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Concert Fri Sep 21 2007
Yes, I Think I Shall
May Or May Not is adorable. This past Monday, they festooned the back room of Schubas with light blue balloons and a variety of fake end-of-high-school awards (Most Outrageous, Cutest Couple, etc.). On stage, they looked like the strange amalgamation of the spunky yet whip-smart cheerleader, the geeky chess team captain, the bookish literary buff and the too-cool-for-school stoner. Everything about them screamed cute.
But by saddling them with the “cute” moniker, I mean not to suggest that this band frequented style over substance. While May Or May Not act has mastered their kaleidoscopic look, all of that would mean absolutely nothing if the songs didn’t deliver. But fortunately, they did. With their influences on full display (Beach Boys, Brian Eno, New Pornographers, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), these young Chicago locals bounced happily through a collection of nostalgia-inflected psychedelic pop jams, backed with just the right amount of guitar fuzz and pounding drums. The music was infectious and delightful, and more than a few tunes reminded me of lazy summer afternoons spent driving around the suburbs in my dad’s turquoise Escort. It’s familiar and time-honored without being tired. In fact, the warm melodies kept me off-guard and pleasantly surprised.
They’re not yet punching a hole through the greater sonic landscape, but May Or May Not employ enough hand claps, crescendos, and sing-a-long choruses to suggest that greener pastures await. For now, join me this Monday, September 24th at Schubas for the conclusion of their month-long residency and the release of their latest album, A Kaleidoscope of Egos. Atlantic Divide plays first, followed by Charlemagne, playing in support of new album, We Can Build an Island. Show starts at 9pm.