Pop: The Five Best Gigs

1

Richie Hawtin today

Better known as Plastikman, this sonic scientist will play from the roof of the Queen Elizabeth Hall in a special composition that blurs the boundaries between art and music.

Royal Festival Hall, SE (07-92 0600)

2

Urban Species Tues & Wed

With their mellifluous brand of hip-hop, showcased on their new single "Blanket", this underrated outfit should attract a fresh following this spring.

Jazz Cafe, NW (07-96 6060)

3

Pram Fri

Daft beats and erratic rhythms fashion this Birmingham-based outfit as they promote their EP "Keep in a Dry Place & Away From Children".

Highbury Garage, N5 (07-607 88)

4

Cake Fri & Sat

More funky basslines, country melodies and droll lyrics from the Sacramento quartet. Their trumpet interludes will have you chuckling all the way home.

ULU (07-664 2030)

5

Fatboy Slim vs Armand Van Helden Fri

The Skint Records impresario pits his turntable wits against with the New York DJ in the dance world's version of the world heavyweight boxing championships.

Stoke Trentham Gardens (0782 207777)