8 shows you need to know about this week

The countdown is on until Thee Silver Mt. Zion’s album launch next Thursday, Feb. 6, but until then, here are some great shows that will put sweat on the walls:

Thursday: Upstairs at Café Cleopatra is the place to be for the New Moon Psychedelic Mass featuring live performances from Noom, Light Bulb Alley, Hoax (not the Boston hardcore band, I’m guessing) and the decidedly unpsychedelic sounds of punkers Bearmace. Also happening will be a freeform jam with the audience, short films, 10-minute meditation with projections, body painting and 3 DJs covering all of the bases. 1230 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., free before 10 p.m./$5

For a bit more twang and croon, check out one of Montreal’s true gifts, Li’l Andy — see our interview with him here. He’s launching a new record, While the Engines Burn, with a fret board workout from Brad Barr, who snags the opening slot. All the fun is going down at Sala. 4848 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $11

Friday: Solid garage punk and rock ’n’ roll mayhem is guaranteed as Leamers team up with their buds from O-town, New Swears and Tropical Dripps, at Bistro de Paris. 4536 St-Denis, 9 p.m., $7

For a night of ballast blasting heaviness, witness the instru-metal beat-down of Squalor with Cromagnum and Blame Mary at Hemisphère Gauche. 221 Beaubien E., 10 p.m., $5

Saturday: If you missed the drone and doom of thisquietarmy a week ago, see the man and his music at Turbo Haus with Alam Al-Mithol and Appalaches. 1180 St-Antoine W., 9 p.m., $10

Sunday: For a night of panoramic post-rock, see Lymbyc System with Arms and Sleepers and Atsuko Chiba at Il Motore. 179 Jean-Talon W., 9 p.m., $10/$12

If PBR-fuelled rock is what you crave, check out Bass Drum of Death with Alex Calder at Casa. Note that this show is almost sold out. 4873 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $8/$10

Tuesday: And don’t miss the debut of local stoner super-duper group Mountain Dust with She’s at Barfly. 4062 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., PWYC