Music For Scientists

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 21, 2009 7:15PM

It's not every band that includes science demonstrations by a U of C physicist during their release party, let alone two. But Mira Mira will do just that this Saturday, April 25 (which incidentally comes on the heels of National DNA Day). Their new album combines references to Isaac Asimov, The Time-Traveler's Wife, and the first radio broadcast with the most delicate, lushly arranged chamber pop this side of The Innocence Mission. But you don't need to focus on the wry, geeky lyrics to enjoy the group's tasty sonics. Drifting melodies carried along by piano and subtle electronics occasionally shift into darker tones, complete with shimmering guitars. It's wistful and introspective without feeling sleepy.

In lieu of praise from other musicians, their press release features blurbs by philosophy professors ("I never heard before this kind of highbrow independent pop music, and I must say I find it quite pleasant." --Paolo Radaelli, Professor of Experimental Philosophy, Oxford University) and Sidney Nagel, Director of the University of Chicago Materials Research Center (who raves "I loved it. The music is subtle and harmonious; it calmed me and cleared my mind.") You can listen to the entire album for free before the show, which is Saturday night at 8 p.m., in Logan Square at Elastic Arts. If you go, we might suggest grabbing a bite to eat beforehand at Friendship Chinese Restaurant downstairs. The Spicy Garlic Peanut Chicken will activate your taste buds in the same way that Music for Scientists activates your brain.

Saturday, April 25 at Elastic Arts Foundation, 2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd Floor, 8 p.m.