MUSIC / Critics Choice

China Drum One of the frontline Brit punk-pop bands around, recently given a huge boost in popularity by Green Day tour support. First band on the bill, Know Nothing, are also worth a watch.

Friday 30 Dec, The Garage, N5

Revolutionary Dub Warriors Trance-rock and dubwise shenanigans from this crusty scene outfit. Equally trippy, dance/dub hybrid Transcendental Love Machine and Tribal Drift support.

Friday 30 Dec, Venue, SE14

Xu Pingxin Some fresh air as the season of excess recedes: next Thursday's session of traditional and contemporary Chinese music at the Purcell Room focuses on a fascinating, haunting instrument, the hammer dulcimer. It's a relative of the Indian santoorand the Hungarian cimbalom, both of which have had a higher profile here in recent times. The virtuoso exploring its 136 strings is Xu Pingxin, a performer and teacher from China who has now played internationally for a decade and a half.

Thursday 5 Jan, Purcell Room, South Bank Centre, SE1