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 Collections of Colonies of Bees |
 Celebrated Workingman |
 Dim Suns |
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Story and photos by Matt Schwenke It was a glimmering night for the Milwaukee music scene as three of its own notable acts gathered for a diverse evening at the Cactus Club. The headlining act, Collections of Colonies of Bees, has been steadily gaining momentum following their 2008 release of Birds, playing opening slots with Bon Iver, a recent tour in Japan and a collaborative effort with Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, called The Volcano Choir, due out later this year.Started as an exploratory project between guitarist Chris Rosenau and drummer Jon Mueller in 1998, Collections of Colonies of Bees have taken their complex, "sonic maximalism" of their studio works, grown to their current 6-man lineup on stage and now deliver a magnificent display of incredibly complex patterns of electronic and acoustic instruments with seemingly little effort live. Without lyrics, the Bees' complex patterns and dynamics are the constant focus, but they are also articulate enough to keep the listener's attention and inspire a story line without voice. Supporting acts Dim Suns, which features members of 90's Milwaukee rock staples Compound Red and electronic dabblers Signal Drift, brought a loose, unrehearsed vibe to the evening, all the while reminding audience members they've been around the musical block. There were some rusty moments early in the set, but as the group settled in for their first show, the quartet's straightforward rock approach rapidly grew in appeal. The Celebrated Workingman started the evening off with a delightfully caffeinated display of snarly rock meets pleasant pop with cuts from the 2008 release Herald the Dickens. Frontman Mark Waldoch's dynamic lyrics are delivered with an equally dynamic voice and in spectacular display, and braced by the rock your socks off guitar of Nathan McNichols and lap steel of Chris Vos, The Celebrated Workingman's rock is honestly raw and uniquely passionate. |
 Collections of Colonies of Bees |
 Celebrated Workingman |
 Collections of Colonies of Bees |
 Celebrated Workingman |
 Collections of Colonies of Bees |
 Dim Suns |
 Celebrated Workingman |
 Collections of Colonies of Bees |
 Celebrated Workingman |
 Dim Suns |
 Collections of Colonies of Bees |
 Celebrated Workingman |
 Collections of Colonies of Bees |