While the Pixies’ Doolittle tour might be the talk of the town, it’s hardly the only option. Start on Thursday, April 28, when emerging haze-blues outfit Mammoth Grove — not to be confused with Lethbridge label Mammoth Cave — debuts tracks from its brand spankin’ new EP at the Distillery. Blue Bones and the blissy crunch-pop of Concrete Hearts round out the bill.

The following night, gear up for Modern Math’s wizard party — a wizard party! — at the Marquee Room. Bolstered by some of the most celebrated names in Calgary’s bass and club communities — DJ Obscene, Piranha Piranha, Donna Dada and Typist — the real prize, here, goes to the attendee with the best pointy hat and white beard getup. Yes, pride is on the line, but so is three months of free cover at Modern Math.

Next, it’s time to let that long-repressed skate-punk out. Indeed, devotees of 15-year-old skate videos will have plenty to talk about when Strung Out and Face to Face land at the Republik on Saturday, April 30. It’s arguable both are ageless and timeless: Few can match Strung Out’s techy prowess or Face to Face’s nuanced 2/2 pop. Elsewhere, Miesha and the Spanks bring the soulful swagger to the HiFi.

Leaping into next week, there’s grindcore for the all-ages set and the boozers alike. Longstanding genre standard Fuck the Facts, led by irrepressible vocalist Mel Mongeon, play with Winnipeg techy post-hardcore monster KEN Mode and sludgy local mainstay Wake. The New Black Centre has the early show; Dickens has the late one. Grind fans — hit both.