Matmos @ Bang On A Can Marathon

Maybe marathon isn't the word.

More like an 8-hour experimental music romp.

Most bands on the bill I had never heard of before but I was aiming to be at the 'marathon' by 4pm to catch Matmos, otherwise known as, Bjork's backing bleepers and blippers. Based on Thom Yorke's Eraser, I bet he loves these guys.

San Francisco's best graced the stage with So Percussion (who were THRILLED to be playing with the band) for 2 numbers totalling almost a half hour in lenghth. The first track was a So Percussion song and the second number was "Rag for William S. Burroughs" off of the latest from Matmos. Antony was feelin' it. Yes, that Antony, minus the Johnsons. I woulda stolen a photo of him but he looked so content in his orange/yellow/black sweater and Boston Redsox cap (I KID YOU NOT!). I didn't have the heart to disturb him.

Being the Bang On A Can gathering, you better believe it, each performer had a different shtick involving, um, banging on a can. Matmos/So Percussion's set included multiple strikes to a Budweiser 12-ouncer. Look closely at the older Matmos guy, second to the left.

It was quite fantastic.

Here's the opening track of their new release, The Rose Has Teeth In The Mouth Of The Beast, "Roses and Teeth for Ludwig Wittgenstein"

Anybody stay for the remainder of the festival to hear Amiina??