Blackalicious, MSTRKRFT and Dark Tranquility Lead This Week's Can't Miss Concerts

Photo: Kim Jay

BY Branan RanjanathanPublished Jan 15, 2015

With the arrival of the New Year often comes brutally frigid weather. Mother Nature is out to get you for the next few months, so you might as well take some time to rediscover the great indoors by attending one of this week's Can't Miss Concerts from January 15 to 21. Check out this week's highlights below, and don't forget to look at our complete Concert Listings for even more opportunities to battle those winter blues.

Blackalicious

In search of some jaw-dropping old school hip-hop? California rap duo Blackalicious deliver exactly that with Gift of Gab's effortless flow. Although it's been nearly a decade since their last official release, the group has mentioned that a new LP is just around the corner. Catch them dropping their technical rhymes — and maybe a few new tracks — this week on their Canadian tour dates.

01/15/2015 Whistler, BC – Garibaldi Lift Company
01/16/2015 Winnipeg, MB – The Pyramid
01/18/2015 Calgary, AB – Commonwealth Bar & Stage
01/20/2015 Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room

Cracker

Your chance to see both of David Lowery's bands at once has arrived. Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven will hit the Great White North this week. Get your fix of fast-paced folk rock at this week's show and watch them perform '90s hits like Low and newer tracks from their upbeat 2014 release, Berkley to Bakersfield. The show is sure to be just the fix for a dull winter day.

01/15/2015 Toronto, ON – Lee's Palace

Dark Tranquility

Swedish melodic death metal outfit Dark Tranquility have more than a few Canadian dates on their upcoming world tour. Combining dynamic instrumentation and dark, brooding melodies with sinister black metal vocals, the band takes a progressive approach to their craft. The atmosphere is epic and the live guitar work is something to behold. If you appreciate well arranged music, you should be at these shows.

01/17/2015 Winnipeg, MB – West End Cultural Centre
01/18/2015 Saskatoon, SK – Louis' Pub
01/19/2015 Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room
01/20/2015 Calgary, AB – Republik

Hamilton Leithauser

Be sure to check out the laid-back indie pop of the former the Walkmen vocalist Hamilton Leithauser on the Canadian dates of his month-long tour. Blending upbeat melodies and catchy hooks with atmospheric instrumentation, Leithauser's live performance is bound to captivate you. Performing songs off of his 2014 release Black Hours, Leithauser delivers a live show that is definitely worth seeing.

01/20/2015 Toronto, ON – The Drake Hotel
01/21/2015 Montreal, QC – La Salsa Rossa

Moka Only

British Columbia native Moka Only brings his original brand of hip-hop to a number of venues for his Canadian tour this winter. Heartfelt and captivating lyrics that weave a narrative are Moka's forte, which can be found on his most recent release Martian Xmas 2014. This tour is in support of the album, so be prepared to hear plenty of material from it, full of smooth rhymes and catchy R&B-influenced choruses. Find the dates below.

01/16/2015 Red Deer, AB – Slumland Theatre
01/17/2015 Calgary, AB – Overtime Sports Bar
01/18/2015 Edmonton, AB – Draft Bar and Grill

MSTRKRFT

The best way to keep warm this winter is to pump your fist, bang your head and dance your heart out. Lucky for you, MSTRKRFT provide the perfect opportunity on their Canadian tour this winter. The electronic duo are known for their energetic live performances and their show in Victoria this week is sure to prove no different.

01/20/2015 Victoria, BC – Distrikt Nightclub

Don't forget to check out even more of Exclaim!'s Concert Listings

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