Portland – It isn’t hard to see why The Bots are already critically acclaimed after seeing one of their shows; just be prepared to be a fan from then on. The LA-based band is made up of brothers Mikaiah Lei and Anaiah Lei, who recorded their first album when they were 15 and 12. They released their first EP when they signed to Fader Label in 2013. The Bots are somewhat of an enigma when it comes to genre. They put a bit of everything into their music. What you end up with is a punk rock garage band experimenting with soul—and it is everything you hope it would be.
The Bots are somewhat of an indie darling. They’ve played two Warped tours, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Sasquatch. They’ve supported both the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bad Brains. Undoubtedly the unique quality of their music is what has audiences and other artists clamoring to work with them. Their Sunday show at Doug Fir brought them to the venue for the first time, but hopefully not the last.
It was apparent from the first moment the duo walked on stage that they have style. Mikaiah’s wide brimmed black hat and lace button-up was an outfit only he could pull off, and when he began to play, the maniacal aspect of his movements hinted that the show wouldn’t be for the mellow types. Anaiah, on the other hand, was a bit subtler in his mannerisms, but not in technical skill. It was clear to the audience that the band must be brothers by the sheer magnitude that they were in sync with each other.
An eeriness accompanied most of the band’s songs. Mikaiah introduced “Wet Blanket,” off 2014’s Pink Palms, saying: “This next song is about being lonely.” And about being lonely it is, but seemingly by their own doing when the chorus came in: “Get lost, no one wants to see you around.” There’s something about The Bots that is almost unsettling, like their music is something better left un-confronted, but confront it you must.
The band’s lyrics focus on honesty surrounding the human condition. “Side Effects” begins with the proclamation, “Feeling funny but ok.” The Bots cater to these basic human feelings in the most in-your-face way, but playfully enough that you forget it might make you sad.
The best part of The Bots show was that it was surprising. While “Ubiquitous” opened with a Daft Punk-esque beat, it quickly reverted back to the Garage Punk that the audience has quickly grown to love. By the time the song ended, the crowd is what can only be described as dumbfounded by the duo’s skill; they’ve learned never to expect the same thing twice.
By the time the show came to a close, there was no doubt that The Bots are talented. Mikaiah’s stage presence alone is enough to make audiences stick around, but the music is what will keep them in for the long haul. The Bots proved something we may have already known, but don’t talk about enough: weird is always cool.
The Bots are finishing a tour this week. Check out their Facebook to see if they will be playing a venue near you.
Dakota Smith
Follow her on twitter in case she says something funny: @LikeTheStates
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