Show Review

Denmark's MEW were a seemingly tiny band I randomnly stumbled across awhile back, but have been receiving significant critical claim here in the states as of late. They combine insanely high vocal ranges and ambient, melodic guitar soundscapes with beautiful dynamics to form a sound that is truly their own. I’d heard a lot about their live show from various music blogs and friends alike, and was insanely excited to finally see them—knowing it was truly a rare occasion for the band to travel the states.

The Gothic Theatre was, by all means, barren at the start of the evening—and the openers less than appalling—but by the time Mew went on, there was a crowd of older, mature adults readying themselves for what would be an epic performance. I’ve seen several bands lately (Circa Survive, for one) doctoring their stage up with a video screen backdrop, but Mew’s was anything but a stage prop. The screen depicted an array of oddities, matching the band’s peculiar nature—and seemed to be perfectly synchronized with their set. Notably, for example, as the band played their latest single “The Zookeeper’s Boy,” the music video played and a swarm of strange looking creatures (animals with the band members heads on them) began singing along as the band performed. Even stranger were images of crying babies, dark landscapes, and empty roads, all synchronized, it seemed, with the songs that were being played. I also heard that this video display changes every night, which made it that much more impressive.

It didn’t stop there though—as the band played songs spanning mostly their latest two releases (“Frengers” and “And The Glass Handed Kites”) their singer’s range was absolutely incredible. He hit every glass-splitting note with ease, and the band’s professionalism was displayed with clear, concise guitar, drum, bass, and finally keyboard work. They didn’t say much while they were on stage, due to their less-than-perfect English, but I was beyond entertained by this band.

If you have a chance, be sure to see this band play what will likely be the most mesmerizing set you’ve seen in ages—I know I wasn’t anything but amazed.

review by Andrew Martin