If you are anything like me and sometimes find the "ultra"-modern interiors and glorified elevator music in the latest swish eating establishment too unbearably pleasant, there are a few options around town for those who prefer loud, obnoxious punk rock in a place that happens to serve non-craft beer.

Magpies on Bunda Street has been amenable to promoting itself as a no-frills live music venue with a particular focus on the noisier end of the spectrum and a willingness to support local talent. In recent months the venue has welcomed such notable acts as Melbourne hardcore band Iron Mind and Perth based Motorhead/ Orange Goblin fans Chainsaw Hookers, and will soon be hosting Byron Bay metal/hardcore band In Hearts Wake and Canadian skate punkers SNFU for those music fans seeking out music with a bit more edge than indie-"pop" of the non-distinguished variety.

Once upon a time I would make a beeline for the ANU Bar if in search of metal bands whose music can be found in the excellent doco – Metal Down Under. Seeing internationally renowned local band Alchemist gravitate from the Civic Youth Cafe to the hallowed ANU bar stage was a bit of a thrill with Canberra's metal scene also extending into the suburbs, so that on a Friday night I could walk down to the Weston Creek Community Centre to check out cool kids thrashing it out on a stage otherwise used for arts and craft fairs.

In recent years, The Basement in Belconnen has promoted local and international acts who are worthy talents in such prestigious fields as grindcore, stoner-rock and thrash, and Magpies has taken on some of that cross-genre excitement where the love comes in high octane spurts and music fans of all persuasions are welcome.

Recently, I took the bus at Woden interchange for that eventful ride home from the day job, and the first thing I noticed was gentle classical music spraying from the bus radio which the hip looking driver had most likely tuned to ABC classical FM in anticipation of the daily heart-stopping run through menacing peak hour traffic.

I'm not a huge fan of classical music so I baulked at first, but as the ride went on I began to relax and by the time I got off the bus I almost felt contentment. I wondered if I would have felt the same way after checking out some high volume hardcore punk at Magpies – chances are I probably would, which is why Canberra needs live venues willing to take a punt.