It’s always quiet gig-wise right at the start of the year, so there’s not a whole lot going on as January 2014 grinds into life. Why not, though, check out something a bit different on Tuesday 7 January at the Old Fire Station in Oxford? Oxford Improvisers are holding their New Year Social, with all welcome to pop along and, well, improvise…

Clean your ears out on Saturday 18 January, at The Cellar in Oxford. The much-missed and haven’t-been-around-for-ages guitar fury rock’n’roll powerhouse Winnebago Deal are back in town, and they’ll be very ably supported by the rambunctious, chunky and huge-riffed Desert Storm. What’s more, first on will be the wittily-named Flack Blag; a Black Flag covers band featuring two members of Winnebago Deal. Rock! Devil horns! Mosh! Booze! Mayhem!

If that’s not your cuppa tea, also on Saturday 18 January is a fine line-up at the Jericho Tavern in Oxford. Noisy guitar types Hot Hooves are launching their new album Nutritious Cascades, with support from Mary Bendy Toy, Agness Pike and A Reluctant Arrow. Noise, strange goings-on and flamboyant stage presence are expected.

One of Oxford’s best bands, Spring Offensive, have a special show on Sunday 19 January at East Oxford Community Centre. It’ll include previews of tracks from their forthcoming crowd-funded album, Young Animal Hearts, due for release in March, but attendees (who need to purchase tickets in the form of a funding pledge on the album) will get an advance copy!

Full details of these and loads more gigs can be found in the events calendar.