Laura Hepburn from Thecurrentonline.com picks up on the peanutty goodness that is the Ima Robot live act:

Changing Tunes: St. Louis music fans embrace Ima Robot
By Laura Hepburn
Published: Monday, March 8, 2004

Media Credit: Photo Courtesy Wagenaar Records
"Ima Robot was able to bridge the gap between 1970s glam rock, ´80s pop and the modern sounds of Blur. The CD was such a strange mix; it begs to be listened to repeatedly."


As I stood in line outside of Mississippi Nights on March 2, I looked around at the fans who had gathered. Though we were all attending a concert featuring three bands, I was surrounded by a sea of black t-shirts supporting the second opening band, Kill Hannah. I reflected on the interview I had just had with Alex Ebert, the lead singer of Ima Robot.
"Being the first of three bands, it's a little hard to perform in tepid conditions," he said. I began to worry if this night would be a rerun of luke-warm reception.
I first became interested in Ima Robot upon hearing their debut album, self-titled and unique. Somehow, Ima Robot was able to bridge the gap between 1970s glam rock, '80s pop and the modern sounds of Blur. The CD was such a strange mix; it begs to be listened to repeatedly. Though I had discerned some of the influences from listening carefully, I was not prepared for Ebert to explain one of the main reasons he got involved with music: "I always liked rap when I was little."
It impressed me that one style of music could inspire someone to go out and form his very own style, rather than simply to imitate. Nothing about this band could be simple.
"I'll infuse anything as long as it excites me," Ebert said while explaining his limits, or lack thereof. "We're not comfortable playing it safe." This was evident to some degree already by the diversity of Ima Robot's album. However, no amount of listening to their CD could prepare one for experiencing this band in concert.
As Ima Robot entered the stage and began to play, polite Kill Hannah fans clapped a little and turned toward the band. Through the first two songs, the audience watched and apparently enjoyed it. The third song, "Alive," began to draw people in with its catchy melody and unique styling. "What Are We Made From" really turned the fans from passive bystanders to excited music fans. This song catapulted the audience into the next level of music appreciation.
It helped that Ima Robot were some of the best live performers I have ever seen. Ebert had amazing presence as he danced wildly around the stage. At one point, he grabbed a pair of sunglasses and strutted around stage in true rock-star form. In fact, unlike many performers, Ebert performed the entire show with the microphone in hand (rather than in a stand) so that he could be rambunctious and crazy. The audience was crazed at this point - everyone was dancing and excited and cheering loudly between songs. Obviously feeling pleased and surprised by this turn of events, Ima Robot gave it their all with the guitarists and bassist rocking out.
Both bassist (Justin Meldal-Johnsen) and drummer (Joey Waronker) have experienced the true rock-star life by playing with such bands as Beck, Air, Tori Amos, REM and The Smashing Pumpkins. Having had the opportunity to continue a successful music career with posh touring buses and four-star hotels, they turned it down for true self-expression. Ima Robot appealed to their musical aspirations and it was all over. I believe this to be one of the most noble and courageous things I have seen from musicians. It all just adds to the incredibly unique band that is Ima Robot.
At the end of their set, Ima Robot expressed their genuine gratitude at having such an appreciative audience. I was touched that the band had heartfelt things to say rather than just walk off the stage. I was equally proud that a St. Louis audience had finally given this band the kind of attention and applause they deserved.
As I left at the end of the night, I looked around me at the other show-goers. I noticed a pattern that put a huge smile of agreement and satisfaction on my face. All around me were fans in Kill Hannah t-shirts carrying their very own copies of Ima Robot's CD. Not only do I encourage everyone to pick up this album, but also I desperately hope that St. Louis made a big enough impression on Ima Robot that they will return. This was a concert to remember and an experience to pursue if ever you have a chance.