by JOHNSON CUMMINS

This week marks the last time you will be able to light up your coffin nails while out in the pubs, since the smoking ban takes effect this Wednesday. The end of an era is upon us.

The weekend is stacked as per usual, and this Friday, May 26, starts things off with a bang. Down at Barfly, you can check out the psych-rock of Professor Ibrahim, who’ll be playing for free. At Lambi, you can check out Republic of Safety and the World Provider as they launch CDs, with guests Famulous. Also happening Friday is the ambient rock of Black Cannons, Super/Heater and Gossamer Woven Wings at Hémisphère Gauche. Black Cannon have delay pedals and know how to use them. The real treat is their Myspace page, which boasts of them selling a whopping 35 copies of their new CDR, as well as laying down heady statements like “destruction is a form of creation.” Hoochee-wawa! Head down on Friday night and figure out what all the hubbub is about.

The fella or gal who likes to spill the odd tear in their beer should be found at la Sala Rossa on Friday, checking out the United Steel Workers of Montreal with Little Birdie, Lee Mellor with the always amazing Katie Moore and Lil’ Andy. Friday night also marks the first installment of the Weekend in the Pines series down in Griffintown. The fine, furry folks at the Pines have cooked up a great weekend, starting with ex-Lungfish member Daniel Higgs providing jaw harp improvisations with fellow Baltimorians Wzt Hearts and Cian Ethrie. Noiseniks Cousins of Reggae will be there on Saturday night, launching their split vinyl with Mouthus, with Yomul Yuk and Shiny Boots opening.

A Saturday-night must for the rivethead is the power metal of locals Metalian, with Toronto’s Demontage and Maniac. This is an early one so better get down to Saphir at 8 p.m. The Sunday Sinners launch their CD Sweet Jam with BJ Snowden at Lambi on Saturday night, a show that should prove to be bittersweet for the Sinners, as it also marks guitarist Missy’s last hurrah with the band. The Other Thing launch their CD of noisy Moog-isms, as well as play host to Tokyo’s avant-punksters Wanira, on Saturday night at Casa. If you dig the mid-’70s sounds of the Electric Eels and Pere Ubu, you are sure to dig Wanira. Providing the visual stimulation will be Mr. Paul and Ouaniche.

Known for using his voice as a weapon, Monstre has held a ceasefire for a few years now, having not performed under that moniker since 2002, but he’ll be playing Saturday at Zoobizarre with Intercom, Monday Morning Erection and Debbie Wayne. Also, ex-Thrush Hermit Joel Plaskett will be playing with 2 Hours Traffic at the Main Hall.

Finally, one of the most hyped bands as of late who actually deserve the praise, Wolfmother, play on Tuesday night at le National with Psychic Ills.

WHAT’S WITH THE WOLF THING? jonathan.cummins@gmail.com

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