Rage Against the Machine

This bunch of left-wing rockers have been phenomenally popular in Japan since the early-1990s, and have spawned a host of local imitation bands entranced by their mixture of heavy-duty rapping over a hard rock beat. It's taken the band a while to get here since the release of their last album, 'The Battle of Los Angeles', but now they are obviously out to make an impression by playing one of the biggest venues in the Tokyo area, a 20-minute ride out of the city centre by express train.

Modern Green Bar

Although it doesn't have a late licence, the Modern Green Bar is establishing itself as a venue for choice sounds. With DJs seven nights a week, playing a mix of R&B, soul and cool jazz tunes, the Wexford Street venue is coming into its own. This stretch of the south city, from Georges Street to Portobello, is the place to be with a host of pubs, music venues and restaurants to choose from. In response, the Modern has lined up the likes of Dec Comisky, Peter Kelly and Jim Carroll to take charge of the decks.