If you want to avoid the hordes at the Sound Academy and Air Canada Centre, check out these four acts sooner rather than later.
WEEKEND: Pop-conscious goths
Not to be confused with Toronto’s own slow jammer, the Weeknd, this Brooklyn via San Fran five-piece purveys West Coast post-punk. Their sophomore album came out this summer, but it’s better suited for the colder months: it’s noisy, cathartic and evokes lurking shadows.
Weekend play October 25 at the Garrison, $12.
PETRA GLYNT: Psychedelic serenader
Petra Glynt, née Alexandra Mackenzie, is Toronto’s answer to Grimes. Her distorted psychedelic sound is sample-based, punctuated by bellowing vocals and raging tribalesque drums that will shake your bones.
Petra Glynt plays Sunday (September 15) at Holy Oak, $5.
SCOUT NIBLETT: Lo-fi love songs
Seven albums deep, the ever-nimble Scout Niblett is still writing emotionally raw songs that will draw you in even while she plots to murder a cheating lover overtop grungy guitar riffs.
Scout Niblett plays Tuesday (September 17) at the Silver Dollar, $11.50.
ANGEL OLSEN: Drawling darling
After touring the summer festival circuit, Angel Olsen is back at smaller underground clubs, a change that suits the Missouri-born, Chicago-based songstress’s emotional, twangy voice.
Angel Olsen plays September 26 at the Drake Underground, $13.50.