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Menomena, the Portland, OR, based experimental rock trio, released their Barsuk debut in early 2007. For those not yet in the know: Danny Seim, Justin Harris, and Brent Knopf perform, sing, arrange, create, and destroy Menomena songs. They've released two previous albums on the excellent Portland indie label Film Guerrero: i am the fun blame monster (which garnered a rare 8.7 rating from Pitchfork and inspired them to say: "Menomena are a hugely creative band, and they've managed to make an album that's extremely accessible yet entirely unconventional"), and under an hour, which consists of three lengthy instrumental compositions and is the soundtrack to a modern dance performance choreographed by a friend. They're not like other bands.
Their most recent release, friend and foe, (which features riveting cover art by cult artist and Blankets author Craig Thompson) returns to the more pop-influenced stylings of fun blame monster, shining Northwest indie songcraft through a Chicago post-rock lens, illuminating the quiet recesses with an unpredictable, experimental light. We don’t know much more about Menomena, except that we’re honored to be working with such mysterious and creative individuals, and we can’t wait to hear what they come up with next.
 Daytrotter has an exclusive video of Menomena, singing the song rotten hell from friend and foe, while being attacked by various munchkin-y monsters (including a menacing pink princess) with a deadly assault of silly string. Watch it here.
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Late last year, Menomena performed their song rotten hell on a rooftop in Brooklyn for the Village Voice blog Possibly 4th Street. You can watch the video, and read the interview of Menomena's Brent Knopf, online here — it's quite a treat. |
On Saturday, April 19, independent music stores across the country will be taking part in the first annual Record Store Day, celebrating those wonderful and unique places where music fans can find satisfaction. Several of Barsuk's artists will be taking part in this event — be sure to check out your local record store to find out what events they have planned.
Here's where you can find our bands:
- Aqueduct performance at Sonic Boom (Ballard) in Seattle, WA at 4pm
- Mates of State performance at Newbury Comics (on Newbury Street) in Boston, MA at noon
- Menomena foosball tournament at Jackpot Records (SW 9th) in Portland, OR from 1pm to 3pm — anyone who beats the band members at foosball will have their name put into a hat; at the end of the tournament, one lucky winner will win a special gift. The band will also be DJ'ing during the event.
- Nada Surf performance at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ 2:30pm
- John Roderick (The Long Winters) DJ set at Sonic Boom (Capitol Hill) in Seattle, WA at 3pm
- Jesse Sykes performance at Easy Street (Queen Anne) in Seattle, WA at 5pm
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As the Best of the Year lists come in (check out ours here), two Barsuk albums from 2007 are being recognized for their greatness. John Vanderslice's emerald city and Menomena's friend and foe are on the list of nominations for NPR's Year's Best Music (be sure to vote!), and the Grammy Foundation has nominated Menomena's album for Best Recording Package (for the awesomely-executed design by graphic novelist Craig Thompson). Congratulations to all!
JUST IN: Speaking of the phenomenal packaging for friend and foe, check out this article (with lots of cool pictures) on website Sleevage.com. |
Earlier this year, Menomena did an in-store performance at Amoeba's San Francisco store. Visit the Amoeba website to watch a band interview and clips from the performance. |
A very cool remix of the Menomena song weird is up now on the band's MySpace page. Check it out now, or watch one of several videos posted on this page as well. |
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Menomena are: Justin Harris, Brent Knopf and Danny Seim |
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friend and foe ecard
