L.E.S. Stitches

Punk against Trump

The music of unrest and protest is punk fuggin’ rawk. Here’s where to get some (+ metal, psych, indie rock & more) this week.

facebookUgh, looks like America just stepped in a steaming pile of its own dung – but you already knew that, so let’s give it a rest here.

The true music of unrest and protest is punk fuggin’ rawk and thankfully there is a great punk show happening this week. If you’re feeling the ire and vitriol coursing through your veins, you have to make it down to Barfly’s 20th anniversary celebration on Friday. Ah hell, you should be there for all of their shows this week.

Thursday: The perfect place to start your Thursday night would be North Star. Put some tilt in the ball when Montreal’s finest bubblegum punkers Pale Lips hold their official release party for Wanna Be Bad. This starts at 5 p.m. and will go all night, with CISM DJ Romanne Blouin behind the decks and various members of Pale Lips filling in. 3908 St-Laurent, 511 p.m., free

At Barfly, take in a night of fine twang and wall-shaking baritone vocals with the always-great Li’l Andy with Tumble & Holler and Kurt Chaboyer. 4062 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $5

Friday: If the election results have you more pissed than a beaver with a chipped tooth, you have to catch Montreal’s angriest band, Vulgar Deli, as they decimate the place they love — Barfly — with Irish Nails and the always-shocking Corpusse. 4062 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $10

CJLO’s fourth metal night packs a bonus: punk vs. metal, combining the psych punk of Vomit Squad with Devora, Gutser and Powered by Death. Katacombes (1635 St-Laurent), 9 p.m., PWYC/$5 suggested donation

All you cheapskates can catch Hand Cream for absolutely free at Ancienne Ecole des Beaux-Art de Montréal (as part of the RIDM documentary fest) with Phern, GG Love and DJ Boysname. 3450 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., free

Probably still recovering from the Fight Amp show last week, Turbo Haus will lick their wounds and host Casper Skull, Boy Friends and Colour Wheel. 5011 Notre-Dame W., 8 p.m., $10

Analogue Addiction keep things burning in the city as they take over Casa with the record launch for Disposer. Opening is a new local band that’s been picking up steam, Sad, and Ratchet Kill. 4873 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $7

I don’t know if I can truly recommend this gig as I walked out during their show at Corona years ago but Swedish “metal” band Ghost will do that thing they do with Marissa Nadler at Metropolis. 59 Ste-Catherine E., 8 p.m., $41.75/$45.25

Saturday: Devora prove there is no rest for the wicked by playing a twofer this week. Their second show is happening at Brasserie Beaubien with Vodka Tobasco, Tunt and the Nibors. 73 Beaubien E., 8 p.m., $10

Fans of the psych/freak-out of Man Man will want to make it down to le Ritz to check out the new solo joint by Man Man head honcho Honus Honus, with openers Look Sacre and Smokes. 179 Jean-Talon W., 8:30 p.m., $13/$15

L.E.S. Stitches
L.E.S. Stitches

The 20th anniversary celebration of Barfly comes to a close with a bang. New York/Montreal’s L.E.S. Stitches bring the Lower East Side swagger along with the blues-punk of Ashtray Heart and probably a still hungover Pale Lips. Do Not Miss!!! 4062 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $10

Wednesday: Some heavy hitters this week but my big pick of the week is happening on hump night when modern psych overlords Thee Oh Sees will pack ’em into la Tulipe with the stellar support of les Marinellis and I.D.A.L.G. 4530 Papineau, 9 p.m., $25/$30

Current Obsession: Moving Sidewalks, 99th Floor

jonathan.cummins@gmail.com