Chris Devotion and The Expectations / Poor Things / Black International / Fat Goth @ King Tut's, 11 January

Six quid wouldn't buy you two drinks in most venues. Yet that’s all it costs for entry to a gig with no less than four stellar bands on the bill. But a love of the six string is the only thing these bands have in common. Each takes a differing approach to pleasing the punters in what is a sizable and enthusiastic crowd.

Someone always has to go on first, and tonight that responsibility falls to Fat Goth. But this hotly-tipped Dundonian power trio are no meek warm-up act. They demonstrate their considerable talent with a pulverising performance of songs from their forthcoming second album, Stud, which has already been attracting some positively glowing reviews. ‘Surf’s Down’ is a powerful statement of intent; full of energetic riffs and diamond-tough grooves, played by a band who are collectively tighter than a swollen door. Their half-hour slot passes by all too quickly – but that’s all the time they need to leave a lasting impression.

Many bands would dread following such an impressive opener, but Black International display quiet confidence and have no problem quickly finding their stride. The Edinburgh duo, no strangers to music fans from the capital, prefer a more economical post-punk sound, driven by the forceful drumming of Craig Peebles and given added teeth by the fierce guitar and vocals of Stewart Allan.

In contrast, Poor Things demonstrate a refreshing scuzz-pop sensibility that will please fans of Evan Dando and Pavement. They even find the time to dedicate the predictably sweet Ice Cream to one of their watching parents.

Headliners Chris Devotion and The Expectations stand at the opposite end of the guitar spectrum to Fat Goth, but have no problem in matching their intensity. Devotion is a natural frontman and knows how to write a damn effective chorus. There’s more than a hint of new wave-era Elvis Costello to She is the One, which is one of several numbers to prompt an audience sing-a-long. The Glasgow band have been touring regularly, and steadily building up a following, since the release of their debut album, Amalgamation & Capital, in January last year – and that practice has clearly paid off in what is an impressively tight set. Even a few sound problems can’t knock them off their stride. Tickets to see them – and the three other bands showcased here tonight – are unlikely to remain this cheap for long.