Menomena Brings the House Down at Casbah

Portland's Menomena maneuvered through their musical minefield to a capacity crowd at Casbah. Supported by Tu Fawning and Suckers, the trio of multi-instrumentalists/vocalists highlighted material from their acclaimed 2010 release Mines.

Band members Danny Seim (drums), Justin Harris (guitar/bass/sax), and Brent Knopf (keyboards/synth/guitar) split vocal duties, each lending a unique voice to their labyrinthine indie rock. Aided by touring guitarist and fellow Portlander Joe Haege, Menomena was able to translate the mathematical meticulousness and depth of their studio recordings onstage.

Menomena’s palette of acute fretwork, sonorous brass, and pulsing percussion paint a beautiful, if melancholic musical mosaic. Opening the set with “Tithe,” Seim bares his soul: "Spending the best years of a childhood horizontal on the floor, like a bobsled without the teamwork or televised support...and nothing sounds appealing." Collective sighs follow. At the end of the set, just as the rabbit's hole threatens to collapse, the lights come on and we shuffle to the door, our hearts a little heavier.

• Concert: Menomena
• Date: September 17
• Venue: Casbah
• Seats: GA