Shooting Guns
Saskatoon’s all-instrumental Shooting Guns make cosmically textured, anvil-heavy psych metal. Hawkwindian riffs, Neu-style groove and Prairie-sky spaciness add up to deliriously hypnotic doom. Their 2011 full-length, Born To Deal In Magic, made last year’s Polaris Prize long list ballot, and they’ve released two split 7-inches since.
Friday, June 14, 10 pm, the Hideout, NXNE wristband or $15.
WTCHS
For a punkier take on heavy, give Hamilton’s WTCHS a try. The lo-fi “cave pop” band’s new split 7-inch – with the stunningly creepy Thoughts on Air (sadly not playing the fest) – is an unholy racket of smashing cymbals, distorted melodic vocals (with female backups), screaming feedback and post-punk angles. A sweet preview to their full-length – out this fall.
Thursday, June 13, 2 am, Gladstone Ballroom, NXNE wristband or $15.
Miesha & the Spanks
Miesha Louie’s got the defiant attitude and growly vocals of Joan Jett, and with Stuart Bota on drums she pumps out hard-hitting swaggerific rock ‘n’ roll. The Calgary duo’s album Girls, Like Wolves, out in July, was recorded by local riffmeister Ian Blurton. His new band, Public Animal (described as a cross between Uriah Heap, Cheap Trick and Status Quo), is also on the Bovine bill.
Thursday, June 13, 12:30 am, the Rivoli Friday, June 14, 10 pm, Bovine Sex Club, both shows NXNE wristband or $12.
Waxy
It doesn’t get much more desert rock than Waxy, who are actually from the desert (Palm Springs) and everything. Think beat-up amps, beards and boots. The stoner-rock six-piece delivers loud, slow riffs and classic psychedelia infused with notable bluesy soulfulness thanks largely to singer Robbie Owen.
Thursday, June 13, 11 pm, Bovine Sex Club Saturday, June 15, midnight, Cherry Cola’s, both shows NXNE wristband or $12.
CROSSS
See preview.
Wednesday, June 12, 11:15 pm, the Boat, NXNE wristband or $10.
carlag@nowtoronto.com | @carlagillis