LONDON -- Tim Kash and I are here on a visit to the set of Big Pak's new video, and I decided to take in some of the local music scene. Unfortunately -- according to many of our MTV U.K. counterparts -- there wasn't much to see this week, but luck struck!

A look at a gig calendar at a local pub revealed a surprise: Baltimore experimental rockers Ponytail were playing just down the street at the small-but-legendary 100 Club, the self-proclaimed "oldest live-music venue in London," where the Rolling Stones and even the Sex Pistols played in their early days.

The crowd loved the band (which rolled out a great new song) and was as energetic as any we've seen at Ponytail gigs in the States. Openers Future Islands were also excellent; both bands are currently on separate tours throughout Europe but will be back Stateside soon.

If you haven't heard Ponytail, check out John Norris' article on the band.