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Clearmotive's Farewell Show

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Clearmotive performs "Darfurious"

As famed game show host Peter Tomarken could tell you, sometimes you have to stop at a “Whammy!” When I heard about the imminent and untimely demise of local post-hardcore heros Clearmotive, it was as if a red gremlin had popped up before me and taken my money. For six years, the WNY-based outfit has mined a post-hardcore territory, balancing a sinewy, ferocious, dual-guitar attack and intense vocals from band founder Nicholas Mendola. Clearmotive released several EPs and albums, including 2003’s Is There a Market for This?, while fervently touring the East Coast. The band’s amicable breakup precedes a plethora of new projects from Clearmotive members. Mendola, guitarist Nick Tardiff and drummer Rob Ruffino are tackling weird acoustic/singer-songwriter fare with Heaven and Hell Cotillion, while guitarist Chase Middaugh will carry on with his experimental heavy guitar project, Novelist. For their final bow, Clearmotive have assembled a stellar lineup of friends, cohorts and bands they love, including Johnny Nobody, the Old Sweethearts, Minuet, Bison Bison and …By Exposure.

7pm. Mohawk Place, 47 E. Mohawk St. (855-3931).$5.