courtesy of Art Brut

I don’t trust my mom’s taste in movies. She has great taste in general, but if a film isn’t a romantic comedy with a happy ending, it automatically gets two thumbs down from Ronnie. Her explanation (and I’m paraphrasing here): Entertainment should make you smile. For someone who likes to think of herself as a Professional Art Critic, I have a hard time getting behind that argument. But I have to admit that there are certain bands whose live shows have a proven track record of putting a smile on my face, and for that, I will always be loyal. One of those bands: Art Brut. The UK outfit’s performances are consistently dripping with irony, purposefully affected dance moves and silly talked-more-than-sung rhymes (see: “Move to L.A.”—a song in which the lyric “I’m drinking Hennessey with Morrissey” is routinely changed up to include a rotating list of beverages and rhyming celeb name counterparts. Oh, it’s funny alright. Though it could be a “you have to be there” kind of a joke). Frontman Eddie Argos has the comic timing and mannerisms of actor Steve Coogan and despite the fact the first time I saw the band perform was in a small, half-empty tent at Coachella during Tool’s headlining set, I’m happy to report that the band’s live hijinks translate just as well in larger venues. In town to promote their latest album, It’s A Bit Complicated, Art Brut will open for the Hold Steady on Nov. 6 at the Mezzanine. livenation.com