Concert Review: Me Talk Pretty One Night

by Toby Click

One Saturday evening last month, I went to the Gothic Theatre to see a lineup of punk bands performing as part of the "Wake Up!" Tour. With a small but enthusiastic crowd, these up-and-coming performers put on an energetic show.

The first band, the Texas-based Avion Roe, took the stage around 7 pm. They first formed about a year ago, and during the summer they played a few dates on the Vans Warped Tour (as have all the featured bands). Singer Evan Lester screamed through their set, while bassist Sean Humphrey climbed atop a speaker and took a dive to the stage.

Avion Roe

Next on tap: Madina Lake. Hailing from Chicago, their music is infused with a storyline about a fictional 1950s town, and a mysterious disappearance. Clues to the mystery can supposedly be found in their lyrics, in album artwork, and on their website.

Madina Lake

Finally, Me Talk Pretty came on. According to singer Uliana Preotu, the band takes its name from the David Sedaris book Me Talk Pretty One Day. Her favorite song, "Wake Up", is dedicated to her deceased mother. For this song, they have a special piano decorated with colorful handprints—one for every tour date, each made by a lucky fan.

Me Talk Pretty

I tell ya, you've gotta love these types of shows—bands who set up and break down their own equipment between acts, the ones you find later at the front door hawking their own merchandise. It makes me smile, seeing young, hardworking folks who—if they keep at it—just might find themselves huge someday. Good luck and best wishes to all of 'em!