Bear Colony

Vince Griffin penned most of Bear Colony's debut album, We Came Here to Die, in a hospital under the notion that he did go there to die. Misdiagnosed with Crohn's disease, Griffin spent what he thought were his last days writing tunes. After recovering, he formed a band, borrowing members from groups such as Lovedrug and Unwed Sailor. Many of the songs, including "Hospital Rooms Aren't for Lovers," "I'm Not Brave" and "Hymnal: A Declaration of Loss," muse on his bedridden state. These and other tunes will make fans of dancey, electronica-infused rock ˆ la Unwed Sailor, The Postal Service and Minus the Bear glad that Griffin proved his album's title wrong. (But keep in mind any compliment in the form of "Hey, I'm glad you didn't die" is tacky.) Look Mexico starts things off at 8 p.m. The Mink/Backroom, 3718 Main. For information, call 713-522-9985 or visit www.themink.org.
Sat., Feb. 16, 8 p.m., 2008