This review of the 2/21/04 Agora show in C-Town comes courtesy troublebunchmusic.com:

WHO: IMA ROBOT

WHEN: February 21, 2004

WHERE: Agora - Cleveland, OH



"Here's a story for the kids..."

A few months ago, I was searching for music by hot like (a) robot, and I got confused and accidentally bought Ima Robot's CD. That, however, turned out to be a good mistake because I found a band unlike any other. Ima Robot is currently on tour with Kill Hannah and The Sounds.

The number of people at The Agora who knew about Ima Robot was slightly disappointing. However, that did not discourage this group of energetic and talented guys, who made the most of the show and had fun while putting on an incredible show. After the show, they admitted that they were "just doin' their thing" on stage since they thought that no one knew their music.

Initially, it seemed as though they were discouraged by the lack of enthusiasm and fans at the Agora, which was reflected in their stage presence. After a few songs, they livened up and finished their set with a bang. By the end of the show, the crowd expressed more interest in the band. I think a lot of that interest could be attributed to singer Alex Ebert's random and crazy dance moves and the strange un-human noises that he made. Alex has a look and moves that could put a smile on anyone's face. In fact, by the end of their 30 minute set, the crowd was all smiles.

Their set included most of the songs from their self-titled debut CD, except for my personal favorite 'A is for Action,' which according to Alex, was played at every other show. They played (in no particular order): 'Dynomite,' 'Song, No. 1,' 'Alive,' 'Scream,' 'Dirty Life,' 'Philosophofee,' '12=3,' 'Here Come the Bombs,' 'Black Jettas' (the hidden track), as well as what sounded like a mixture of a new song and random improv.

Everyone should go out and make the same "mistake" that I made and buy the Ima Robot CD.

"Now we're award-winning! Get this one-time offer. Buy our album please! We got five stars. It will change your life and make traffic bearable. For only $15.99. Get it 'cause you're running out of time!" -Midget Leprechaun