ISN'T that Keith Flint, the one with the pierced tongue and pointy hair from the Prodigy's Firestarter video?

Yes, in the week that the Prodigy belatedly return with new album Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned, former front man Flint focuses on leading his new band, Clever Brains Fryin, at Fibbers on Wednesday.

Flint's five-piece are billed as special guests at Radio 4's gig in York, and there is sure to be interest in what he does in the company of turntable DJ Jason Laid Back, MC Bad Manner, MC Sir Real and female vocalist Claire Cherequn. Tickets are selling fast at £7.

Clever Brains Fryin' showcased their new sound for the first time at Donatella Versace's fashion show in Milan last month, when Flint apparently shocked high-society Italy by launching himself into the spectators, simulating oral sex with a man and licking the face of a woman.

What lies in store on Wednesday? Read Ian Atherton's review in Thursday's Evening Press.

- THE Delta Volts lead off the week ahead at Fibbers, headlining tomorrow's triple bill. Fusing drum loops, samples and guitar stabs into what should be an all-consuming uproar, The Delta Volts claim they will take you from the startlingly melodic to brutal noise.

- The Horrorpops make their York debut on Sunday, serving up a "quick-fix punk-rocking snack with a hideously ghoulish aftertaste". After one lick you will be hooked apparently. With a heavy influence from the Eighties' new wave, they sound not dissimilar to No Doubt and have just returned from touring with The Offspring. Devilish Presley and Framed By Fire are the support acts.

- Monday's show has Fibbers/ Evening Press Battle of the Bands titans Sixty6 topping the bill, supported by Arcana and Thee Notion Attracting. Sixty6's speciality is "US-indie-jangle rock" and the band has been given tips from Longview, Snow Patrol, Coldplay and Feeder. Their angst-ridden songs combine melody with brutal guitars.

- THE Carling Sessions present Buck 65 at Fibbers on Tuesday. Billed as "the Jack Kerouac of hip hop", they play a softened-up brand of this harsh music with a strong hint of folk/country influence.

Updated: 15:15 Thursday, August 19, 2004