POP: Liz Ford says let's hear it for two hard-working bands who write their own material and go touring as they try to to find a record deal

A TOP night of entertainment from two of Watford's finest bands is on the cards at The Flag and Firkin tonight (Friday).

Fresh from a storming performance at this month's Rainbow Festival in Cassiobury Park, Headrush will be promoting songs from a debut album, due for release next month.

The self-titled CD is set to feature nine rocking tracks, with a couple of extra acoustic numbers thrown in, perhaps to show the trio's more sensitive side.

The CD is expected to be available in local record shops and, of course, from the Internet - web site address www.peoplesound.com/artist/headrush. Looking forward to hearing a copy, boys.

Joining Headrush on the bill will be Trooper.

The group hasn't quite gone to ground writing material and trying to get a record deal, but has certainly eased up on live performances of late.

If you can't make tonight, the group will be playing The Horn in St Albans on Saturday, August 19, supporting The Rollin Stoned.

Trying not to sound too gushing, I really have great admiration for these two fledgling bands and have no qualms praising them to the hilt in Pop Pourri.

They slog their guts out writing original material and touring, trying to secure that, as yet, elusive record contract.

And if there are other original bands waiting in the wings - why haven't you told me a bit about yourselves?

If, however, you fancy something a bit more nostalgic on a Friday evening, then the Boogie Wonder Band could be right up your street at The Horn in St Albans.

The band will bring the sound of the 1970's to the venue, complete with costumes for a night of partying.

Alternatively, metal band Stampin Ground play Watford's Rugby Club tonight as part of the group's UK tour.

The band released a new album earlier this month, Carved From Empty Words, on the Kingfisher/Century Media label.

I haven't heard it, but I know it will be very loud and very heavy, so listen with caution.

To end with, a bit of advance notice for Abbots Langley-based group The Grapevine Blues Band. The band plays the Thurrock Music Festival (TMF) in Essex on Saturday, August 12. Tickets are priced £5 in advance, or £8 on the gate, and are available on 0990 34 44 44.

Here are the gigs:

Tonight: Boogie Wonder Band/DJ Hansi The Horn, St Albans, £4, contact 01727 844627 for details. The Slaves Rose and Crown, Kings Langley, £4.50. Trooper/Headrush Flag and Firkin, Station Road, Watford, free. Danceteria with Frankie Foncett/Paul Myers/Chris Good Room 1 and Boneyard with Fabio Paras Room 2, Area nightclub, The Parade, Watford, 9pm to 3am, £5 before 10.30pm, £8 after. Stampin Ground Rugby Club, Radlett Road, Watford. The Self Righteous Brothers The Red Cow, Wooburn Green. Duelling Pianos Jumpin' Jaks, Hemel Hempstead.

Saturday: The Barnstormers/The Urge The Horn, St Albans, £4. Fuse Rose and Crown, Kings Langley, £1 before 9pm, £2 after. Texas Thunder The Sportsman, Croxley Green, 9pm, free. Double Dose The Swan, Harefield. BurnThe Flag and Firkin, Station Road, Watford. Matt Cassar/Andy Morris/Jon Nelson Room 1 and Paul Gardner/Chris Good Room 2, Area nightclub, The Parade, Watford, 9pm to 3am, £10, £8 members. The Grapevine Blues Band Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, near Tring. The Lee Ryder Band The Gate Inn, The Lee, Great Missenden, Bucks, 9pm. Duelling Pianos Jumpin' Jaks, Hemel Hempstead. Good Rockin' Six Bells, High Road, Brentford, 9pm, free. Earthtone9 The White Horse, High Wycombe.

Sunday: The Blue Angel Acoustic Cafe The Horn, St Albans, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, free. Blues Jam The Sportsman, Croxley Green, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, free. Double Dose Spotted Bull, Verulam Road, St Albans. The Self Righteous Brothers Eddie's Wine Bar, Rickmansworth. The Grapevine Blues Band The Plough, Ealing, W5.

Monday: Jammin Night The Horn, St Albans, 8pm, £2.

Tuesday: Contraband/Zipper The Horn, St Albans, £3. Unplugged session Rose and Crown, Kings Langley.

Wednesday: Point Blank Sound/Coda/Bowfinger The Horn, St Albans, £3. Boogie nights, 1970's and 80's disco and funk Area nightclub, The Parade, Watford, 9pm to 2am, free.

Thursday: Expensive Habits/support The Horn, St Albans, £4. The Self Righteous Brothers The Laurel and Hardy, Northolt. Papa George/Ken Emerson The Crown, Ley Hill, Chesham, contact 01494 783910 for details.