by JOHNSON CUMMINS

A lot of hootenannies for the concert geek coming, so I'll put a sock in my usual blubbering until next week and get right down to it. This Friday, indie-rock cool chick Holly Golightly comes through town, but what will really make this a solid bill is locals the Sunday Sinners. While I was putzing around in Sonik (Montreal's coolest record store, for all of your rock 'n' roll needs), The Sunday Sinners' EP started playing and I was knocked on my ass. These saucy ladies possess the R&B swagger of the Reigning Sound and Detroit Cobras, but with the tough sweetness of early Wanda Jackson. Get the EP before it sells out at Sonik and other purveyors of coolness.

On Saturday, Casa del Popolo plays host to the dirty, greasy gutter rock of Ottawa's Sick Fits. They're young, loud and snotty like Johnny Thunders - if he'd replaced the China white with Labatt Blue. Check out www.sickfits.com to sample some tunes off of their new EP. Also on the bill will be the Midnight Tramp from Chicoutimi Rock City and ex-Hacksaw members from the T-Dot, Brutal Knights. Excessive beer swilling and nonsensical screaming will be mandatory.

Bluegrass Sundays has been a mainstay at the Barf... um, Barfly for years. If you've ever been to one of these shindigs, hosted by Mark Peetsma and Matt Large, you know it's a real hoot, with some of the best pickers and singers Montreal has to offer. Marvel at Tennessee John's Hasil Adkins-style warbling and utter disregard for timing, while being driven to tears by Large's timber-shaking baritone. If you're down with the Wheel Club's country nights but can't make the trip out to NDG, this is the next best thing.

On Tuesday at the Main Hall, indie heartthrobs We Are Wolves fill the middle slot between headliners Datarock and openers Statue Park. We Are Wolves have been wowing local audiences with their minimalist Suicide/Six Finger Satellite sound and, if recent shows are any indication, are proving to be one of the more exciting bands in the already overcrowded synth-rock/new-wave/angular-haircut genre.

The big ticket this week is the return of the almighty Isis. Easily one of the best shows I have seen in years, Isis prove to be one of the most challenging listens on record but just brutally punishing live. Anybody who saw them with Rye Coalition last year will attest that this week's show, at El Salon, is a definite must-not-miss.

Next week I'll be talking to André Guerette, ex-One Candle Power member and half-director of the DIY venue Electric Tractor, about grooming tips, his wants and desires as a man and helpful household hints on stain removal - so tune in next time.

Got a show coming up? Let me know jonathan.cummins@gmail.com

>> Music Listings