Sat, May 22, La Fin du Monde

Chico’s La Fin du Monde refers to itself as a “collective.” It could come off as a bit pretentious if it didn’t make sense. The instrumental five-piece makes decent use of two bassists, but the guitars are the center of attention—noodly and intertwining until they build to that always-looming epic crescendo. The band just released the aptly titled Monolith, an album that’s bigger, nastier and more grandiose. Staying interested in instrumental music can be difficult—La Fin du Monde makes sure you’re paying attention with what amounts to a musical punch to the face. 1400 Alhambra Boulevard, www.myspace.com/lafindumondeband.