Supported By Blacklevel Embassy. Abrasive, wild and fiercely independent, minimalist punk provocateurs Shellac descend on Melbourne for a rare live appearance.

Built on sparse and furious guitar work, heavy circular rhythms, urgent time signatures and corrosively satirical or absurd lyrics, Shellac reduce rock to its most primal form - a blaze of pure, raw energy. Comprised of Bob Weston, Todd Trainer and Steve Albini (studio engineer to the Pixies, Nirvana and countless other bands), this influential Chicago trio have been turning out their uncompromising brand of angular rock since their formation two decades ago.

Their memorable live gigs are a law unto themselves, famed for acerbic mid-set Q&A sessions, perverse humour and barely controlled chaos. Returning to Australia for the first time since their unforgettable 1993 tour with Fugazi, Shellac stage two exclusive Melbourne Festival shows, presenting a rare chance to witness a seminal band in action.

On Saturday Blacklevel Embassy join the line-up. Blending blistering power chords with angular art-punk riffs, this Melbourne-based trio serve up a bracing set of raucous, visceral rock.