Toads & Mice/The Receiver/Of Brothers and the Bear @ The Pearl 11.30.07

...upon arriving at the Pearl last evening, it was good to see that a number of people in Daytonia shared our sentiment that it had been a quiet week and that the only solution was to get out and see this fantastic bill...

...despite the advertised start time of 8 pm (seriously, when does any show start when it says it will???), we were fortunate to roll in just before Of Brothers and the Bear began. Having seen these youngsters several times over the last year in a number of settings, we can only conclude that this is most certainly one of the most ambitious, infectious, and overall promising young bands playing in Dayton at the moment. With their sonic scope extending out into Modest Mouse/Broken Social Scene/70s prog territory, but retaining the instantly recognizable pop sensibility of The Strokes, these kids get under your skin and stay there. So much so that we actually had beer spilled on us as one audient attempted to share his enthusiasm for the band....




...as they carted in enough equipment for a band three times their numbers, the duo The Receiver, graciously in from Columbus, only hinted at the ways in which they were to employ modern technology to stunning effect. As the pair launched into their set, performing live on bass and drums to pre-recorded tracks on their laptop, it become apparent to the crowd that The Receiver came to play. Their subdued and understated manner reflected the focus the band shared as they zeroed in on the material, seamlessly locking in with the pre-recorded tracks and still delivering a humanness in their performance. As one incredible melody after another floated by, we were left somewhat stunned...



...as if the evening couldn't improve, in their moment of celebration for the release of their debut, self-titled album, Toads & Mice truly captivated the audience and delivered an impeccable, yet passionate, set. Although the crowd had been somewhat stand-offish earlier in the evening, all pretense and posturing vanished as the band's inescapable pull drew in the crowd close, allowing the band to feed off the enthusiasm and heighten their own excitement in turn. Performing album highlights "Ghengis Kahn" and "Skull", the band demonstrated their ability to flawlessly replicate the complex arrangements with incredible accuracy and still deliver an inspired performance. Having been the first time seeing T&M live, we are thoroughly convinced these guys are the real deal. Truly, this was one of the best shows we've seen this year...




For more photos from the evening, go here...

Toads & Mice CD Release Show w/The Reciever/Of Brothers and the Bear-Tonight @ The Pearl

...yeah, we know it's been a slow week in the 937. So, you're probably ready to get into some action, yes? Well, have we got a treat for you, kids....

...one of our most anticipated releases of the year will be celebrated tonight at The Pearl as Squids Eye Records proudly presents the debut album by Toads & Mice. Although they've laid low on the radar for quite some time, this is their big coming out party. With a batch of songs this good, they can't go unnoticed forever. Drawing on everything from post-punk to post-rock, these gentlemen could be one of the most promising bands to emerge out of the Gem City in quite some time...

...rounding out the bill this evening will be The Receiver from Columbus, sounding somewhere between Minus the Bear and Elliot Smith, and local up-and-comers Of Brothers and the Bear. Get out tonight and make up for a slow week...

The State of Ohio Tonight!

Tonight looks like it's gonna be a good night for shows in this town.....


First, over at the Nite Owl, we have one of my favorite new bands, Of Brothers and the Bear, opening for Nashville band, Redflecks, who are currently out on tour supporting their album, The Story Cannot End.

Redflecks has an electro-indie sound with female vocals. Lots of 80s elements as well that combine for a dense, haunting experience. A more electro version of Magneta Lane.

While Of Brothers and the Bear are a very young band (they're all still in high school, in fact), they have played a number of shows lately with local bands like Toads and Mice and are really coming into their own. The guitar interplay and the inventiveness of their arrangements should really be investigated.

Also on the bill will be OneCoolKid.



Also tonight (seriously, how lucky are we?), over at Jimmie's Cornerstone at Wyoming and Brown Streets, we have a more raucous affair with The Northwest Ordinance, Mystery of Two (from Cleveland), and 'Sit and Dance. Apparently this show was put together very last minute, but something tells me that isn't gonna make it any less fun.

Make your choice kids, and we'll see you out at one of these tonight!