Here we go again. NXNE starts this Monday, June 10 in Toronto. After sifting through numerous bands listed on the NXNE site (there are over 1000 musicians performing) and my own personal collection here are my top five suggestions. Mostly Toronto based, we’ve also got a little side of Mexico, a dash of Montreal and some west coast love.
The BB Guns
Saturday, June 15 @ 9pm, Lee’s Palace
Toronto based riot girl-esk The BB Guns are one of my favourite bands in the city right now. (And I’m not alone in this statement.) Fast, fun with a side of indie dance rock. The BB Guns are a must see for NXNE. Grab a Mill Street Organic and rock out.
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Los Oxidados
Wednesday, June 12 @ 1am, The Hideout
Saturday, June 15 @ 11pm, Cherry Cola
Los Oxidados are Mexican surf rockers whose music feels like it should have been included on the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack. They even wear Zorro-like masks. No lyrics just straight up instrumental. Take a whiskey on the rocks or a gin martini with lots of olives, and then twist and turn baby. Twist and turn.
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Moon King
Friday, June 14 @ 11pm, Wrongbar
Toronto based Moon King reminds me of a mix between The Cure and a chocolate sundae with lots of sprinkles. Their dark base is consistent but their music is layered with sweet dreamy feelings and bursts of sweet dance, and colour. Goes good with a vodka soda and three limes.
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Young Lungs
Saturday, June 15 @ 12am, May
Montreal based Young Lungs are no wave indie post punk with some surf and power pop influence. They’re a Converse wearing, no shower, dark basement with red lighting type of band. There may be blood. Straight dirty cheap beer drinking for this show. Pabst is probably your best choice.
SATURNS
Wednesday, June 12 @ 1am, Rivoli
Saturday, June 15 @ 1am, Sidedoor
Toronto based SATURNS make futuristic, space-like sounds from broken synthesizers and dysfunctional laptops. (That’s how they made their EP). It’s the kind of music that makes your shoulders and body sway from front and back while making a duck face. Unpredictable lyrics and consistent beats. Gin is the perfect partner in crime for this band.
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Other bands to see: Ca.iro, Nightmare Air, Miesha & The Sparks, Sex with Strangers, Our Friend & The Spiders and South of France.
Check out the full schedule and download the NXNE App to help easily guide you from show to show. Awesome. Well, see you around town. Follow me on Twitter for inside show deets and Instagram (@doublecass) for random, ridiculous photos
