Goddamn, it’s a hectic month! May’s got more great shows lined up than you can shake a stick at. There are some hard choices ahead.
As ever, a disclaimer that music is subjective blah blah blah. This is my list, and these are the shows I’m excited about this month.
May 4
Image: La Chinga / Facebook
La Chinga – Rickshaw Theatre
Heavy rockers La Chinga guarantee a good time. Joining them at this pre-release show for upcoming album Beyond the Sky are Satan’s Cape, Killer Deal, and Mississippi Live & the Dirty Dirty.
May 5
Image: Wikipedia
Antisect – The Astoria
UK82 veterans are over from England to treat us to their classic brand of politically charged punk. Support from Portland’s GAASP and locals Phane.
Click here to read my review of 10 Charged Trax by Phane.
May 12
Image: Sightlines / Facebook
Sightlines – SBC Restaurant
Celebrating the release of the excellent Love Ethic EP, Sightlines take over SBC. They are joined by Woolworm (well worth seeing in their own right), Calgary’s Paradise and Kamloops’ Outpatient.
Click here to read my review of Love Ethic by Sightlines.
Click here to read my review of Deserve to Die by Woolworm.
May 17
Image: The Staggers & Jaggs / Facebook
The Staggers & Jaggs – Fox Cabaret
Mixing jazz, folk, rock and roots in one foot-stomping package, The Staggers & Jaggs are one of the numerous bands celebrating a release this month. Support from Devil in the Woodshack and The Milk Crate Bandits.
May 21
Image: The Brian Jonestown Massacre / Facebook
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – Vogue Theatre
Possibly one of the most influential psych bands there is. Support from Ghost Meat.
May 23
Image: Highland Eyeway / Facebook
Highland Eyeway – Stylus Records
Get down to a night of surf and psych rock from Highland Eyeway, Speak Easy and Tanglers.
May 23-27
Image: The Black Dahlia Murder / Facebook
Modified Ghost Festival III – Rickshaw Theatre
A must for local metalheads, this stacked bill includes big names like Carcass, The Black Dahlia Murder and Bongripper, as well as local favourites such as Dead Quiet and Waingro.
Click here to read my review of Grand Rites by Dead Quiet.
Click here to read my interview with Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder.
May 24
Image: PEARS / Facebook
PEARS – Fortune Sound Club
PEARS will be joined by High as well as locals AntEater and You Big Idiot, so you can expect a raucous night of good ol’ punk rock.
Click here to read my review of Mega Donair by You Big Idiot.
May 25
Image: Jo Passed / Facebook
Jo Passed – Red Gate Arts Society
Not only is this the release show for Their Prime, it is one of the few remaining shows at Red Gate. Support from Dumb and Little Sprout.
Click here to read my review of Their Prime by Jo Passed.
Image: Switch to Black / Facebook
Switch to Black – Pub 340
Local hard rockers Switch to Black recorded some great songs prior to announcing their dissolution, but now they’re back and will be joined by Pedler, Outside Influence and The Ship Of.
May 26
Image: BRASS / Facebook
BRASS – Pub 340
BRASS’ recently released album For Everyone is absolutely top-notch, only bettered by the band’s live performances, so don’t miss this show. Support from The Dog Indiana (from Victoria), AK-747s, and the CU Next Tuesdays.