LIFE is returning to the gritty, exhilarating world of underground music this week as people slowly emerge bleary-eyed from their summer hols.

But these past few months haven't exactly been bone dry and silent.

Indeed, things were getting pretty lively down at the Plough Inn in Walthamstow last Friday, when rock foursome Blue Gillespie played a soldout headline set.

The promised throng of a delirious audience did indeed materialise, but it was interesting to see that when the support band asked if anyone was from London no-one cheered (apart from Sound Advice of course...). Apparently some fans travelled for as long as seven hours to get to the show.

As it was the popular band's only London show this summer, the gig has certainly helped put the Plough on the capital's music circuit map.

The band's performance itself was pretty good, but I had a sneaking suspicion many of those who turned up were drawn more by the lead singer's fame of being an actor in BBC Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood – something he did indeed play to by quoting some dialogue from the programme when he first took to the stage.

Anyhoo, over at the Standard in Walthamstow, the diet of rock and tribute acts is getting moving again.

Thursday (August 27) sees Club Bus Wind presents unsigned bands Roy Weird and the Last Poet, Socket and Scarred by Name.

Entry is £5 with a band flyer or £6 without.

On Friday (August 28) Slam play a headline set for just £7, while Saturday (August 29) sees Whitesnake UK take to the stage for £9.

Doors open around 8pm in both cases.

At the Square in Harlow, promoters SquareOne present on Thursday (August 27) Progress To, Flowers For Her Grave and Before Silence Falls. It's £4 to get in or free if you're a member, and doors swing open around 8pm.

On Friday (August 28) mildly popular signed band the Rumble Strips play the Essex venue.

Tickets are £7 in advance, and doors are at eight.

Support comes from The Baron and The General.

Next Wednesday (September 2) promoters What's Cookin' returns from their sizzling summer break to bring the music back to the Sheepwalk pub in Leytonstone.

Headlining the night is the Ugly Guys, however I've heard they're actually pretty alright.

Influenced by such masters as The Byrds, The Band and The Eagles, expect some lovely sounds.

Support comes from sing-songwriter Adam Klein.

It's free, and things get going around 8pm.

Also I should mention amid all the hoo-haa about the Sheepwalk being threatened with closure and unsavoury incidents (like the alleged drug taking and under-age drinking as reported by the police a few weeks back) has nothing to do with What's Cookin', which is based upstairs at the Sheepwalk and away from the pub's main drinking area. So don't be scared off kids!

Anyhoo, I hear the pub are working hard to eradicate the problems pointed out by the boys in blue. So there you go.

Got a gig? Let Sound Advice know by emailing dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk