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From the Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2004 issue

UNDERAGE

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Philadelphia, PA, quintet mewithoutYou released their second full-length record back in August. Catch for Us the Foxes, the follow-up to their 2002 debut, [A->B] LIFE, contains mewithoutYou's trademark high energy and excitement, but their approach is slightly more advanced than before.

Aaron Weiss delivers his lyrics like he's making a passionate speech to the audience rather than simply singing them a song. Wavering between pained speaking and pissed-off hollering, his commanding vocals dominate a fluid swarm of moody music. In the opening track, "Torches Together," Weiss says, "Tell all the stones, we're gonna make a building/we'll be cut into shape and set into place" while a repetitive rhythm section builds over a fusion of guitar feedback and echoes. It bursts into a roaring climax and Weiss assertively shouts, "We'll be like torches, we'll be torches together! With whatever respect our tattered dignity demands!"

Their dynamic instrumentation and nontraditional vocal attacks are reminiscent of both Fugazi and Suffering and the Hideous Thieves. And although I haven't witnessed it for myself, I've heard stories of an intense live performance, including details like the band showering the stage with crushed flowers. It sounds like it could be a cheesy approach if not executed well, but here's hoping they pull it off, because I'd hate to see poor stage décor taint the fantastically melancholy sounds they create.

Stranger Personals

Not nearly as morose as mewithoutYou's release, Despistado's latest EP, The Emergency Response (Jade Tree), is a playful and uncomplicated punk rock record. Quick, quirky guitars spastically bounce over lively basslines, and drums randomly convulse in multiple directions. Dagan Harding and Joel Passmore's paroxysmal vocals ricochet off one another, falling somewhere between sheer joy and total discontentment.

MewithoutYou and Despistado play Graceland on Sunday, November 28, with Owen and the Snake the Cross the Crown. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and costs eight bucks. MEGAN SELING

megan@thestranger.com

Need more? You can hear my personal picks for the week on 107.7 The End every Monday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. during DJ No Name's The Morning Alternative.

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