Eric's Indie Concert Review Page

After finding out that MENOMENA's Bowery Ballroom show was sold out, I was relieved to find out that they were also playing in Philly.  It's been two years since they've surprised me and my wife at their MERCURY LOUNGE SHOW from 2005, and Menomena is now touring again in support of their recently released album "Friend and Foe".  

JOHNNY BRENDA's is a real quaint and cozy venue that is tucked away along the outskirts of Philly, and it might be the nicest (and cleanest!) small rock club I've been to. The downstairs area serves as the main bar and restaurant, and the small and warmly lit stage area is upstairs. There's also a balcony area where we decided to stay. The balcony is open to everyone, and it doesn't even serve as a VIP/guest list area. And although the show was sold out, there was plenty of space to move around in the very laid back crowd.

Menomena sounded great live, and the absence of UK's FIELD MUSIC that night might have turned out to be a blessing for Menomena fans, as they played a lengthy set and performed most (if not all) of Friend or Foe as well as some crowd favorites from Fun Blame Monster. Friend or Foe has really grown on me through time. At first the album just seems like tongue in cheek fun to listento, but it rewards the listener as the songs on the album encompasses a complex variety of styles and genres, no small feat for a 3 person band. One song on the album, Pelican, even channels Ozzy with its vocal delivery. The rest of the album infuses indie rock with jazzy saxophone and expertly played piano harmonies. It was very cool to see their live shows as each band member would often switch between different instruments during the course of a song.

The best part about Menomena's music is that it is catchy and is easily accessible, yet remaining completely unique. And as I have said before about the band, Menomena is what GOOD indie rock is all about.

I'll be uploading some videos of Menomena from their show on Youtube, and  posting pics of openers Land of Talk as well...Stay tuned!

Currently listening : The Postmarks By The Postmarks Release date: By 06 February, 2007

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