Face it: You’re still kicking yourself for blowing the chance to see The Strokes in a 200-person venue in 1998. Lucky for you, Pop Montreal, which kicks off this week, is rife with up-and-comers, some of whom are destined to some kind of hugeness. Here, five acts to catch.
If you get excited by the hi-fi energy of The Strokes, don’t miss Toronto’s Dinosaur Bones, who add a dark twist to typical indie fare, while also consistently blowing the roof off various venues. Thursday, 8 p.m. Bar St Laurent 2.
If you fancy the droning synthetic sound of New Order, catch Swans, an influential 80s post-punk and no-wave band whose recent revival means the buzz is already building for their Pop show. Friday, 9 p.m., Le National, $25.
For those who miss The Ramones, try the all-girl Japanese pop-punk group Shonen Knife (pictured above). Having also performed as the Osaka Ramones cover band, these girls’ screeching vocals (in both English and Japanese) and speedy-pop guitar melodies will quench your thirst for straightforward dance-floor punk. Thursday, 9:30 p.m., Cabaret du Mile End, $15.
If you’re sure Sea Change was Beck’s finest album, be sure to check out Brooklin, Ontario’s Timber Timbre, whose wavering vocals combines folk and a ragged old-time feel with haunting effect. Friday, 8 p.m., Ukrainian Federation, $20.
If you’re more inclined to hit the dance floor to the danceable electronic sound of the Pet Shop Boys, get out there and shake it to Montreal’s own synth-pop virtuosos, the Silly Kissers. Thursday, 10 p.m., Rialto, $5.
Image courtesy of laubarnes.
