Black Pistol Fire/Samfox/Brave Bones

What makes two Canadian boys sing the blues? It wasn’t long before Toronto natives Kevin McKeown and Eric Owen learned that their grisly rock ‘n roll wasn’t quite as universal as Drake’s rap. Seeking some southern hospitality (and a sonically-similar scene), the duo moved their band, Black Pistol Fire, to Austin, Texas, where they caught the ears of critics like Consequence of Sound and NPR Music. The two prove the exponential power of amplifiers, making as much of a ruckus as any four-piece complimented by a performance that can only be described as acrobatic and volatile. They’ll take the stage at the Grog Shop this week in support of their fourth album, 2015’s Don’t Wake the Riot. (Bethany Kaufman)