13 shows to meet all your heavy needs

Montreal’s clubs tend to grind to a halt over the holidays, and even now local watering holes are slugging it out with Xmas staff parties and cash-strapped shoppers.

Thursday: Power pop rocker Caféïne closes out his year, which included a tour of Australia and leaving his mark in Los Angeles, with a show at Casa. Opening is Vulgar You! and new, busy Montreal rockers Nobros. 4873 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $15

The Minimal Musique nights at Katacombes continue with DJs Pappagiorgio and Cold Hands plus local stud muffin Taylor Hoodlum. If you dig post-punk, dark wave and minimal synth, you are probably already hip to this night. 1635 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., free

The digital hardcore and doom of Snapdragonia will wage war with the instru-metal fuckery of Squalor and the post punk ambient noise of duo Clangkryllics at Casa. 4873 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $5

Constellation Records’ brightest and best the Last Ex will play with slo core impresarios Maica Mia at le Ritz. 179 Jean-Talon W., 9:30 p.m., $10/$12

True, you should be hot under the collar to see Death From Above 1979 freshly back from their five year hiatus but definitely show up early to catch psych rockers Biblical who open up the night at Metropolis. Taking up the middle slot is Phantogram. 59 Ste-Catherine E., 8 p.m., $37/$42

Friday: Not only is Mess Around easily one of the most fun DJ nights in the city, it’ll anger the upstairs neighbour at Divan Orange. Expect the best of dusty soul sides and Motown shakedowns. Definitely strap on your dancing shoes for this one. 4234 St-Laurent, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday: If you dig expert power pop you can check out Dirtnap recording artist Steve Adamyk Band with the shimmering Bomp-style power pop of Sonic Avenues and sluggers Prevenge at l’Esco. 4467 St-Denis, 9 p.m., $8

A perfect night for the dark and depraved would be the black metal and blackened folk of Svalbard, Blackscorn and Besatzung at Playhouse. A perfect bummer night just before the holidays. 5656 Parc, 9 p.m., $5

Newly hatched supergroup Mutter, featuring members of Big Brave and godspeed you! black emperor, will “play symphonies for stormy weather” at Casa. 4873 St-Laurent, 10 p.m., $8

The fine peeps from Slut Island are presenting a fundraiser for Lolwm with Psych-ich Lies and Cheap Wig at Sala. 4848 St-Laurent, 10 p.m., $5 before 10:30 p.m./$7

Sunday: My big pick of the week would be the rare local appearance from one of my all time fave Montreal bands, the Besnard Lakes, who will continue to help break in the new stage at le Ritz with their expert psych-pop. Opening will be the Besnards’ fave local band, Dear Denizen. 179 Jean-Talon W., 9:30 p.m., $15/$20

Monday: One of my favourite crooners, Al Spx (check out her guest vocals on the Swans’ last effort!) and her musical vessel Cold Specks play at le Ritz with the amazing duo AroarA. 179 Jean-Talon W., 9 p.m., $15/$17

Wednesday: Despite the tragic loss of their singer Dave Brockie earlier this year, GWAR continues to soak their diehard fan base in a tsunami of blood with new singer Kim Dylla. If that isn’t enough, they actually have the almighty and legendary hardcore/sludge metal band Corrosion of Conformity warming up the stage for them. Opening the night will be American Sharks. Wear a raincoat to this one. 7:30 p.m., $28.15/$31.25
 
Current obsession: Flipper, Live Target Video 1980-81 DVD

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