TheDrake Undergroundhas stepped up their programming recently, bringing more up-and-coming bands to their subterranean cabaret room. Case in point: this week's double bill ofDub Thompsonand Montreal's current band-of-curious-intrigue, art-rockersOught.

Don't let the "dub" in Dub Thompson fool you - this isn'tKing Tubbyor Lee "Scratch" Perry - but that's not to say the name isn't warranted. It's hard to put a label on Dub Thompson's sound since - like their9 songsdebut album - it's too varied to pinned down. What keeps everything in line is a groove that emulates the steady beat associated with dub, but never fully gets there thanks to noise-rock elements, hidden hooks, and fuzzed-out vocals. This mix held everyone rapt for the entire set.

It was only a matter of time before rising Ought made it back to town with a headlining show of their own, hot on the heels of their firstConstellation Recordsrelease. For familiar label rather than the band (Montreal-based home ofGodspeed! You Black Emperor, Do Make Say Think, The Silver Mt. Zion, Sandro Perri, Colin Stetson, and more), Ought don't sound like a "Constellation" band.

Immediately you're hit with comparisons toTim BeelerandDavid Byrne: the high tone of his voice paired with the spoken delivery of songs - it's all there minus the theatrics, landing closer toTelevisionthan Talking Heads.

However, their chaotic sound is all their own. The lyrics may be driven home by shouting and repetition, like the refrain of "Wanted! Wanted!" during "(Are You) Gemini", with the band landing every hit in time, but by the end it doesn't seem like filler. Much like opener Dub Thompson, there's something really compelling about their live show that's tough to put your finger on, but will have you checking listings to see when you can take another stab at figuring it out.

Toronto fans won't have to wait long for their next chance to solve Ought's sonic riddle - they'll be back to playSilver Dollar on July 25thwith Freelove Fenner and Blonde Elvis. In the meantime, pick upMore Than Any Other Dayand listen on repeat.

Matt Forsythe