I have lived in both Cardiff and Bristol and I think Bristol does just about edge it, but I didn’t rate the carling academy to be honest which had a lot of bands that never made it to Cardiff, the fleece is ok but small and out the way. Quite liked gigs at the theckla though, not sure if it’s still going. Places like the point and coal ex were a big loss in Cardiff, we could do with a venue like the Concorde in Brighton. Strangely, when I lived in bristol for 5 yrs I found myself heading back to Cardiff more for gigs circa 2002/3 or off to London.