8 rock shows you don’t want to miss

Eeyowza! I’ve just been sitting in a self-imposed exile that is the new Swans record, To Be Kind. Will be taking an in-depth look at this epic work in the June print edition of Cult Mtl but it’s safe to say that Swan’s main man Michael Gira is a true king that walks among us. Swans are coming to town soon, as well so if you don’t snag tickets now, I’m thinking you don’t really even like music. While I’m hyping upcoming shows, don’t miss your chance to see the kings of quiet Low when they hush into Sala later this month.

Friday: For a night of demented punk, catch Sacral Nerves, who launch their debut cassette at Casa with Koko, Shining Wizard and Harsh Reality. 4873 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $5

Speaking of demented and noisy punk you can catch the haunted garage sounds of les Zerreurs with Il Danse Avec les Genoux and Glorious Moonrockets at l’Esco. 4467 St-Denis, 9 p.m., $7

For more straight-ahead punk, don’t miss Bearmace’s seven-inch launch with fugged up nerdy punx Vomit Squad, HGM and Jesus Horse at OTH Gallery. 1181 Ste-Catherine W., 9 p.m., PWYC, BYOB

Fresh from their opening stint with the Operators, Country get downright ballsy and step it up to play Sala. Headlining is Cool Fest cool dude Black Hairgrease with Poirier and the Shah And BRDN opening. 4848 St-Laurent, 11 p.m., $5

Saturday: Another installment of the Punk Record Swap is happening at Katacombes. Don’t be fooled by the title though as pretty much most hip genres will be represented for the most selective licorice pizza connoisseur. 1635 St-Laurent, 1 p.m.

Monday: Kurt Vile will prove why he is one of the best songwriters currently slashing and bashing at a guitar when he packs ‘em in at the Corona with his Violaters. Will Priestess’s skin basher Vince Nudo be providing the backbeat? Show up and find out. Opening is the amazing Steve Gunn, whose Sundowner record on Digitalitis Recordings still sends shivers. 2490 Notre Dame W., 8 p.m., $25.50/$27

Tuesday: After a particularly, uh, totally shit show a couple of years back in Laval (!?) ex-Lemonhead Evan Dando will make good when he shivers some timbres with his rich baritone at Petit Campus, with help from Sarah Johnston. 57 Prince-Arthur E., 8 p.m., $18/$20

Wednesday: Most of you will be showing up to see Eels at the Corona but the real reason you should be there is to catch opener and goth pin-up Chelsea Wolfe. Her show at Il Motore a year ago was truly spellbinding and reached musical ascension more than a few times. 2490 Notre-Dame W., 8 p.m., $32

Current obsession: Swans, To Be Kind

jonathan.cummins@gmail.com