New Zealand's own version of the infamous Up in Smoke West Coast hip-hop tour rolls into Dunedin tonight.
Well, sort of anyway.
Auckland's Caroles, fresh off releasing a new album called Momentary Decline, is touring the country with fellow Aucklanders Greenfog, who also have a new album out.
Caroles are powered by amphetamines and Kronic, taking the most angular Modest Mouse riffs, and corrupting them with speed and pop.
Greenfog, on the other hand, keeps things more atmospheric, ushering drones and post-rock towards you at a slowly building pace.
Support comes from Astro Children and the Old Psychiatrists club.
FOUR-YEAR LABOUR
''Four years of procrastination, anger, and occasional hard work'' have just come to fruition for Auckland post-punk trio God Bows to Math, and to celebrate its baby finally being out in the world, it's on tour.
Considered one of the country's best noisy bands musically, the trio (guitarist Martin Phillips, drummer Thomas Morrison and bassist Sam Cussen) are still firmly rooted in punk.
The rhythm section churns and pulls frantically, while Phillips delivers some vocal vitriol from the '80s hardcore lexicon as his guitar bites through.
There's a lot of fury here, and most of it seems to be directed outwardly.
The album's title, Brighter Future, takes a dig at our current governing party, while the futility of praying for something else is highlighted on Ardent Pedestrian and Oppressor vs Oppressor.
Brighter Futures is available on vinyl through Muzai Records or as a free download via godbowstomath.bandcamp.com
NAKEY FUN AND CATCHY
Christchurch's Nakey have been slipping out a series of terrific sleek singles over the past few months, and the foursome makes a visit to Dunedin next week.
The project of Steven Marr, who is probably best known as one half of trip-hop duo Doprah, Nakey draws on Britpop-era layered guitar and the washed-out chill of indie darling Mac DeMarco.
It's fun and catchy as all hell.
The band is currently working towards a self-recorded debut EP under the direction of Marr at Lyttelton's Sitting Room studio.
LEST WE FORGET
New Zealand reggae legend Katchafire is playing two special ''Lest We Forget'' Anzac shows in Otago next weekend.
The band performs at Sammy's and at Loco in Queenstown, before returning north for a timely Down With Winter tour followed by shows in Europe and the US later this year.
Just a reminder, due to Anzac laws, the Dunedin show will be over by midnight, so get there early.
Be there
• Caroles and Greenfog, with Astro Children and Old Psychiatrists Club, tonight, Crown Hotel, $10 on the door from 8pm.
• God Bows to Math, Thundercub, and Beach Wolf, Thursday, April 23, at Chick's Hotel, Port Chalmers, $5 on the door from 8pm.
• Nakey with Kane Strang, and Beach Wolf, Friday, April 24, at Chick's Hotel, $5 on the door from 9pm. The Chick's Hotel Magic Bus leaves Countdown Central at 8.30pm, university library at 8.35pm, returning to town after the show.
• Katchafire with support from Summer Thieves and Kumara Funk DJs, Friday, April 24, Sammy's Dunedin, presales ($24 with a 2015 Onecard or $30 without) from Cosmic Dunedin and eventfinder.co.nz
• Katchafire at Loco, Queenstown, Saturday, April 25.
