Webster's Dictionary defines the term 'Supergroup' as “A rock group made up of prominent former members of other rock groups; also an extremely successful rock group.”
That would describe three of Mister Heavenly’s four members – Honus Honus of Man Man on keys and vocals, Nicholas Thorburn of Unicorns and Islands on vocals and guitar and Modest Mouse's Joe Plummer on drums.
But what about the other half of the rhythm section? Well he sang a little in Juno and evoked star rains from his bass guitar in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World… Yes, that's right. Actor Michael Cera has picked up a four string and is touring with some of the most talented musicians alive.
© Chinashop Magazine
© Chinashop Magazine
Thanks to Twitter, we got wind of a free pop up performance in a parking lot. It was quite a concept – the bands performed on a ‘solar stage’ and there was a solar-powered carousel for funzies. They even offered free beer and ice cream! This event included everything necessary for a great SXSW day event; good band, free stuff and an environmentally friendly extracurricular activity.
'It’s a solar powered event. Yesterday our show was powered by fear' – Michael Cera
© Chinashop Magazine
© Chinashop Magazine
Despite the strengths of the three full-time musicians, the crowd seemed to be there mostly to see if Michael Cera could really play bass – and play bass he did – well, plus his stage banter was much like the characters he plays on the big screen; adorably awkward.
“We heard a cloud is coming that could end the whole show... it’s a solar powered event. Yesterday our show was powered by fear, which was a lot more difficult for us,” said Cera.
The band has only released two songs, so it's not surprising that they haven’t had time to build up a loyal fan base and that most attendees were skeptical. Thornburns melodic and controlled voice creates a juxtaposition with Honus’ gritty growl, but the group is not yet more than the sum of their parts. A good band, to be sure, but not yet better than Islands, Man Man, Modest Mouse… or Arrested Development.
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