IT'S the summer and no-one is here. Or so you'd think. Most music venues up and down the land are currently having some well-earned time off from all the loud drums and screaming bearded men with missing teeth.

But despite the widespread holiday-ing, there's still some melodies creeping out of the dusty corners that inhabit east London and west Essex.

A new residency at Walthamstow's Plough Inn kicks off this Thursday (August 6) with the R and B stylings of Tina T's Live Soul and Funk Jam.

Due to be held on the first Thursday of every month, this evening of funky tunes is sure to become a welcome part of the Plough's monthly calendar.

Things begin at around 8pm.

On Friday night, the Wood Street pub hosts popular indie-ska youngster foursome The Cyklones. Support comes from The Felt Tips.

Doors swing open at 8pm and entry is £3.

At the Standard in Walthamstow, Thursday's unsigned band night sees performances from Our People Vs Your People, We Are Fiction, Tomorrow Belongs To Us, Watch Out Vegas and Phyrexia.

Entry is £6 or £5 with a band flyer. Doors open around 8.30pm.

At the Square in Harlow, it's business as usual.

Thursday (August 6) sees unsigned bands Bite, Tasha Fights, Tigers and Rosenbridge all take to the stage.

Entry is £4 or free if you're a member of Square, with doors opening around 8pm.

Saturday sees a show headlined by Skeletons, with support from Pennyroyal and the Argonauts. Entry is £5 and doors are at 8pm.

Are you a local artist or are you in a band? Got a gig coming up? Let us know about it! Email Sound Advice at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk