Or rather mill-e-wah-que, which everybody knows is Algonquin for "the good land".
My car officially traveled over 100,000 miles, according to my dash, on the trip up north from Bloomington. I ended up missing the Roots perform but made it for Anberlin and Margot and the Nuclear So and So's.
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's are a band from Indianapolis whose members are from various places in Indiana and were originally signed to Standard Recording Company in Indy and are now signed to Epic Records in NYC. Last year they released 'Animal!' and 'Not Animal'. 'Animal' being the record the band wanted to release and 'Not Animal' being the one Epic Records wanted them to release. Don't you just admire bands when they get in disputes with their label?
The seven members that were on stage Sunday all added equally to their pure, nostalgic sound. Each musician plays a crucial role in what seems like merely noise, really is a beautifully orchestrated sound. For me, what really put the icing on the cake is Emily Watkins vocals laced through lead singer's Richard Edwards piercing voice. But don't take my word for it, have a listen yourself.
As Tall As Cliffs: LIVE at Summerfest
Concert Clips: LIVE at Summerfest
Last time I saw Anberlin I was at the House of Blues in Chicago. The band was not even headlining. They have grown in popularity immensely, and since their latest album 'New Surrender', I have come to have much respect for the band musically, despite some possible Christian undertones they might carry in their music.
Their headlining gig last Saturday night was going smoothly until Stephen Christian gave some political two cents on the war, stating, "Whether or not you support the war, always support the troops, always," which is such a bull-shit cliche thing to say. First off, I am in full support of those who use their music platform to voice their political opinion- in the end, music is about expression. However, you cannot "support the troops" if you don't "support the war". It's like saying I don't support police brutality, but I support the cops who are doing it (not that I am comparing the Iraq war to police brutality or anything). It's not like we have a draft, these people enlisted. So artists should not think they are dwelling in some neutral zone by making such an invalid statement.
Regardless, political viewpoints in music are always risky to partake in, but have always been present. I always figured if someone hates what you have to say or is offended, then you must be doing something right.
-Words and photos by Alex Benson
If you like Margot & The Nuclear So and So's, catch them in Bloomington on September 5th at the Buskirk-Chumley. Facebook'd.
