Five Big Day Out bands that could change your life (or haircut)

MARS VOLTA

Who: Band formed from the ashes of art-punk outfit At the Drive-in led by Afro-ed Texans Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez.

Why: In this year's divide between rock that makes a big statement and rock that doesn't, Mars Volta could be the biggest arty statement of the programme judging by debut album De-Loused in the Comatorium. They have single songs which go longer than the Strokes' second album.

When: 7pm Green stage (upper field). Also playing at Galatos on Thursday.

THE DARKNESS

Who: Hairy scary fashion-criminal brothers and some other blokes from Lowestoft, England.

Why: In this year's divide between rock that makes a big joke and rock that doesn't, the daft Darkness could provide the biggest punchline of the day. One part Queen, one part AC/DC, and several parts helium care of singer Justin Hawkins' very high voice, the Darkness might be sublime, stupid, preposterous or all three at once. Get ready for crowd participation "Give me a D," Hawkins will call, "Give me an Arkness!" Time for the Darkness hand gesture, a resolutely positive thumbs-up.

When: 1pm, Blue Stage (main stadium)

KINGS OF LEON

Who: Hairy scary brothers and a cousin from all over the southern US.

Why: On their debut album, Youth and Young Manhood, this band delivered a winning combo of scratchy New York punkiness, Confederate guitar boogie and songs about the usual strange goings-on from the south - sex, drugs, guns, death and skipping church on Sunday.

When: 4pm, Green stage (upper field)

THE MINT CHICKS

Who: Auckland's buzz band of the moment

Why: A chance to see just what the excitement over this band generated by their early sporadic gigging and debut EP - described as exhilarating in these pages for its angular and dynamic rock - is all about.

When: 4.45pm, Essential Stage, upper field

AFRIKA BAMBAATAA

Who: If not the godfather of hip-hop, at least one of its many great-uncles.

Why: Possibly the oldest, most influential act on the bill, Mr Bambaataa was the man credited with injecting both politics and turning up the electro-voltage during hip-hop's early years. Seeing him play Planet Rock could well be one of those rare past-meets-future BDO moments like when Joe Strummer played London's Calling two years ago. Respect is definitely due.

When: 8.15pm, hip-hop stage