words by Eric Nyffeler | photo by Chevy Anderson
"Kevin's Cancer," the second live WHY? video featured on Hear Nebraska, is weighed with a sense of confusion and doubt, not unlike the vibe of "Strawberries," featured earlier this week.
"Kevin's Cancer" spins like a slightly seasick Beach Boys, with a lazy beat sauntering slowly under a pair of harmonized female voices. It's pretty but never relaxing. The cancer afflicting the titular Kevin seems to have Yoni Wolf questioning life and death, considering "vague, indefinite afterlife scenarios," before finally admitting, "I know with no uncertainty / That I'm uncertain and I don't know."
The second verse finds Wolf abandoning the religion impressed upon him by his mother. "And so I go without a care / Head bare and somehow I'm still here / Lay your mother's dread in her grave / Savor the gift and behave its midst," Wolf ponders (with his trademark internal rhyme schemes). Following one final uncertain chorus, Wolf remarks to the crowd, "Fuck yeah. That was great."
WHY? might not have the answers to life, but at least they found a way to enjoy the search. Mumps, Etc. will be released October 2 via Anticon in the U.S. and City Slang in Europe.
Performed at the Waiting Room in Omaha, Nebraska
Shot by Michael Todd, Bridget McQuillan & Chevy Anderson
Edited by Chevy Anderson
Eric Nyffeler is a Hear Nebraska contributor. Bringing up WHY? is the only way to get him to freely talk to new people. Reach him at eric@doe-eyed.com.