709709.