Written by Justin Thompson Saturday, 06 July 2013 20:41
It was random and beautiful, and was quite possibly a metaphor for what the band believes in.
Off Broadway, St. Louis
I'd like to start by saying that I think we live in a world where if you're provided an in-house sound man and he isn't a big fan, he isn't going to take the mixing of your live sound very seriously. In fact, if they aren't working for a huge venue, making the big bucks, I usually see them sitting there looking bored out of their minds, playing with their cell phones or computers. It's quite disturbing, and was ever so apparent at the mewithoutYou show in St. Louis.
The show began with a band called Auctioneer, who was highly spirited and fun. I couldn't hear anything sung on a basic level, but the choruses and louder vocal sections were good, and the harmonies were fantastic. I hadn't heard their latest stuff before the show and can definitely say I will be checking it out.
Next to hit the stage was Rocky Votolato. I had listened to his music on Spotify, which featured a full band and vocal harmonies and won me over immediately. However, at this particular performance he was flying solo. He is a very talented acoustic rock songwriter, with a beautiful voice. I hope to see him with a full band in the future, but he really did a great job, and the crowd loved it. No issues with sound for him; I suppose it's easier when it's just one performer on the stage.
As important as it was for me to see them, I expected mewithoutYou to have some sort of "entrance" or "introduction." Instead, they came out just like you or I would, hanging out, tuning their instruments, and getting ready. Aaron Weiss was wandering around a bit, and kept me wondering most of the show what he was up to. During the set, he would wander off to the back and grab something, then he started ripping up pieces of duct tape and placing them on the mic stands. I wasn't sure where he was going with this, but then he slowly started attaching flower bouquets to each one. It was random and beautiful, and was quite possibly a metaphor for what the band believes in. The vibe for the whole evening was peace, togetherness, and, of course, love. It was a welcoming sensation that is rarely found at a rock concert nowadays.
Weiss used two microphones on stage (both of which were far too low in the mix...imagine that!): one of "regular" sound, and the other more low-fi (like an old green bullet microphone). He is a phenomenal performer, who, aside from singing, also played acoustic guitar, accordion, and trumpet. His band mates include brother Michael Weiss on keys/vocals/guitars, incredible drummer Rickie Mazzotta, Greg Jehanian on bass guitar and vocals, and the wonderful Brandon Beaver on guitar. It was hard for me to determine which guitar was playing which melody most of the time (due to my view), so I will just say that they both played flawlessly.
The band performed a good mix from their catalog, and the crowd couldn't have been more excited to be there; in fact, a good portion of them were singing along to every word. The room was filled with joy and intensity, which is a testament to the unique style that MWY brings to the world of music: beautiful experimental rock, with spoken word melodies, singing, and what I call "growling" (somewhere between singing, shouting, and screaming). It's not for everyone, but it is pure genius, and those who love it know it as just that.
If you have never heard mewithoutYou, I highly suggest a listen, and make sure to see them live the next time they come to your city. If, like I am, you are obsessed with great, unique music of any genre, you simply will not be disappointed. The energy alone will get you. Oh, and since I didn't mention it, there is an open potluck with the band members before every show, so bring a dish to share and meet the band and your fellow show-goers (who are all awesome, kind folk). You can check out the potluck invitation video on their website, or follow them on Twitter for announcements and updates. How many bands have you seen connect with their fans this way? | Justin Thompson