Well, we can't say it's a surprise—Ezra's arching piece last year, "Damaged Goods", definitively explored the dysfunction of Menonona's three core members. The news of Knopf's depature was announced today on the band's website:
After 10 years of fruitful colÂlabÂoÂration, Brent Knopf has decided to part ways with Menomena to focus on Ramona Falls and other creative pursuits. We want to thank Brent for his vast contributions over the years and wish him nothing but hapÂpiÂness in all of his future endeavors. All three of us look forÂward to seeÂing you soon!
Paul Acott will replace Knopf for the band's upcoming March tour. No word yet if Knopf's songs will be retired, but as his falsetto is leagues apart from the other members, it'd be a strong bet.
Seems like the thing to do, going forward, would be to kill the band. Each of the three—now two—original contributors have strong musical identities that might be better served after becoming unbridled from a band that, while once great in their combined idiosyncrasies, became more like three horses pulling in violently different direction.