Minus the Bear is a Seattle-based rock band with a distinct sound and amazing musicianship and Menos el Oso is an album that should be in your collection.
Minus the Bear’s sound is anchored by lead guitarist David Knudson, who has one of the most unique playing styles in modern music. Knudson taps on most of his riffs, which gives them an open, sprawling feel that almost doesn’t sound like a guitar at all.
Drummer Erin Tate always seems to have time for a quick little drum fill, and Matt Bayles, the group’s electronic noise man, fills any open space. Vocalist/guitarist Jake Snider and bassist Cory Murchy are more straightforward in their approaches, which keeps the band’s sound grounded.
Minus the Bear never seems to take a sonic pause; every second is filled with intricate sounds. Their Seattle roots are clear in their music’s mood, making Minus the Bear the perfect music to listen to on a rainy day.
On the group’s second album Menos el Oso, Minus the Bear further explores and expands the possibilities of its music.
Members experiment with more unusual and pulsing sounds. The album could be described as the music that a bitter, love-struck supercomputer would make. It is intelligent and scathing music, with the seemingly steadfast intent of constantly driving forward.
Tracks such as “The Game Needed Me” express a disenchantment without seeming whiny, as does so much of current music. Many of the tracks deal with protecting a loved one from some sort of evil. The new album defiantly has a more concrete focus then previous works.
These characteristics stands in contrast to other Minus the Bear releases, such as those on the band’s only other and best LP, Highly Refined Pirates. Menos el Oso lacks some of the pep and daydream-like aspects of the first album. This is mainly due to the more lull vocals by Snider, a more rigid electronics sound and more subdued guitar riffs by Knudson.
The two LPs almost have a yin-and-yang aspect to one another – one upbeat and sprawling, the other mellow and tight.
Minus the Bear is one of the finest bands in music these days. Menos el Oso, while not the band’s best album, is still one of the top albums released this year. It offers a package that spans the sonic spectrum, which few bands are talented enough to even attempt.
If you’re looking for a smart change from the current music landscape, look no further.
Review Score: 8.4
*Edited from article I wrote, originally published in Nov. 4, 2005 issue of The Billings Gazette*
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