Soon to be a Mystery No More
By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 4, 2007 3:46PM
Has it really been two years since we were first introduced to The Mystery Jets? It feels like a lot longer. Now, that may be because the young band is particularly adept at kicking out a certain kind of timeless pop, but we’re willing to bet that the main reason is because we’ve been waiting forever for them to hit Chicago so we could finally experience their much buzzed about live show.
A few weeks ago we were literally turning cartwheels in joy (honest, just ask the six-year-old he knocked over whilst wheeling across Humboldt Park) when we heard they were finally playing somewhere in the States besides New York, Austin, or California. Better yet, they were coming to Chicago! We cried tears of joy and reduced the tour itinerary we received in the mail to so much wood pulp.
The group’s debut was released as an import over a year ago, so upon finally landing a deal on this side of the Atlantic, the group decided to rejigger their debut, include a few new tunes, and adjust the U.S. version to more accurately reflect where the band is today. This new version, fittingly titled Zootime, is out early next month.
And where exactly is the band today? Well, they’re firmly straddling the terrain previously tilled by Syd Barret’s Pink Floyd, and Morrissey and Marr’s The Smiths, only The Mystery Jets attack their songs with a particularly unique and modern youthful abandon. The structures are familiar, but there’s a wanton joi d'vivre that tumbles through the kaleidoscope drums and the shimmering strings to reveal a band still discovering their not inestimable talents.
The band is coming through in June, and the album doesn’t come out until May, so why are we telling you about this now? Well, because their June 5 show at Schuba’s is going to sell out. And it’s going to be packed. And we predict it’s going to be one of those legendary performances that will not only kick off the summer with a magnesium flash, but may well overshadow most other concerts of the year. We are that confident that this band will blow you away. So get your tickets while you can.
Seriously.