MENEW: Of The Future (Canada)

Menew comes to us from Toronto, Canada where they began their study of music. Pronounced Men-u, they have shared the stage with U2 on their Vertigo Tour, worked with Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi), and Scott Mathews (Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton), as well as shooting a video with Hans Uhlig (George Lucas' cinematographer) while still in their twenties.

Menew is: Shade: Vocals/Guitar, Key: Piano/Synth and Nathan Samuel Philip: Percussion and backing vocals. They released their latest CD Of The Future on the RedCore Label while kicking off the NxNE Music Fest in Toronto. The NARAS Committee placed Of The Future on the short list for 4 Grammy awards including: Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Performance by a Duo or a Group and Best Video for their single, This Isn't Real.

The title track, The Future, begins with an eclectic mix of driving percussion and mean guitar riffs that transcend into perfection with the additon of vocals. The harmonizing is pristine. Shade's guitar and Nathan's drums meld, only to rise then fall with Key stepping in with subtle piano. This tune is a hit, this is the one that will have people grabbing this CD, seeing them in concert and on the radio. It is simply . . . what music is bleeding for.

The first single, This Isn't Real, manages to take that perfect mix of pop and rock and make it their own. This tune is reminiscent of the early days of MTV where music was raw and unfiltered. Upbeat, pure and thunderous, Menew thrives on reviving an endless sound, one that the industry is in desperate need of. Check out their YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/menewmusic. Video is top notch and absolute.

Heaven Knows, enters with a military drum roll continuing throughout. Keys march in much like an organ or harpsichord. Vocals join the two in this requiem of sorts. Heaven Knows is a testament to something lost, left behind, a look to the past. The funeral march technique applied is sufficient for the content of the tune. It sets you up for melancholy yet is far from sad. A harmonica cries during the end. The diversity of Menew is outstanding.

The Official 2009 Of The Future Tour is under way with an appearance on David Letterman. Check the website for more information: http://www.menew.com and myspace: http://www.myspace.com/menewmusic. I am in awe of these guys and their music. I have not stopped listening since they sent me the CD. This is what music is meant to be, contrary to the title of the first single. Menew IS . . . 100% Real.

This IS . . . Of The Future.

© Susan Marie 2009
New York USA
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com