Menomena’s show at the Casbah a few months ago was one of the best that I’ve been to this year, hands down. The crowd loved them, they loved the crowd, and their music just kicks ass completely. I said in my review of their show that they remind me somewhat of a jazz band, not so much in the structure of their songs, but in their style and the utter musicianship on display. I still hold that view, and their Daytrotter sessions are a perfect showcase for their free-form, flowing pop music. The rhythm intentionally stutters then picks right up again, due to Danny Seim’s impeccable drumming. Simple piano lines dissolve into swirls of electric guitar and drums, without swallowing up the vocal melodies and harmonies that are perfectly placed overtop.

Go pick up “Weird,” “Rotten Hell,” and “The Pelican,” all from Friend and Foe now, and read Daytrotter’s excellent review while you’re at it.