1. Skepta
Don’t miss Skepta’s second-ever Toronto show. The London grime star’s fifth album, Konnichiwa, is slated for a May 6 release, so we’ll be hearing the freshest of fresh material. The rapper born swung through the Hoxton last August, so his CMW gig at the much larger Danforth Music Hall proves how much he’s blown up outside of Britain in a mere nine months.
At the Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth), Friday, May 6, 10 pm. $26.50. cmw.net
2. NAO
East London pop-R&B singer NAO plays her first show in Toronto, and we’re pumped to hear her high, youthful vocals (though she can also go surprisingly low, too) ring out through the Mod Club. Her electronic-driven music’s got a buoyant, spacious vibe that avoids dense layers of tracks and is an excellent soundtrack for ushering in warmer temps.
At the Mod Club (722 College), Friday, May 6, 8 pm. $16.50. cmw.net
3. Fat White Family
London’s Fat White Family sing about sex and addiction and fascism and general darkness, and, on new album Songs For Our Mothers, set it all to anxious electronics and guitars that land them somewhere between Suicide and the Velvet Underground. They’re on tour with local grunge-pop heroes Dilly Dally right now, and play together at their second CMW show on Saturday at Lee’s Palace.
At Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor West), Friday, May 6, midnight. $15. And at Velvet Underground (510 Queen West), Saturday, May 7, midnight. $10. cmw.net
4. Mura Masa
Alexander Crossan, aka Mura Masa, grew up on the small island of Guernsey near the coast of Normandy, playing in punk and hardcore bands. But it’s the 20-year-old electronic musician’s spliced-up, hip-hoppy, danceable productions that are putting him on a much larger map. (Co-signs from Skrillex and Diplo also help.) His track Lovesick hit number one on U.S. and UK Spotify viral charts, and now it’s -Canada’s turn to catch on.
At the Mod Club (722 College), Friday, May 6, 8 pm. $16.50. cmw.net
5. Låpsley
You may have caught Liverpool’s Låpsley at the Drake Hotel last May, but her Mod Club show should be a different beast. Besides the bigger stage and production, the electronic musician brings along her newly released debut album, Long Way Home, which in our 4N review we applauded for its experimental soundscapes, moody atmosphere and Låpsley’s voice – one part Adele, one part Amy Winehouse, the rest all her own. There’s also a Mura Masa collab on it, so here’s hoping he drops by for a cameo.
At the Mod Club (722 College), Tuesday (May 3), 8:30 pm. $20. ticketmaster.ca.
Non-Brits have made our hit list, too, and here are a few you can only catch during the festival’s first few days:
1. Bob Mould
Last month’s Patch The Sky record finds 55-year-old Bob Mould, he of Hüsker Dü and Sugar fame, in a darker mood. It’s about time passing and relationships ending, but the music is still like a shot in the arm.
With Fake Palms at the Horseshoe (370 Queen West), Tuesday and Wednesday (May 3 and 4), 8:30 pm. $29.50. ticketfly.com
2. Mutoid Man
One of the most exciting bands we’ve heard in a while, Mutoid Man includes bonkers drummer Ben Koller from Converge (and formerly Cave In), plus Cave In’s Stephen Brodsky and sound engineer Nick Cageao. It’s unforgiving metalcore with proggy surprises and dazzling musicianship. Triumphant Baroness headline.
At the Opera House (735 Queen East), Tuesday (May 3), doors 8 pm. $25. ticketfly.com
3. Partner
Sackville, New Brunswick, alt rock duo Partner play three times during CMW, and we’re partial to the first show, which includes super-fun Montreal pop-punks Pale Lips, Girls Rock Camp alumnae Pins & Needles and Toronto’s buzzy PONY.
At the Silver Dollar (486 Spadina), Wednesday to Friday (May 4-6). $10 or CMW wristband. cmw.net
4. Wintersleep
The kings of pop-infused space rock have topped themselves on sixth record The Great Detachment, our album of the week back in March.
At the Phoenix (410 Sherbourne), Wednesday (May 4), 10:20 pm, $31.50 and the Horseshoe (370 Queen West), Friday, May 6, 11 pm, $25. cmw.net.
5. Remix Project
The youth-and-art-focused non-profit that gives a hand up to Toronto’s under-served communities celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, so start the party at this free showcase featuring Adria Kain, Leila Dey, DJ hustleGRL, JellyTooFly and DJ Killa Kels.
At the Rivoli (334 Queen West), Tuesday (May 3), doors 8:30 pm. Free. cmw.net.
