Tomorrow is National Drone Day

Although the crowd was sparse for the Swervedriver show at Fairmount Theatre last Monday, the extra elbow room only let their shoegaze glimmer in the intimate setting. Being a little spooked by my favourite bands from yesteryear living beyond their expiration date, the Swervies let time stand still as they launched into a blistering version of “Last Train to Satanville” while proving they can still marvel with a set list that heavily favoured their new record I Wasn’t Born to Lose You, which is amazing btw. Just mind meltingly great stuff. If you were a hump and happened to miss this one there is still plenty of great gigs happening this week.

Friday: For a night of dark punk rock synth, catch Gold Zebra, Police des Moeurs, Aokigahara at Playhouse. 5656 Parc, 9 p.m., $8

For something with a bit more straight-up punk-twang, check out Cuntagious, Hitch Hike Rats, the Costanzas, blues punkers Ashtray Heart and the Derp Noodles at Crobar. 1221 Crescent, 8 p.m., $5/$7

If you went to the Metallian benefit on Thursday, chances are good you wlll want to keep the bangover going with the thrash of Alcoholator, who launch their new one Escape From Reality with Warsenal and Dealer at Katacombes. Show up early for the BBQ on Katacombes awesome terrasse. 1635 St-Laurent, BBQ at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m., $10

For a night of solid psych/prog, see Chocolat with the cinematic scope of Corridor at Sala. 4848 St-Laurent, 8 p.m., $15

Saturday: A good start to your Saturday would be to make tracks over to Eastern Bloc at 4 p.m. to catch the two-hour hum featuring noted Montreal dronesters who will ring out a D note in celebration of National Drone Day. Those who scream “encore” after the two-hour piece will be swiftly thrashed. 7240 Clark, 3:30 p.m., PWYC [Note that this event has been moved from la Passe to Eastern Bloc]

One of the great songwriters of the ’90s, Evan “don’t book me in Laval” Dando, returns to the Island of Montreal with Willie Mason. Bar le Ritz PDB (179 Jean-Talon W.), 9 p.m., $15/$20

Monday: Post-hardcore heads are going to want to cross their arms to Pianos Become the Teeth, Coma Prieta, Gates and Watch for Wolves at la Vitrola. 4602 St-Laurent, 7:30 p.m., $16.50/$18

Wednesday: Finally don’t miss the industrial/electro fuckery of Vessel with Essaie Pas (featuring a busy Marie Davidson), GRKZGL (who are steady giggin’ this week) and Ginger Breaker at la Vitrola. 4602 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $10

Current Obsession: Swervedriver, I Wasn’t Born to Lose You

jonathan.cummins@gmail.com