Starting May 6, the annual Canadian Music Week festivities descend on the Big Smoke like a plague of guitar-slinging locusts crammed into every decent-sized venue from the Opera House to the Drake Underground. CMW is one of the biggest music festivals in the country with hundreds of bands playing in 60 venues in addition to a conference, comedy series, film as well as a slew of awards shows and industry events.

Historically, CMW has landed in March, but this year it makes the big move to May, one month before that other giant of a music festival, North by Northeast, gets underway. The difference might be that CMW tries to focus on new bands. But, not every band is created equal. Here’s what we’re looking forward to this week.

Le Trouble

This Montreal-based quintet craft some seriously dreamy, melodic indie pop gems. You’ll dance, you’ll smile, and all will be well (May 8, The Hideout, May 9, Handlebar). 

Kongos

One of the buzziest bands at this year’s festival thanks to their catchy hit song “I’m Only Joking,” Kongos is a South African band consisting of four brothers blasting out the indie rock tunes (May 8, 11 p.m., Opera House). 

Current Swell

This West Coast band is on the way up thanks to their new album, Ulysses, which sees their rootsy, surf-rock sound amped up significantly, teetering pleasantly into blues and jam band territory. Always a good time (May 6, 10 p.m., Rivoli).

Jr. Gone Wild

Although the youngsters might not remember this band, fans of '90s indie rock and alt country are well-versed in the twangy sounds of this Prairie band, which has recently reunited. Fans of Wilco and Uncle Tupelo will be pleased (May 8, Horseshoe Tavern, May 9, Dakota Tavern).

Mastodon

A band with few peers, this Atlanta-based hard rock quartet continue to push the boundaries of thrash and metal to dramatic effect. Live, they're a juggernaut of frantic, inspired anarchy (May 10, 6:30 p.m., Sound Academy).

Bobby Bazini

The product of Mont Laurier, Quebec, Bazini is an electric performer, and one of the most promising singer-songwriters in the country. He's a chart topper in Quebec, and it's only a matter of time before he takes over the country. Revival is a great spot to check out this budding superstar (May 9, 10 p.m., Revival).

Neko Case

A gifter singer and songwriter, Case’s latest album, The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You, is her most personal to date and garnered her a well-deserved Grammy Award nomination (May 9, 8 p.m., Massey Hall).