More hot Montreal shows than you can handle

Now that we’re well into May, we start our gear up for my favourite festival in the city: Suoni per il Popolo, June 2 to 20. Line-up announcements are still being made, but check out their site and you’ll find progressive and innovative booking that would shame the fests happening down the 401.

Thursday: If you dig crazy math rock with emotional heft, head down to the Horse Lords show tonight with Shining Wizard, Little Much and Watering at Brasserie Beaubien. 73 Beaubien E., 10:30 p.m., $7/PWYC

Protomartyr headline at la Vitrola, but make sure you’re there for the middle act, Sonic Avenues, if you really dig your glimmering power pop. Opening is Fake Palms. 4602 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $13/$15

The first big gig this week would definitely be down at Metropolis, where Death From Above 1979 headlines with opener Eagles of Death Metal. You’ll want to show up early to catch the heavy prog-groove of Biblical (featuring former members of the Illuminati — uh, the band, that is) who will open up the night. 59 Ste-Catherine E., 8 p.m., $42.50/$47

Friday: Local promoters and label l’Oeil Du Tigre’s have been blotting out the show calendar lately, and they give themselves no rest when they present Grand Détour with Edhochuli, Black Love and Waingro at la Passe. 1214 de la Montagne, 8:30 p.m., $10

$hit & $hine will be shimmying at Bethlehem XXX, but you should really show up early to catch the opener and one of the giggin-est dudes in town, Taylor Hoodlum Stevenson. 6568 St-Laurent, 10 p.m., $10 (or free with a dinner reservation for two or more people before the show)

One of my all-time favourite split records was the collaboration between Nadja and Picastro and you can get a chance to see them together with total crooner Molly Sweeney at Casa. Speaking of that split, keep yer eyes peeled here for a Nadja show announcement later this summer. 4873 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $8

The Anacrhonik Festival is well under way and will present psychobilly warlords the Brains with the Matadors and Brutal Youth at Katacombes. 1635 St-Laurent, 10:30 p.m., $15.48

Saturday: If you’ve shared a beer with Steve Townsend at his local (Barfly) or ever tucked into his amazing food, you will want to come celebrate his birthday with Vulgar Deli and Ashtray Heart at Valoiz Loft. Definitely bring your deck as you can session their half-pipe all night. Secret location (ask around)

Pure punk rawk mayhem is sure to be had when onetime Varning headliners Hank Wood and the Hammerheads destroy la Vitrola with Lungbutter, Fits and Ninos Rata. (Listen to Hank & co. here.) 4602 St-Laurent, 10 p.m., $10

The feather in the Anachronik Festival’s cap is booking Black Lips, with les Marinellis and Hazy Tones. Just follow the crushed PBR cans down to Club Soda. 1225 St-Laurent, 8:30 p.m., $29.94/$31.44 in advance, $34.54 at the door

Monday: La Sera might be getting you hot under the collar, but the real reason you should be making tracks to Casa on a Monday is to check out the bubblegum-encrusted punk rawk of Pale Lips, who’ll be taking the sweat-act slot. 4873 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $13/$15

Making good on their cancelled Montreal date a couple of months back, ’90s metal/industrial legends Prong finally make it to Foufounes with Mass Murder Messiah, Vantablackwarship and Graveyard Strippers. 87 Ste-Catherine E., 7 p.m., $20/$25

Tuesday: Deadly Mardi’s DIY show series at Rockette keep up a rapid boil, presenting Stevenson. 4479 St-Denis, 10 p.m., $5/PWYC

A big ticket this week would definitely be the return of the Brian Jonestown Massacre at la Tulipe, but only if you’ve got a ticket — the show is sold out! If you’re holding tickets, prove what a huge fan you are and wear roller skates to the gig. 4530 Papineau, 8 p.m., SOLD OUT

Wednesday: Fugged again! Nu-psych band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Holy Data play le Ritz, but this show is sold out, too. 179 Jean-Talon W., 9:30 p.m., SOLD OUT

My big pick of the week is sax/clarinet man (and Suoni fave) Peter Brötzmann, who’ll prove why he is the king of free/improv music. Casa del Popolo (4873 St-Laurent), 8:30 p.m., $20/$25

Punx getting a little long in the tooth will want to check out Anti-Flag at the perfect aging punker palace — Foufounes — with Black Lungs and Powernap. 87 Ste-Catherine E., 9 p.m., $21.50/$25

After a long sabbatical, Land of Talk is finally back and after spending a spell in Breakglass Studios to make a new jammer, they’ll play some new ones and some refurbished old ones at the Fairmount Theatre. 5240 Parc, 9 p.m., $15

Finally l’Oeil du Tigre get another gig in this week when they host Lentic Waters with Locktender, Endform and Scolding at Turbo Haus. 5011 Notre-Dame W., 8:30 p.m., $10

Current Obsession: The Clash, Give ‘Em Enough Rope

jonathan.cummins@gmail.com