Mew

The fourth release from Danish alt-pop stars Mew seems ripe for success in an American market currently embracing Coldplay/Keane epics and its indie flipside of slacker lullabies by the Shins and Rogue Wave. Mew and the Glass Handed Kites opener "Circuitry of the Wolf" comes churning out with stuttered strums, spook5y piano, and choral vocals that float into "Chinaberry Tree." From there the disc really takes flight into comely cloud-riding orchestral candy that can get too sticky in places, even as the band attempts to temper the histrionics. J Mascis' gravely voice tumbles into "Why Are You Looking Grave" and "An Envoy to the Open Fields," offering a brief gruff counterpoint for all the ethereal grandiosity. And Mew smartly keeps the sweeping synths to a minimum, making them effective against the clangy chord progressions. When the Danes hit the right altitude ("Apocalypso"), you're almost convinced living in a cumulus would be the shit.

Details

Friday, August 4

6:30 p.m.

Admission is $35

www.apeconcerts.com

the Greek Theater

Related Content

• Dinosaur Jr.: Show Preview
  December 14, 2011
• A Cold-Stricken J Mascis Talks About Dinosaur Jr. Playing Loud, SF Hippies, and the Relative Inferiority of Bug
  December 13, 2011
• Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto: A First Listen
  November 7, 2011
• Sizzle & Fizzle: Highs and Lows from the Last Week in S.F. Music
  November 2, 2011
• Pirouetting After Midnight
  September 28, 2011

More About

• The Shins
• Coldplay
• J Mascis
• Cocteau Twins
• Rogue Wave (Musical Group)

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

As Mew goes sailing up and over storm fronts of angelic harmonies and rolling drums, the album strikes a balance between Cocteau Twins swirl, Air-airing, and current swells from the Doves — i.e., a very Euro sound, hence probably too unwinkingly pure of syrupy heart to grab hold on Yankee radio format. But bliss like this has a more than comfortable airspace on the Internet. And should your car commercial need a new soundtrack ...