Pop: Catatonia

International Velvet has made Catatonia - and singer Cerys Matthews - household names. But behind her personality lies a band with songs that are overplayed and which can sound dated - a new album later this year has to be an improvement to maintain their status. Otherwise, Matthews, who has been adopted by a plethora of British males as their fantasy barmaid, could be off the front pages. In the meantime, the band sets out on its most prestigious tour to date, climaxing in two gigs in Wales in May.

Assembly Rooms, Derby (01332 255800) Wed; Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (01902 552121) Thur. Also: Brixton Academy (0171-771 2000) 19 & 20 Mar; Corn Exchange, Cambridge (01223 357851) 22 Mar; Guildhall, Portsmouth (01705 824355) 23 Mar; Leisure Centre, Hereford (01432 278178) 24 Mar.