Things are buzzing in the world of local live music at the moment. Following some great gigs in the last couple of weeks, the line-up from now until the new year is looking increasingly strong - and don't expect it to stop there. Before we get to this weekend's gigs, it's hard to ignore a recent story regarding Beijing outfit New Pants.

They're a band who always demand attention, but even though they won't be here for another week they've already caused quite a stir - with accusations flying around about their arrogance and an apparent "diss" to Australian band Regurgitator. However, speculation that New Pants refused to support the 'Gurge for their recent China gigs, despite the Aussie band inviting them to open for their tour Down Under has been dismissed as "handbags" in some quarters, and Reggie from S.T.D. (the promoter behind both shows) has said that Regurgitator "were all delighted with their recent tour through China. They had an amazing experience, and as professional as both bands are I would find it hard to believe that they would let this sort of thing come between them."

Having started out as a straightforward punk/rock act, New Pants' forays into disco/electro territory on their last couple of albums alienated some fans and divided opinion across China's music scene. For many, the band now has something to prove with their forthcoming album. There'll be a chance to see if they justify the hype on November 22 at Zhijiang Dream Factory. You can also check out New Pants' latest video here, which features more than a slight nod to Chinese metal pioneers Tang Dynasty.

Anyway, before that there's plenty happening this weekend.

The combination of Glorious Pharmacy's lead singer Xiao He performing at YYT (9pm, ¥60) with a re-jigged version of Top Floor Circus promises to be one hell of a show. Xiao He has been collaborating with Beijing opera singers of late, and his solo show would be something to get excited about regardless of who else was on the bill. The fact that he's joined by Top Floor Circus' Lu Chen,  Su Yong, and Xiao Ling performing under the name of Atom Squashing Toilet (or something like that - you try translating 铁臂阿童木拿马桶压扁塌), should make this unmissable. Then again, options abound this Saturday.

German live electro band Jeans Team (who are also at MoCA on Friday night, though given the amount of publicity for it you'd think they were keeping it a secret) are at LOgO 10.30pm. A last minute addition to the Saturday show are Japanese/Korean experimentalists 10. ¥30 gets you in.

Local IDM man B6 has a new album out and will be promoting it with friends Ben Huang, Dre Skull, and Trix at The Shelter also on Saturday night at 10pm. ¥50 gets you in and a copy of the CD. Check out this Friday's magazine for an interview with the man himself.

Live Bar has a Norwegian indie-rock double-header for you with Blitz Factory plus fellow countrymen Flare. Things will kick off at 9.30pm, and the cover is ¥40.