Concert Review: Menomena

Menomena. Friday, June 22, at the Bottleneck

By Richard Gintowt

It’s been awhile since I got really excited about a show. Maybe it’s just bad luck, but most of the bands I’ve been digging lately — Field Music, Crystal Skulls, Chromeo, Mice Parade, Rotary Downs, Voxtrot — haven’t ventured anywhere near the area. That’s not to slight the fine folks bringing shows to Kansas City and Lawrence, but more and more it seems exceptional when I get amped up for a national act like Menomona.

Needless to say, I had high expectations for the Seattle band’s show at the Bottleneck on Friday night. I’ve been digging the band’s latest LP Friend and Foe, which reminds me of what Captain Beefheart would sound like if I actually liked Captain Beefheart. I was eager to see how the band’s many nuances would translate live, and the multi-tasking trio proved to be up to the challenge.

Menomena wouldn’t refuse a doggy a sandwich, nor Lawrence a good show. Photo by Pavlina.