Power up with outsider anthems from Winnipeg duo

MOBINA GALORE When: July 21

Where: Amigos

What: Feeling Disconnected? That’s what prompted Winnipeg two-piece Mobina Galore to create their album of that name. The record was fuelled by an intense feeling of detachment ... Whether it’s struggling to remain close with friends and family while on tour, living in an often overlooked city, or being women in an often male-dominated scene, Mobina Galore channel these challenges into their music, creating a volatile set of outsider anthems that perfectly balance the raw power of later ’90s grunge and the tunefulness of West Coast punk. It makes me happy when people turn negativity into productivity. The duo of vocalist/guitarist Jenna Priestner and drummer Marcia Hanson have been busy in 2017 as a result of the release, touring with the likes of Against Me! and Milk Teeth, and playing festivals like Groezrock and Punk Rock Bowling. The also added a Western Canadian Music Award nomination to their resume. DARSOMBRA When: July 22

Where: Amigos

What: And now for something completely different. Baltimore duo Darsombra is coming to town. This looks like a trippy one, guys. Just check out the video for the song From Insects ... To Aliens (The Worms Turn). It’s more than 20 minutes long and features some pretty psychedelic visuals and unexpected instruments (a gong!). The group — made up of Brian Daniloski and Ann Everton — calls itself an “immersive audio-visual rock ’n’ roll experience” and they’re on the road promoting their album Polyvision. In addition to making sounds, the band also creates all of its own art and videos. FIGURE WALKING When: July 26

Where: Vangelis

What: My mom says I’m a deep thinker. She’s probably right. The other day I asked my husband if he thinks our dog remembers life as a stray and if he misses the freedom and the delicious garbage. Speaking of deep thinkers, I think that might also hold true for Winnipeg band Figure Walking. The group (made up of Greg MacPherson and Rob Gardiner), released an album called The Big Other (which was longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize). In the song Funeral, gang vocals cry out: “Let’s just try to celebrate, dance until this all makes sense.” That might just be the only solution to these troubling times, so why not use Figure Walking’s guitar and dance beats as a soundtrack. Other shows in Saskatoon this week: Megan Nash, July 21 at Capitol Music Club, Ed Sheeran, July 23 at SaskTel Centre.