Mico is the next generation of bands with a political edge, sharing its views with modesty and respect while serving up a fresh indie rock sound. Lead singer John Stewart kicks aside the soapbox by infusing politics into his music with smart, subtle lyrics that avoid preaching and ranting.
"It's not our place to ram ideas down people's throats or say 'You're wrong and what we believe in is right,'" said bassist Patrick May. "The lyrics speak for themselves."
With melodious rock and complex lyrics, Mico transcends the stereotype of political bands as fist-pumping anarchists. The band uses its music as a form of protest, speaking out about corporate corruption of government, environmental issues and human and animal rights. Mico, a strong opponent of the war in Iraq, attacks President Bush but avoids anti-Americanism.
"The Bush administration is absurd," Stewart said. "It's unprecedented how it has negated to acknowledge the voice of the people."
The band supports its politics by playing benefit shows to promote activism whenever possible.
The quartet from Alberta, Canada, follows in the footsteps of bands like Propagandhi, as the newest members of the Canadian political music scene fueled by its record label, G7 Welcoming Committee Records. Mico began as a trio in 1998, forming from the remnants of the Winnipeg band Red Fischer. The band then added and lost members, evolving finally to its current formation as a quartet.
Critics have been unable to clearly categorize Mico's innovative musical style. Although influenced by bands like Depeche Mode, The Smiths and Swervedriver, Mico said its sound is most comparable to Sunny Day Real Estate.
"Outside the Unbearable Grows" is a momentous follow-up to Mico's debut release, "Standing Inside a Shadow." The songs on this sophomore release range from energetic and upbeat to pensive and powerful. Mico uses three guitars and vocal harmonies on this album to create a rich, full sound. Stewart's lyrics on "Outside the Unbearable Grows" have a personal and humble tone, revealing a vulnerability to which listeners can relate. He said he hopes his lyrics will raise awareness within individuals and cause them to question their surroundings.
"I'm sure that most people who listen to our music or who are reading [the] lyrics and getting what I'm talking about already are politically-minded or activist-minded," Stewart said. "But for some 14-year-old kid who watches CNN all the time, maybe he'll read the lyrics to our music or read the lyrics to another band's music and say, 'You know what? I am going to start to question what I'm being fed through the media because this isn't right.'"
Mico delivered an intense, dynamic performance at the Black Cat Friday night, part of its first American tour with fellow Canadians The Weakerthans. Playing a 30-minute set featuring only songs from its latest album, Mico opted to rock and left little time for political commentary. Stewart did encourage the audience to participate in the anti-war protests held on the National Mall Saturday.
To learn more about Mico visit www.g7welcomingcommittee.com/bands/mico.
