Ugly Duckling, Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh, Nov 11

Ugly Duckling are aptly named, given that they are consistently one of the most underrated and underappreciated groups in hip-hop. Despite producing four albums full of the kind of fresh and catchy old skool hip-hop that makes commercial rap seem completely inconsequential, they still only manage to draw a small but dedicated crowd. However, after the success of their 'Bang for the Buck' album tour earlier this year they were back by popular demand to rock the Liquid Rooms, and it's in a live capacity that they really come into their own. Their songs are perfect for audience participation, and MCs Andy C and Dizzy Dustin are masters at working the crowd, even getting audience members on stage for the a few choice tunes. Maybe it's the fact that they look nothing like your typical hip-hop act, or their steadfast refusal to sell out for fame and fortune, whatever the reason they haven't hit it big time yet, it's certainly not because of the music. [Peter Walker]