Nu-metal, it's the new punk. At least in so much that it appeals predominantly to kids and that there's something of an underground scene cookin' away at the moment, writes Metal Mickey.

That in itself is positive, because by tradition, generation after generation of rock fans have been their own worst enemies.

By going in their droves to stadium gigs staged by big name acts rather than supporting up-and-coming bands at local venues, they've allowed rock, metal and the many other offshoots to slump to a dismal low.

The Club That Cannot Be Named, upstairs at The Wheatsheaf, off the High Street, with its all-age policy as a contributory factor, has established itself as an outlet for up 'n' coming bands in the extreme and hardcore metal, rock 'n' punk category.

At the recent In The City festival in Manchester, Sugarcoma caused quite a sensation among industry types looking for the next big thing with with their brand of Goth-tinged nu-metal.

But as the A&R pack circles, Sugarcoma can rest assured that they are in good hands. The band has recently joined the rosta of Main Man management the company which looks after such rock icons as David Bowie, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop. Sugarcoma's debut EP, Busters, released on the Reading-based Velocity label, met with a positive reaction from the music media, including winning the 'Single of the Week' accolade in Kerrang! and Melody Maker.

In a year when pre-packaged, manufactured and manipulated bands with their all-singing, all-dancing safe and sanitised formula reached saturation overkill, Sugarcoma are living proof that the backlash has begun.

Lyrics for Sugarcoma's blistering brand of nu-metal are penned by singer Jessica Meyers, while the music comes from guitarist Claire Simpson.

Completing the line-up are Heidi McEwan on bass plus drummer and token male James Cuthbert.

They write their own songs, follow their own agenda and rock like proverbial demons.

Following their recent BBC radio session, Sugarcoma will be supporting My Ruin on their forthcoming UK tour. In the meantime they're playing a handful of dates, one being their visit to The Wheatsheaf, Oxford, tomorrow night, where they will be supporting Vacant Stare.

And what's more, there's no DAT machines or dance routines in sight.