Mudvayne

Few bands get as little credit for compositional complexity as Mudvayne -- perhaps because the band once sported cosmic cosmetics and embraced nü-metal's stylistic tics. But singer Chad Grey's improving range catalyzes the group's evolution on its recent release, Lost and Found. On the single "Happy," Grey's pensive tone recalls Maynard James Keenan -- which gives weight to his fans' optimistic "poor man's Tool" tag. Still, it's clear that Mudvayne appreciates the artistry involved in crafting a coherent album. The quartet uses riff progressions to create segues like a beat-blending DJ and turns a fake fade into an eerie industrial closing coda. But while it might seem silly to have Munchkin voices chant "eeny, meeny, miney, moe" during an otherwise austere song about false freedom, it's difficult to fault Mudvayne for erring on the side of ambition.

Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $27.50; call 314-726-6161 for more information.