225BatonRouge.com

“Aside from the delightful way the word unfolds from your mouth and the ease with which this trio of pretty faces rests in your dilated pupils, Menomena is foremost a relief, like some kind of audile aloe vera for the supercilious sunburns left by the whine of Death Cab and The Decemberists. In opposition to its indie peers, Menomena seems to dig right into the meat of its muse and makes no attempt to excuse the rambunctious sound or simple lyricism with sweet afterthoughts. There is something there that is immature and honest, without pretense, but still thoughtful. The music is simultaneously experimental and soulful without complicating itself. And above all, when asked by an ever-faithful fan (at their performance in Austin last June), the band agreed that jet packs are, indeed, a better investment for scientific grants than hover boards. That’s all I needed. That’s all anyone should need.” menomena.com.