The Lowdown on the best live music in London this week...

NIZLOPI
Where: Union Chapel
When: Tuesday, April 29
Tickets: £11
www.nizlopi.com
Nizlopi is Luke Concannon and John Parker; two friends from Leamington Spa who have been writing and playing music together since their early teens. With their experimental sets, stretching the vocal and instrumental boundaries, the energetic duo are a joy to watch perform. Most famous for the JCB song, the majority of tracks they have penned since this one surpass it by a long way.

MTV SPANKING NEW MUSIC TOUR 2008
Where: Islington Academy
When: Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 April
Tickets: £15
www.mtv.co.uk
The Fratellis, The Ting Tings and The Pigeon Detectives are amongst acts taking part in the MTV Spanking New Music tour. With established and up and coming bands on the line-up there is a good mix of fresh music to check out.

HOTEL CAFÉ TOUR
Where: King's College
When: Wednesday, April 30
Tickets: £15
www.thehotelcafetour.com
Once just a small coffee shop, The Hotel Café has quickly blossomed into one of America's most well-respected music venues. The artists surrounding the Café, including Tom McRae, regard it as home – where lyrics, voice and a DIY approach dominate. The concept of the tour was to share the same community vibe with music fans across the world. It works magnificently. This is no ordinary show and is liberating to watch.

THE CRIMEA
Where: The Enterprise
When: Wednesday, April 30
Tickets: £6
www.thecrimea.net
If more intimate gigs are your thing go for The Crimea option. This is the first of three dates the band will play at the Enterprise in Camden as part of their Starship Enterprise Trilogy shows. With new material to launch and a single out in June this will be a busy couple of months for the group so see them in a smaller venue when you have the chance.

ANGIE STONE
Where: The Forum
When: Wednesday, April 30
Tickets: £27.50
www.angiestoneonline.net
After recently being nominated for a Grammy award and recording in Marvin Gaye's studio, soul singer Angie Stone has every reason to be proud of her career. This is the only UK date on her European tour so, if you are an R&B fan, don't miss it.

MATCHBOX 20
Where: Wembley Arena
When: Thursday, May 1
Tickets: £27.50
www.matchboxtwenty.com
Matchbox 20 have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and are no strangers to playing big venues. Their highly-anticipated Wembley Arena date will be fitting for a live act that has powerful enough ballads to command such a large space.