The suffering through Murder by Death was paid off when Minus the Bear hit the stage. The Seattle quintet did an even better job that I expected. I was recently turned on to their "Highly Refined Pirates" (Suicide Squeeze 2002) LP and was please to hear the songs are even better live. Their energy lit up the stage as bassist Cory Murchy and guitarist Dave Knudson ran and flailed all over the stage while front man Jake Snider was fairly calm and collected. They also played my two favorite songs "Get Me Naked 2: Electric Bugaloo" and "Thanks For the Killer Game of Crisco® Twister". Being a four band bill their set was too short but great. I look forward to seeing these guys again.

After my spirits were lifted by Minus the Bear, Braid came on. Last touring in 1999, these Champagne Urbana legends still have it. Singers Bob Nanna and Chris Broach rocked hard while Bassist Todd Bell and Drummer Damon Atkinson kept a low profile. Playing a much longer set than the other bands and a two song encore was much more fulfilling. Unfortunately this will be the last time I can see Braid but Bob, Damon, and Todd are still playing as Hey, Mercedes. It is nice to see a reunion tour where the band sounds as good as they did in their hay day. The tour ends soon, but if you get a chance it is highly recommended.

Byron Schaller reviews Midwestern concerts and writes commentary on pop culture and the media. More of his work can be found at his site In The Congo.