Five acts to catch at M for Montreal this week

Nobunny performs at Matahari Loft, Saturday November 19th for M for Montreal.

This year’s M for Montreal runs from November 16-19, featuring dozens of shows, panels, and plenty of schmooze opportunities. The annual music and networking conference presents local and international acts to industry delegates from around the world, while providing a fun party atmosphere that aims to showcase the best the city has to offer.

We’ve picked five acts we’re most excited to see at this year’s edition, but this year’s eclectic lineup offers something for nearly all tastes. Check out the full lineup and schedule at the official M for Montreal site.

Caspian

Boston’s Caspian play the sort of sweeping post-rock that hits you right in the feels, before pummelling your senses with hypnotically heavy interludes. They’re joined on this tour by emo vets The Appleseed Cast, making for a must-see bill for the black jean jacket crowd. Nov. 19, Ritz PDB bar, 10 p.m.

Cindy Lee

The latest project from former Women member Patrick Flegel, Vancouver’s Cindy Lee is a darkly eerie take on the traditional girl-group sound. Longing, melodic vocals are overlaid through an abrasive and claustrophobic soundscape, that at times sounds like Neurosis channeling The Shangri-Las. Nov. 18 at Casa Del Popolo, 12:00 a.m.

Greys

If you missed Greys at Turbo Haus a few weeks back, you’ll have a couple of chances to catch the great Toronto noise-makers at M this week. The just-released Warm Shadow is their second full length this year alone, and shows the band delving even deeper into the noisier side of punk rock, while layering their sound with melodic hooks galore. Nov. 17 at Café Cléopâtre, 1:45 a.m, Nov. 18 at L’Escogriffe, 1 a.m.

Michael Rault

Canadian Burger Records representative Michael Rault mines the sounds of 70’s psych and power-pop for a potent combination of hooky earworms that never stray too far into butt-rock territory. If you like your power-pop with some added muscle, Rault is your man. Nov. 17, Café Cléopâtre, 11 p.m.

Nobunny

Don’t let the creepy bunny mask fool you – Nobunny actually pumps out some of the brightest, catchiest RN’R around, while putting on a maniacally entertaining live show that’ll have you dancing through the crowd’s beer showers before you even know what hit you. Nov. 19, Matahari Loft.

M for Montreal runs from November 16-19. For the complete schedule visit the festival’s official site.

Gabriel Sigler