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Life & Arts

'Business' can only get better when live

By Dusti Rhodes
The Daily Cougar

An intriguing album sound is usually a guarantee for an interesting live show. A fan wonders if a band can "pull off" the sound they are making on the album in a setting far from the luxury and comfort of a studio.

Saddle Creek's latest band Beep Beep released Business Casual in August 2004 -- an album that is sure to spark curiosity when it comes to a live setting. The group does not adhere to that of their Saddle Creek counterparts like Cursive, Rilo Kiley and Bright Eyes, but instead seem to derive much of their inspiration from 80s underground in ways that bands like Elefant only wish they could. Fans of XTC, Gang of Four and Wire will want to head to Fat Cat's, 4216 Washington Ave., on Saturday.

The boys from Omaha have a gift for writing abrasive, beat driven tunes infused with piercing guitar riffs and for vocals that range from swooning to fitful rages of screaming. All this combines for songs that are taxing on the mind but also so incredibly danceable that your feet will work out what your head can't figure out.

Guitarist Eric Bemburger and vocalist Chris Hughes have been working together long before they formed Beep Beep in 2001, and their tightness is most likely a huge contributing factor in the groups dynamic-yet-succinct sound. Along with drummer Mike Sweeney's talent for catchy drum beats and Joel Peterson following along with bass, the group offers an earful that might have them headed for bigger venues after this Houston stop on the group's first headlining tour through Texas.

Beep Beep is joined by Ex Models and Animals of the Bible. The doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8. 
 

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