Show picks of the week (May 22 – 28)

Another great mix of eclectic gigs this week, including the return of indie rock royalty Sebadoh and the driving political punk of Downtown Boys. Check out our full list of recommendations for the coming week below.

Saturday, May 23

Greys at Turbohaus
Toronto’s moody noise rockers Greys are the first band slated to play the brand-new Turbohaus venue, located in the heart of Saint-Henri. Locals Fashion Police (ex-Trigger Effect) and Vancouver’s Drogue round out this solid bill. 8:00 pm, $8, 5011 Notre Dame West.

The Body at Casa del Popolo
Brutal Portland duo The Body make unquestionably heavy music that is nearly impossible to classify. The duo start from a basic sludge/doom base, and from there veer far off into terrifying soundscapes that encompass elements of extreme metal and industrial noise. This should be a true face melter within the tiny confines of Casa. Also on the bill are Rhode Island’s Clean, Bowels, and the debut show for locals Nightwitches. 9:30, $5-$10, 4873 St-Laurent.

Tuesday, May 26

Sebadoh at Bar le Ritz PDB
Indie rock royalty Sebadoh recently released a hilarious Canada-themed 7″ picture disc, just in time for their current Canadian tour. Lou Barlow and Co. are always a dependable live act, with a wealth of great material to pick and choose from, including classic low-fi albums like Bubble & Scape, and perennial favourite Bakesale. Luckily le Ritz is a dark enough venue that no one will witness you tearing up to “Skull.” Long-standing Montreal punks The Nils open up, along with Sheer Agony. 9:30pm, $18/$20, 179 Jean Talon West.

Thursday, May 28

Downtown Boys at La Vitrola
Rhode Island’s Downtown Boys channel their political punk through a rollicking mix of high-intensity RN’R, including the best addition of a punk saxophonist since The Stooges’ Funhouse. The band’s dual male and female vocalists sing in both English and Spanish, with topics covering feminism, homophobia and the US prison system. Downtown Boys are a boundary-pushing punk band, and their exuberant live show should definitely not be missed. Opening are Les Temps Liquides, Sigh Down One, and Flat Teeth. 9:00pm, $7 (or pay what you can), 4602 St-Laurent.