Minneapolis electronic pop band I, Colossus pays their first visit to St. Louis tonight (Wednesday) night at the Bluebird. It’s an all ages show which probably makes vocalist Matt Sandstedt smile.

Sandstedt had trouble getting past bar doormen for years even though he could always pull out the ‘I’m with the band’ line and not be lying.

The problem? He was 14.

He’s of age now, however his alarmingly high-pitched voice sounds like it’s still a few years behind. Sandstedt takes it to the limit, oddly bending his voice to the squawks of the electronic music. The songs on their just released debut album are in the Radiohead camp. On “It’s Not Funny,” a minute-long dreamy intro abruptly shifts into upbeat Beach Boys harmonies.

It’s fragile cargo and Sandstedt handles it with delicacy on vocals. Though at times it’s a little too much Michael Jackson for me and not enough Thom York.

I caught up with Sandstedt by phone before the band embarked on their release tour.

**

RC: How did you end up in a touring band at 14?

MS: Before Aneuretical, I was playing with a pop punk band. It was not serious, just me and few kids playing loudly. I met Ian (Anderson) and he asked me to join and I said sure. They were the big fish in the pond. In hindsight, it’s kind of silly that I looked so highly on what was a little high school band. But I was honored and we had a long run of post punk, angsty music.

RC: How did you get into clubs?

MS: A couple things about age; In some ways it was helpful to be younger. People say, “Look what they’re doing for their age!” But it can also be frustrating because there’s always the “for their age” attached to it. Booking at bars was also difficult when you’re not of age. Our friends wouldn’t be able to go to the shows. At some places, we’d be the first band to play and they’d kick us out right away because we weren’t 21. The Triple Rock (Social Club, Minneapolis) was great though, they never treated us like kids.

What’s your approach to using electronics and computers in music?

I come from a classical music background and like the human element a lot. I try to balance the electronic sound with the humanness of making music. It’s a struggle to balance it, but I enjoy the challenge of trying to make it work out.

Your influences of late?

The drum machine work comes a lot from hip hop. Minneapolis has pretty nice hip hop scene right now and I like to go to shows and buy records. Also, the Notwist (Germany) is a band I’ve been listening to lately.

http://www.myspace.com/notwist

**

I, Colossus (Minneapolis, MN), Target Market, Berlin Whale

Bluebird, 2706 Olive Street

Wednesday, January 16, 8:30 pm

$7 21+ / $9 minors, All ages

http://www.myspace.com/icolossusmusic