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A+ for Minus the Bear
Review of their recent Webster Hall show
Photo: Minus the Bear, via Flickr
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It was in 2001 when Minus the Bear emerged into the music industry’s indie circuit. The Seattle-based progressive band consisting of vocalist Jake Snider, guitarist David Knudson, bassist Cory Murchy, keyboardist Matt Bayles and drummer Erin Tate released their debut record, This is What I Know About Being Gigantic for Suicide Squeeze Records in 2001.
Just four years later, the band hit #41 on the Top Alternative Albums list with the full-length and self-produced Menos el Oso, which leaned toward power pop and featured their most popular song, Pachuca Sunrise. In January of 2006, Bayles announced his decision to leave Minus the Bear to focus on producing. Eventually, Alex Rose replaced Bayles as keyboardist, and he was already familiar with the band having worked as a sound engineer for Menos el Oso. Minus the Bear’s newest record, Omni, produced under Dangerbird Records recently hit #8 at the Top Alternative chart. Their growing popularity is great, but acquiring more fans means a big tour is necessary.
On a recent hot and humid Thursday evening, Minus the Bear brought their catchy jams to NYC. Aficionados of the group crowded the East Village’s Webster Hall in anticipation of catching the band play live. Doors welcomed excited music junkies at 6 p.m., followed by bands Keepaway and Everest (a band to look out for) to start the night’s festivities.
The real party didn’t start until 9 p.m. when Minus the Bear played the first chord to their song, “Drilling.” It was a great pick to start the evening, with an upbeat pace that showcases each band member’s skills with their instruments. The song also helped set the tone for the night, which was generally laid back and relaxed. The disco ball glistened with green and red lights as fans rocked out to their favorites such as “Ice Monster,” “Throwin’ Shapes” and “Pachuca Sunrise.” When mixed with the trippy lighting, Minus the Bear’s signature keyboard sounds put some people in the audience into a trance. Though the band made their fans very happy by playing familiar songs, they also performed some new ones too, including “My Time,” “Secret Country” and “The Thief.”
Aside from the band’s cool guitar riffs and shrewdly arranged songs, what made the concert extra special was that I attended their show with little knowledge on who they are and what they’re about, and I left thinking, “I’m going on iTunes and downloading their albums tonight.”
Minus the Bear will continue touring until October. To check out their tour dates, please visit their website here.