Justin Harris (vocals, guitar, bass, and baritone saxophone) and Danny Siem (vocals, drums) make up the core of Menomena, but they do occasionally utilize more members in order to play their music live. Their music is made up of a lot of layers of vocals, keyboards, guitars, and pretty much whatever they can get their hands on. A strong passion for their music comes through in their performance as they pour out everything they have to offer.

This marked the second time that Menomena has played at The Mill. Even though it has been a couple years they remembered and were fond of the venue. However, the venue fought back by having a faulty electrical socket create and impromptu five to ten minute intermission. Eventually, Harris pronounced an amplifier as “dead” which led to a replacement from the opening band, The Olympics.

The Olympics may sound familiar considering they are based right here in Iowa City. They also opened for Manchester Orchestra in November. Plus, they will be performing at the upcoming Mission Creek Festival.

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On Friday November 9, SCOPE Productions brought Manchester Orchestra to the IMU Ballroom. The two indie band openers from Iowa City, Huge Lewis, and The Olympics, were a hoot. There was intense hair-whipping, guitar solos on the floor, and a multitude of interesting sound techniques. The Olympics’ keyboardist, Trevor Polk, was almost entertainment enough, occasionally sticking his tongue out or pulling his shirt over his head.

Manchester Orchestra began their show with little self-introduction, just rock music, instantly creating a paradise for head-bangers and moshers; though, shortly into the show, lead singer Andy Hull said, “No fights this show, guys.” Fortunately, there were none. Halfway through, Hull played a new song called “Bane”, during which he spent about five lines impersonating the villain from The Dark Knight Rises. It was a favorite with the surprised audience.

The show was oddly calmed by Hull’s hypnotic voice. The set ended with the song “The River.” Hull rendered the entire ballroom completely silent as he sang certain lines such as, “I’m gonna leave you the first chance I get,” over and over again. And then they did, much to the displeasure of the audience, who shouted, “One more song!” Thankfully, Manchester Orchestra came back on and played a few more, officially ending with “Shake it Out” and “100 Dollars.”

Manchester Orchestra was formed in 2004. The members include Andy Hull (vocals/guitar), Jonathan Corley (bass), Robert McDowell (guitar), Chris Freeman (keyboard), and Tim Very (drums). The band is based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Their most recent album Simple Math came out in May 2011.

The post Show Review: SCOPE Presents Manchester Orchestra, The Olympics & Huge Lewis — 11/9/12 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

KRUI had a triple-decker in-studio with members of Minnesota-based bands The Half Hearts and Zoo Animal, as well as locals The Olympics on Friday March 9, 2012. They talked about touring, Iowa City ties, upcoming projects, and more.

Listen to the Half Hearts, Zoo Animal, & The Olympics In-Studio Here:

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