Mel Gibson and the Pants

Like their namesake, Mel Gibson and the Pants are very much a take-it-or-leave-it flavor, and if you travel in certain circles, there is hardly a more polarizing band in Minneapolis. Their odd-yet-intriguing blend of hip hop and drum 'n' bass is the subject of much disagreement and fodder for many an argument, but, truth be told, that's usually a good sign. It means they're on to something—even if it's not totally clear what that something is. Are they too ahead of their time to be fully appreciated? Are they too derivative of Roni Size to be taken seriously? Will they be drunkenly assaulted by Mad Max himself for appropriating his name? None of these issues can be answered here, but seeing them live just once will allow you to choose a side in an argument that is sure to drag on for quite some time.
Thu., Dec. 13, 9 p.m., 2007