Mew Bring Massive Strobe Attack to Chicago

Posted on Dec 8th 2009 12:00PM by Garin Pirnia
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Despite having a new record out, melodic Danish group Mew began their headlining set at Chicago's Metro on Monday with a slew of their most recognizable songs. "Tonight's performance will feature intense strobe lights," read a sign posted in the venue. The blinding lights immediately kicked in on opener 'Chinaberry Tree,' from their US breakthrough record, 'And the Glass Handed Kites,' but quickly became more subdued.

Minimal lighting generated shadows on the band members' faces as stunning visuals featuring animal characters burst to life on dual screens. The band segued into a funked-out version of 'Special' that incited audience clapping and followed it up with 'The Zookeeper Boy,' which featured lead singer Jonas Bjerre's falsetto vocals and giraffes floating across the screen.

Finally it was time to delve into new record with the bass heavy 'Introducing Palace Players,' the island-tinged 'Hawaii' and jazzy 'Repeaterbeater.' "It's amazing to see so many people," the band commented to the packed house. On 'Sometimes Life Isn't Easy,' a video image of a children's choir oddly mouthed their part of the song, since they couldn't be there in person. Mew ended their exhilarating set with hit 'Snow Brigade' accompanied by glacial, mountain images, which coincidentally paralleled the impending winter storm brewing outside.

Two songs into the encore, an animated teddy bear appeared on screen and told the crowd in a semi-demonic voice to not be afraid and other bits of wisdom. Mew ended their 75-minute show on the epic 'Louisa Louisa' from 'Kites.' Warm keys, a snare, jumbled animal images and Bjerre's soaring vocals coalesced into a life-affirming moment that rocked out then quietly faded into the last words, "Stay with me/ don't want to be alone." With that sentiment, the seizure-inducing lights halted and Mew walked offstage again, as they were finally out of stories to tell.