car crasher

Imagine you are standing on a cliff, waves crashing endlessly below you as the oppressive gray sky bears down and rain soaks you to the bone. This is generally what it is like to listen to Mogwai. This is generally not the case on their latest record, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. Make no mistake – Mogwai is still the same Glaswegian band we know and love, but this time around there’s a hint of sunlight behind the clouds.

Several songs on HWNDBYW call to mind other artists, but only in serving to highlight how Mogwai has influenced their sound as opposed to the other way around. Minus the Bear has “San Pedro” and M83 has “Death Rays”, one of the album’s better tracks. Also of note is “Rano Pano” – the ultra-crunchy guitar and repeated ascending melody are well-fit to score Donnie Darko should an alternate music cut ever be needed.

Expansive, ambient, and strong, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. augments the typical rock-instrument roll call with strings, organ, piano, and electronic pops and clicks to build itself above the breakers.

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Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. drops 02.15.11.
Tour dates, videos, and more at their Sub Pop artist page.
Download “San Pedro” and “Rano Pano“.

we raced up just to slow down

The first show we decided to sponsor ended up being a bit of a disaster, but all was not lost. On April 17, 2008 at Club 770 in Madison, WI, we were planning on having a wonderful live event featuring Minus the

Bear, Portugal. The Man, The Big Sleep, and The Felix Culpa. Unfortunately, the promoter cut The Felix Culpa from the bill the day before the show, and Portugal. The Man’s van broke down in Chicago on their way to the venue. This led to pushing back doors and starting the show at 9:30 instead of the advertised 8 PM. This also led to many disappointed kids who had come from far and wide (some driving five hours) not getting to see the concert they paid for. Alas, the show did go on.

Kicking things off was The Big Sleep, a name surprisingly apt for the act. There was nothing particularly original or moving about the music, often just coming off as an amalgam of overused hooks and unfocused psychedelia.

Minus the Bear got off to a bit of a rocky start when a fight broke out in front of the stage, but the bassist and vocalist jumped offstage and escorted the offending party outside. The rest of the set went reasonably well, save a few minor technical difficulties. In any case, the crowd enjoyed the set, and playing “…Crisco Twister” was enough to make M|H happy. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us! We hope to bring you more shows in the future.

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SET LIST: Knights, Memphis & 53rd, Thanks For The Killer Game of Crisco Twister, Double Vision Quest, White Mystery, I’m Totally Not Down With Rob’s Alien, We Are Not A Football Team, Dr. L’Ling, Part 2, Throwin’ Shapes, The Fix, Lemurs, Man, Lemurs, Pachuca Sunrise, Ice Monster, Fulfill the Dream, Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse

don’t forget

Hey Midwest friends! Don’t forget to stop by Club 770 in Madison, WI this Thursday for our first show.

Minus the Bear, Portugal. The Man, The Big Sleep, and The Felix Culpa will all be there.

April 17, 2008 – 8 PM
Club 770 @ Union South
227 N. Randall Avenue
Madison, WI

Tickets available at the UW Box Office
Students: $16 advance, $18 DOS
Non-students: $17 advance, $19 DOS

Order tickets:
https://www.choicesecure01.net/mainapp/eventschedule.aspx?Clientid=UnivMadWisconsin
or
608.262.2201

For more information on the artists:
http://www.myspace.com/minusthebear
http://www.myspace.com/portugaltheman
http://www.myspace.com/sonofthetiger
http://www.myspace.com/thefelixculpa

For more info on our co-sponsors, the Wisconsin Union Directorate Music Committee, click here.