Naturally, one of the region’s finest independent venues – KU in Stockton – are celebrating Independent Venue Week this January and February, and they’ve got three gigs lined up, all of which I’m stamping with an “AMAZING”.

It’s fitting that this venerable Stockton venue are launching this special week with CVC, because they’re real KU favourites. The psych-pop six-piece banged out one of the very best albums of recent times in the shape of ‘Get Real’, which saw the band adding extravagant yacht-rock flavourings to their sound. It’s a release dunked in warm synths, tight vocal harmonies, and plenty of stardust, and sounds absolutely fabulous in the live arena (as anyone who saw the band at Stockton Calling and The Gathering Sounds festivals will attest). The following night sees indie-punks Gallus taking over the venue for a night of raucous fun. This Glasgow outfit have supported the likes of Biffy Clyro and really know how to hit their live straps. Support on the night comes from Hartlepool’s own indie-punk heroes Onlooker and long-time local faves The Purnells. Finally, make sure you’ve enough energy left for The Covasettes (pictured). This Manchester indie-rock quartet graced the stage of 2024’s Stockton Calling and their hypnotic guitars and driving rhythms mark them down as a band who look set to be massive in 2025. Support on the night comes from Newcastle alt-rockers The Avelons and Teesside-based purveyors of soundtrack rock and roll, Risco. JL

CVC, Thursday 30 January, 7pm, £15; Gallus, Friday 31 January, 7pm, £9.50; The Covasettes, Saturday 1 February, 7pm, £12. Ku, Stockton, kustockton.co.uk