Last year, I made the trip to see Menomena at the Empty Bottle in Chicago with a couple of friends. After dropping me off in Milwaukee, I made the remainder of my trip back to Madison solo. Not only did I receive a speeding ticket, but only ten minutes later hit a deer and ended up enduring one of the longest/worst nights of recent recollection.

I can’t hold that against the band though. They were fantastic. On July 27th, Menomena will release their new album Mines via Barsuk Records. The band will be out on the road supporting the new album including a stop at the High Noon Saloon in Madison (Friday, September 24th) and the following night (Saturday, September 25th) at the Metro in Chicago . Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 day of show. On top of that, Suckers are supporting the tour. Sounds like a can’t miss night. I’m in, who wants to drive?

MP3: Menomena – “Five Little Rooms”
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Pre-Order: Menomena – Mines

Last night in Chicago Menomena reminded everyone how great their 2007 Release Friend and Foe was, and how desperate everyone is for its follow up. The Empty Bottle crowd was on hand for what turned out to be a 32nd birthday celebration for Brent Knopf, who, as you can see in the pictures below, blew out the candles, then helped the band through a blistering set of material.

Those hoping to hear some new material got their wish. By my count there were two (possibly three) new tunes, but the majority of the set drew from Friend and Foe, which drew no complaints from me and my crew. Check the photos from Daniel Brielmaier and drop a comment with your thoughts if you made the show.

Those hungry for new Menomena material can get their fix via Brent Knopf’s new Ramona Falls project until a proper studio record comes around.

Buy: Menomena – Friend and Foe
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Myspace: Menomena
MP3: Menomena – “Wet & Rusting”